Document formats: FAQ – Support

In this support article, you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding document formats.

What file formats does the Dokobit portal support for signed documents?

In the Dokobit by Signicat portal, documents can either be signed and downloaded as PDFs or in the following container formats: ASiC, ADoc, BDoc, and EDoc.

What is a container format?

In the context of e-signatures, a container format can be considered a type of archive file (such as the ZIP format). These kinds of archives are used to group numerous files together and can contain various document formats.

What is the difference between ASiC, ADoc, BDoc, and EDoc?

ASiC → A standard, internationally recognized container format that must be accepted by all EU institutions which handle electronically signed documents (this rule also applies to the PDF format). The ASiC container has no limits for supported file formats.

ADoc → A national container format widely used in Lithuania. The ADoc container supports the following file formats: PDF, DOCX, XLSX, ODT, ODS, ODP, PPTX, PPSX, TIF, TIFF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, JFIF, ADOC.

BDoc → A national container format widely used in Estonia. For the BDoc container, we currently don't have any information regarding any possible restrictions for the supported file formats.

EDoc → A national container format widely used in Latvia. For the EDoc container, we currently don't have any information regarding any possible restrictions for the supported file formats.

How do I decide if my document should be signed in a PDF or a container format?

There are various aspects to consider before choosing the format of a signed document. Since every situation is different, we have put together a handy list of pros and cons to help you make the right choice. ↓

PDF documents

Pros

Contents of a signed PDF document can be easily accessed and previewed.
Signature annotations can be added to visually indicate that, at some point, a signature was added to the document.
The PDF format is supported by every eID tool or signing method available in the Dokobit portal, making it an internationally friendly option for collecting signatures.

Cons

Documents that are signed in the PDF format are limited to 1 file per upload in the "Free" plan or 25 files per upload in every paid plan.
The uploaded file itself must already be in a PDF format.
PDF format documents can contain a maximum of 40 signatures.

Recommended precautions

Over time, PDFs have evolved to include dynamic features such as interactive forms, annotations, and JavaScript actions. While these features make PDFs versatile, they can also introduce risks when signing documents.

The Dokobit portal detects any JavaScript snippets in PDFs and prevents their execution in the document previewer, ensuring that the original content is displayed for safe signing.

However, if you're previewing documents through third-party software, please ensure your PDF previewer displays the original content correctly. Dynamic elements like JavaScript may execute without your knowledge, potentially causing you to sign content you didn't intend.

As a preventive measure, we recommend using PDF/A, which is an ISO-standard format designed for long-term preservation of document content. PDF/A does not allow dynamic elements such as interactive forms, JavaScript, audio, video, external fonts, or encryption. This ensures that the document content remains consistent across all viewers, regardless of software behavior.

Container documents (ASiC, ADoc, BDoc, EDoc)

Pros

An unlimited number of documents can be uploaded in a single container file as long as they don't exceed the total file size limit (100 MB in the "Free" plan, 500 MB in every paid plan).
Supported file formats include but are not limited to PDF, DOCX, XLSX, ODT, ODS, ODP, PPTX, PPSX, TIF, TIFF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, JFIF, and many others.
Container documents don't have any particular limits for the number of added signatures; however, we don't recommend adding more than 100.

Cons

Accessing the contents of a signed document requires separate software or the use of our validation tool.
Signature annotations are not supported for container formats.
Container documents cannot be signed when using "SignicatID" video-based identification, SMS OTP or eID tools that create authentication-based signatures, that way limiting its use internationally.

Where can I pick the format for my signed document?

Once you have registered a Dokobit account and logged into the portal, you can pick the appropriate format in the first step of the document uploading process before it gets sent out for signing.

When a document has already been signed, is it possible to convert it into a different format?

When a document has already been signed, it cannot be converted into a different format. The required format must be picked during the document uploading process in the Dokobit portal.