Do you know that initials and signatures are different? In this post by SwifDoo PDF, we will explain what an initial is, the difference between an initial and a signature, and how to initial a document. Let's get started.
What Is an Initial
An initial is a shortened handwritten of a person's name. It often just concludes the first letter or a few letters of their first, middle, or last name.
Initials are commonly used to represent a person's full name, especially when a complete signature is too lengthy. This practice is often employed for internal document circulation within a company.
The initial is less formal than an electronic signature. It is a quick way for authorized individuals to accept a document before providing a binding signature.
Note: Only recipients specified by the sender can initial documents.
Difference Between Initial and Signature
Simply speaking, initials are a condensed version of a name, while a signature is a complete handwritten representation of a person's name.
A signature is a unique representation of a person's full name, typically handwritten in a distinctive manner. Signatures are often legally binding to authenticate documents, agreements, or transactions.
Initials, on the other hand, are a shortened form of a name used within a signature.
How to Initial a Document
SwifDoo PDF enables you to initial a document quickly. You can sign PDF documents with handwritten, text, or image initials and signatures.
Step 1: Open the document you want to sign with SwifDoo PDF and click Protect > Signature > Create New Signature;
Step 2: Draw your initial in the dedicated area and click Apply to add it to your document. You can mark the Save Signature checkbox for future use.
You can apply the initial to only needed pages and drag to change its position at any time.
In addition to signing or initialing PDFs, this program also lets you add watermarks and encrypt PDFs, thus further enhancing the security of your documents.
