Technology
Google Chrome users will soon be able to digitally sign PDFs without leaving the browser
The latest beta version of Google Chrome offers the ability to digitally sign PDF files. This feature could soon make its way to the stable version of the web browser. Allows users to insert their digital signature into a PDF document.
The latest Google Chrome Canary version has a “PDF Ink Signature” feature
Google Chrome includes a robust, reliable and fast PDF document viewer. It allows users to quickly open a PDF document without leaving the browser or opening another application.
The latest stable version of Google Chrome has multiple tools to view PDF files. Users can zoom in on a document, fit it on a page, enable a two-page view, rotate the pages, and access the table of contents. Google Files can also save scanned documents as PDFs, which can be accessed in Chrome.
There’s a new flag in Chrome Canary that “provides the ability to annotate PDFs using a new ink library,” but so far I haven’t noticed any changes in the PDF viewer after enabling it:https://t.co/sX7rxOPMKe pic.twitter.com/jGfpBpi5J1
— Leopeva64 (@Leopeva64) April 19, 2024
For a long time, PDF documents could accept and carry digital signatures. The digital code provided proof of authentication and authorization. Needless to say, until now only a few specialty platforms, such as Adobe’s Acrobat suite, offered this feature
Hidden in the latest Canary version of Google Chrome is the ability to include a digital signature in a PDF document. The Chrome Canary version 126 has an experimental flag that, when enabled, enables the “PDF Ink Signatures” feature.
When will Google Chrome allow users to digitally sign a PDF document?
Googling has not yet activated the PDF Ink Signature Annotations feature in the stable version of the Chrome web browser. However, the presence of the flag in the Canary version of the web browser is a strong indication of the possibility.
The The Chrome Canary flag reportedly confirms the digital signature tool will be available in an upcoming stable version of the Chrome web browser. Even the Chromium documentation seems to suggest this.
Google Chrome works on Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, Fuschia and Lacros. Therefore, Chrome web browsers for these operating systems (OS) can get this feature. However, there is no confirmed timeline for implementation.
New! Access #Adobe Acrobat PDF Tools #Chrome; available tools for viewing, filling, commenting, signing, converting and compressing.https://t.co/bqigfJ3um7 #PDF #Chrome extension pic.twitter.com/N8JLZI7RIt
— MajorGeeks (@majorgeeks) January 31, 2024
Chrome’s rival Microsoft Edge is significantly ahead in modifying PDF documents. Edge currently includes a full suite of annotation tools like Draw, Eraser, Highlighter, etc. Google could jump straight to digital signature support.
To test the features of PDF Ink Signatures, users will need to download Google Chrome Canary. Then type “chrome://flags/#pdf-ink2‘ in the address bar and switch the setting to ‘Enabled’
It is important to note that the Google Chrome Canary version is not intended for everyday use or for the general public. It is an unstable experimental version intended for beta testers.
Therefore, it is wise to wait for an update to the stable version of the web browser before the PDF Ink Signatures feature is enabled by default. Google may develop this feature for the recently introduced Chrome Enterprise Premium.
