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Annotations

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What is an annotation


An annotation is a visual element applied to a PDF document to indicate that an electronic signature or seal has been added to the file. It appears as a graphical "name card" that helps viewers quickly identify who signed or sealed the document.

It is important to note that the annotation itself is not the electronic signature or seal. The actual signature or seal is embedded in the document as data. The annotation serves only as a visual indication that a signing or sealing action has taken place; it does not confirm whether the associated signature data is valid or even still present in the file. The validity of electronic signatures and seals can only be determined using a validation tool.


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A close-up of a signature annotation.

 

 

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Example of a signature annotation placed on the top left corner of a document.
 

 

How to adjust annotation settings

Important:

 

  • Annotations are supported for PDF formats only.
  • An annotation is added during the document signing process. Therefore, please ensure that annotations have been enabled in the document settings beforehand.
  • If a large number of signatures needs to be added to a file, we recommend disabling annotations, as they may obscure the contents of the document.


1. Log in to your Dokobit by Signicat account.


2. Press Upload document.

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3. At the bottom of the page, you'll see several settings. Next to "Annotation position", press the drop-down menu.

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4. Here you can either pick one of the pre-determined annotation positions or choose to disable them entirely.

Note: The chosen annotation settings will apply to all added signers and cannot be readjusted once a document has been shared with others.

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Psst! Business and Enterprise users can apply a default setting to annotations.
See more here: How to adjust default settings in a Business or Enterprise account.

 

How to customize the appearance of annotations


In the Dokobit by Signicat portal, annotations can be visually customized in the following ways:
 

Personal code


When adjusting general annotation settings, Business and Enterprise users can choose whether to display signers' personal codes in signature annotations. For Free and Professional users, personal codes are hidden by default and cannot be added.


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Example of a signature annotation with a personal code.

 

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Example of a signature annotation without a personal code.
 


To set the desired preference, add or remove the checkmark next to "Show personal code in signature's annotation".

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Language


For signature and seal annotations, all users are provided with the option to change the displayed language. The language can be set to any of the following supported options: Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Latvian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Spanish, and Swedish.


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Example of a signature annotation in English.


 

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Example of a signature annotation in Lithuanian.
 



To set the desired preference, go to Settings > General preferences > Language.

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The applied changes will affect not only annotations but also email notifications and mobile alerts.
 

 

Signature reason


Paid plan users can assign a signature reason for specific participants. Adding a reason helps clarify the purpose of the signature, making signed documents easier to review at a glance.


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Example of a signature annotation with an added reason: "Signature (Visa)".

 


Additional information on how to enable this setting can be found here: Signatures with reason.
 

 

Visual (handwritten) signature


All users can customize their personal signature annotations by adding a handwritten signature. This allows you to include a more familiar representation of your signature in signed documents while maintaining the security of electronic signing.


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Example of a signature annotation with a handwritten signature.

 


Additional information on how to enable this setting can be found here: Visual signature.
 

 

 

 

 

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