Choose and inspect a PDF
Choose a PDF up to 20 MB and 100 pages. Inspection runs locally; files with certificate signature indicators are routed to the guide.
A little cleanup. A fresh start.
Remove Signature from PDF
Remove selectable hand-drawn, stamp or text annotations and download an edited PDF copy. This free tool runs in your browser without an upload or an account. If it detects a certificate signature, it disables editing and points you to the digital signature guide.
Remove signature annotations from a PDF
PDF document
Drop your file here
or choose one from your device
PDF · Up to 20 MBIllustrative sample
Free local PDF tool · No account · No upload
Want to keep the signature?Remove its background instead
First, identify how the PDF was signed
Independent Ink, Stamp and FreeText annotations can be selected and removed locally. Content-stream images and flattened ink need a different workflow. Certificate-signed or certified files are detected and routed to guidance, with editing disabled.
Digital signature guideSmall task. Simple steps.
How to remove a signature annotation from a PDF
Select the annotations
Select supported hand-drawn, stamp or text annotations. Page highlights show what you selected; ordinary form fields remain untouched.
Review and download a copy
Preview removal, compare affected pages with the original, then download a new PDF. Local annotation removal is free and needs no account.
Choose your starting point
The right tool for your file.
A few helpful answers
Before you start fresh.
A little clarity on signatures, files and what is available.
Can I remove an electronic signature from a PDF for free?
Yes, if it is stored as a supported, selectable hand-drawn, stamp or text annotation. Inspect a PDF up to 20 MB and 100 pages, select the annotation, and download a new copy. This runs locally without an account.
Why can't I select the signature in my PDF?
The signature may be part of a scanned page, an embedded image or a type of object the tool cannot remove. An empty results list does not show whether the document was signed.
Will removing an annotation change the PDF text or form fields?
The tool saves a separate PDF copy and preserves the page text and ordinary form fields. Review the edited pages before downloading. Use a dedicated redaction tool if you need to permanently remove sensitive information.
Can I clear a certificate-based digital signature here?
The tool checks for certificate signatures and document certification and stops editing when it detects either. Use the digital signature guide for options in Acrobat or request an unsigned copy.