How to (Java)

Owned by Andy Erd
Last updated: Aug 31, 2023
2 min read

The Signature API combines signature device handling with PDF document capabilities.

The Signature API automates
- signing a document using a signature device and
- displaying a document on a signature device.

How to start

Please start with a call to SignApi.load.
If that throws, the native Signature API library could not be loaded.
This happens if the native Signature API library is not  installed correctly.
In that case, please have a look at installation section or ask us for support.

The prerequisites for signing is a PDF document and an attached signature device.
The Signature API relies on the /wiki/spaces/NETDEVAPI/pages/79528028 devices.

So, set a device and load a PDF document.

Use the functions in the DeviceAPI to change device settings.

Use the functions in SignApi.Pdf to change the loaded PDF document.

Sign a document

PDF documents may have an interactive form (AcroForm).
This form may have various fields of different types.
Signature fields are a special type of form field for signing.

New signature fields may be added to the loaded document.

Find the signature field to be signed and sign it.

In order to choose the position for a new signature field,
knowing the desired page number and the size of that page is essential.

So, get the page dimensions and find a sensible place for the new signature field.

The positions where certain texts occur may help in that regard.

For example, one could search for terms like "Please sign" or "Sign here".
Which terms are advisable depends on the type of contract and the language.

Viewing a document

can be started on supported devices after choosing the page number to start at.
One may further chooset the zoom level.
The default zoom level fits the width of the document page to the width of the device display.