Fill PDF forms including image of signature

[hornetster]

Is there any way (presently, and/or maybe in the future…) to fill a PDF form, including inserting images for initials/signature??
Have tried several “solutions”, (pdftk/Libreoffice Draw/Xournal/Atril, etc) but none of them are solutions - they can do some editing, but not all that is required.
Yes, if you have a bit of technical knowledge, can use bits and pieces to get it done, but trying to instruct a non-technical person, is next to impossible.
And I HATE Adobe Reader - Install download is about 700MB - just for the reader!!
The only 100% solution, is to print/fill/scan…

[gogalthorp]

PDF can have different edit permissions many are read only. You must allow editing or editable fields at creation

[hornetster]

Thanks, realise that, but unfortunately even when permissions are given, there is not a 1-off solution for editing with Linux, that I have found…?

[myswtest]

I know, I know, “what PDF tool to use on a Linux machine ??”.

So, this is just my personal opinion for an easier option. I do quite a few business transactions (buying / selling real estate, bank , vehicles, family stuff, etc etc). I prefer to do the official (PDF) form-filling / signatures in an easy and quick manner.

I do it with the Adobe online PDF website. I can upload the PDF, choose “Fill & Sign” tool. Then fill in form fields, checkmarks, and generate a signature by typing, drawing, or uploading a signature image. Once I’m done, I can email/ send the completed PDF or download it.

Not long ago, I sold a property … then bought another. It took me about 10 minutes to complete each transaction online. No hassle, and it’s free.

I’ve also done similar online transactions using my Android smartphone

And yea, over the years I’ve done the research for a reliable and complete PDF tool for Linux. Never found it, so I took the easy path.

[OrsoBruno]

You can check master-pdf-editor if your needs warrant a commercial paid version. A trial version is available.

[dcurtisfra]

@hornetster:

If, you’re using KDE Plasma then, there’s this Tip from Nate Graham –
<https://pointieststick.com/2023/06/13/tips-tricks-handwritten-signatures-in-okular/>

#
   Open the annotations menu by clicking on the downward-pointing arrow next to
    the “Yellow Highlighter” toolbar button.
    Don’t click on the “Yellow Highlighter” text itself;
    click on the arrow next to it:
#
   Now draw a box where you want the signature to be!
#
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
#
   First, you’ll need a piece of paper. Write your handwritten signature on it:
   Next, scan it …
   Open it up in Gwenview. Click the “Show Editing Tools” button in the toolbar
   to show the “Image Operations” sidebar. On this sidebar, click the “Crop”
   button and crop the image so that only the signature part is visible.
#
   Then Click the “Adjust Colors” button:
   Boost the contrast and brightness and reduce the gamma to make the background
   become completely white, and make the text look darker. But don’t make the
   text look completely 100% black; you want to preserve the appearance of real
   pen-strokes.
#
   Now save this image somewhere on your computer using the PNG format
#
   In Okular –
   Go to the “Settings” menu and click “Configure Okular”. Then go to the
   “Annotations” page and click on the “Add” button:
   In the dialog window, give it the name “Insert Signature”, change the type
   to “Stamp”. Click on the little folder button next to the “Stamp Symbol”
   text field and navigate to the signature image (PNG) file you just created:
#
# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
#

---

I regularly use KDE Okular to fill out PDF Forms – both Check-Boxes and Text Fields.

[hornetster]

Works a treat!! Thank you (and Nate!!)
Been looking for something like this for ages, think even the other half will be able to figure it out!

Thanks, John.