View Signer Details Instantly.
Want to know who really signed a PDF? Upload the document to instantly view the hidden digital signature properties, including the signer's verified identity, timestamps, and Certificate Authority.
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How to Read Signature Properties
Extract and view the embedded details of any digitally signed document.
Upload PDF
Provide the signed PDF document. Our tool processes the file securely in your browser's local memory—no server storage involved.
Parse Metadata
Our system instantly dives into the PDF's cryptographic containers to read the embedded X.509 certificate data and properties.
View Signer Identity
See exactly who signed the file (Common Name), who issued their digital ID (Issuer), and the precise date/time the signature was applied.
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What Are Digital Signature Properties?
When a PDF is digitally signed, it does not just record a visual image of a signature. The signing process embeds a rich set of cryptographic metadata — collectively called the digital signature properties — directly into the file's structure. These properties identify exactly who signed the document, when they signed it, and who vouched for their identity. Unlike a scanned handwritten signature, this information cannot be altered or transferred without breaking the cryptographic seal.
Our tool reads and decodes these properties from the PDF's PKCS#7 SignedData container and presents them in a clear, human-readable format so you can instantly understand who signed your document and whether their credentials are trustworthy.
Understanding the Signer's Identity Fields
- Subject Common Name (CN): This is the primary identifier of the signer. For individuals, it is usually the person's full legal name. For organizations or company DSCs, it may be the company name or the authorized signatory's name. This is the "who signed" field.
- Organization (O): The company or organization to which the signer belongs. For Indian DSCs, this is typically the company name as registered with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- Email Address: The email address registered with the Certifying Authority at the time the DSC was issued. Note that this is the email used for DSC issuance, not necessarily the current email of the signer.
- Issuer / Certificate Authority (CA): The name of the licensed Certifying Authority that verified the signer's identity and issued the DSC. In India, licensed CAs include eMudhra, NSDL e-Gov, Sify Technologies, CDAC, and NIC. An unfamiliar or foreign CA may require additional scrutiny.
- Validity Period (Not Before / Not After): The start and end dates of the certificate's active period. Any document signed outside this window should raise a red flag.
- Signing Timestamp: The precise date and time the signature was applied to the document. Under the Information Technology Act, 2000, this timestamp has legal evidentiary value for contracts, tenders, and legal filings.
Using Signer Details for Fraud Detection
Checking signature properties is a powerful tool for detecting document fraud. Here are common fraud patterns you can identify:
- Mismatched signer name: If the visible name stamped on a PDF's signature field says "Rajan Kumar" but the certificate's CN shows "Priya Sharma", the document may have been tampered with or the wrong person signed it.
- Expired certificate at signing time: If the signing timestamp falls outside the certificate's validity period (before Not Before or after Not After), the signature was applied with an expired certificate and may not be legally valid.
- Unknown or self-signed issuer: If the Issuer field shows an organization you don't recognize, or shows "Self-Signed", the certificate was not issued by a licensed CA and should be treated with extreme suspicion.
- Back-dated signatures: Compare the signing timestamp against the document content to spot anachronisms — for example, a contract dated 2023 with a certificate that wasn't issued until 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of signer details can I view?
You can view the Subject Common Name (CN) (usually the signer's name or company name), the Issuer Name (the authority that granted the certificate), the validity dates (start and expiry), and the exact timestamp when the signature was placed.
Why can't I just see who signed it visually on the PDF page?
Visual signature stamps (like a picture of a handwritten signature) can be easily faked or pasted into a document by anyone. The true, cryptographically secure identity of the signer is hidden within the file's metadata and properties, which our tool extracts.
Do I need Adobe Acrobat to view signature properties?
No! While Adobe Acrobat can show you signature panels, it requires installing heavy software on your computer. Our web-based tool lets you view these exact same properties instantly from any device without installing anything.
Can I use signer details to detect document fraud?
Yes. Look for these red flags: (1) The visible signature stamp name doesn't match the certificate's Common Name (CN). (2) The signing timestamp falls outside the certificate's validity period (before Not Before or after Not After). (3) The Issuer field shows an unknown organization or "Self-Signed" — indicating the certificate was not issued by a licensed Certificate Authority. (4) The signing timestamp seems inconsistent with the document's content or claimed date.
What is the signing timestamp and why does it matter legally?
The signing timestamp is the exact date and time when the digital signature was applied to the document. Under India's Information Technology Act, 2000 (Section 3), a valid digital signature with a timestamp serves as legal proof of when a party committed to a document. This is critical for contracts (which may have offer/acceptance timing requirements), government tender bids (which have hard deadlines), and legal filings (which have statute of limitations implications).
What is the difference between a "Subject" and an "Issuer" in the certificate?
The Subject is the identity of the person or organization who holds the certificate — the signer. The Issuer is the Certificate Authority (CA) that verified the subject's identity and issued the certificate. Think of it like a passport: you are the subject, and the Government of India is the issuer. Our tool displays both so you can verify both the signer's identity and whether they were certified by a trusted authority.
Can I see signer details for every signature if a document was signed by multiple people?
Yes. Our tool lists all signatures found in the PDF sequentially. For each signature, you will see the full signer details including their name, issuer CA, validity dates, and the specific timestamp for that particular signature. This is especially useful for reviewing multi-party contracts, board resolutions, or regulatory submissions.
Is viewing signature details safe for confidential documents?
Yes. Your PDF is transmitted over HTTPS and processed only in volatile server memory. The file is purged immediately after the signer details are extracted and returned to your browser. We never write your document to disk, log its contents, or share any data with third parties. No account or login is required.