SignatureOne™

Sign-it® for Word

Version 6.04

Help

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Introduction

What is Sign-it?
What is an electronic signature?
How is a signature protected in a document?
What is binding?
What is SignatureOne Profile Server?
What is a signature stamp?
What is signature verification?
What is  Ceremony™?
How do I obtain additional information about  Sign-it or SignatureOne Profile Server?  
What is an eSeal?
What is a Digital ID?
What is an eKey?
What's new      

Installation/Setup

Setup Requirements
Installation Procedures
Uninstalling Sign-it
Setting System Preferences

Getting Started

Sign-it Menu
Overview on Creating a Document Containing Signatures
Working on-Line or Off-Line

Working with Sign-it

Adding a Signature on-the-fly
Creating a Signature Field to be Signed at a Later Time
Signature Methods
eSeals
Adding, Editing and Removing Reasons and/or Locations
Deleting, Re-sizing or Moving a Signature Box
Binding Signatures to Documents and Validating Signed Documents  
Invalid Signatures
Routing Document for Multiple Signatures
Signature Properties
Including the Document Header or Footer in the Hashing of a Signature
Detecting Changes Upon Opening and/or Saving  a Document
Printing Documents with Signatures
Protecting Signatures from Being Copied
Sending Documents Containing Signatures to Users without Sign-it
Opening a Document Containing Signatures Created in an Earlier Version of Sign-it for Word
Migrated Signature Display Results
 Viewing or Modifying a Document in Earlier Versions of MS Word

Troubleshooting

Sign-it menu does not appear in MS Word's Menu Bar
Unable to convert Sign-it version 4.x/3.x documents to the current version
Unable to Enter Data in Form Fields or Sign in Signature Boxes
Problems getting your signature to verify
Digital ID persistency for Blank pre-populated signatures
eSeal image displays with blue background
Signatures not displaying in MS Word's Normal View
Validating signatures that were signed using Sign-it for Word (Chinese version) on an English OS system

Property API Reference

Support

 

 

Introduction

 

What is Sign-it?

Sign-it is a software application designed to give Microsoft Word users the ability to embed legally compliant electronic handwritten signatures in documents. The validation and analysis features of Sign-it allow the document recipient to check the document for modifications and ensure secure document management. This application runs on a standard Windows based desktop computer and has additional features available when used with the SignatureOne Profile Server in a distributed application environment.  

What is an electronic signature?

An electronic signature is any electronic form of affirmation, consent or agreement from an individual that is captured and stored with an electronic transaction or document. The signature must include information specific to the individual and a clear statement of the signers intent (i.e. - that they are aware of the implications of signing and are agreeing to be legally bound by this).  

How is a signature protected in a document?

When an electronic signature is captured using Sign-it the signature is bound to the document using a cryptographic hashing algorithm. The algorithm used within Sign-it is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) approved Secure Hashing Algorithm (SHA-1). This algorithm is used to create a one time key based on the data in the document, the signatory information and the signature itself. The signature information and hashing key are also encrypted using the Triple DES 128bit encryption algorithm to prevent tampering. As a result of this process, a signature can only be validated within the original document it was bound to using this product.

What is binding?

An electronically created signature is attached to the document such that it maintains the integrity of the document. This is done by attaching the signature to the document and comparing the original version of document with the contents of the document each time it is opened. If any change is detected, the electronic signature is invalidated.  This architecture ensures that the "tamper evident" condition is satisfied by invalidating the signature if the document is altered. If any data in the document is altered after the person signs it, a permanent record of the tampering and audit trail is maintained for analysis.

The signature is encrypted with the document using triple DES encryption.  A hash of the document content is done using SHA-1 and the message digest from the hash is then encrypted.  Binding the signature to the document using these technologies prevents the person's signature from being electronically validated if somehow copied into any other document for the purpose of abusing a person's authority. All of these capabilities are important to ensure the electronic validation of a signature throughout the electronic process of a document.

The integration of CIC's signature technology into Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word and Autodesk AutoCAD assures that a user will be informed of any tampering to the data or the signature in the document or drawing.  CIC's Sign-it product family provides the user with signature capture, document binding, and signature validation.

What is SignatureOne Profile Server?

SignatureOne Profile Server is a separate product from CIC which enables users of Sign-it for Word to either place their signature like a stamp into a document using a password or to authenticate the user's biometric information in a signature before allowing the signature to be placed in the document. 

Profile Server supports the non-repudiation  (i.e. - the inability of an individual to disclaim their signature) element of using electronic signatures.  User profile and signature template creation require a controlled environment to insure that passwords are administrated properly and that the enrolled information used to authenticate a user can not be altered by other users.

This server based product also supports export of stamps and encrypted signature information to allow their use when a user does not have access to Profile Server, or is not connected to the local network, Intranet or Internet.

Additional information about this product and its features can be found on our website. 

What is a signature stamp?

A signature stamp is a facsimile of a user's signature which is obtained using a password instead of a live signing. This stamp can be used in Sign-it but requires enrollment through the SignatureOne Profile Server administration application. 

What is signature verification?

Signature verification  is the real time authentication of the biodynamic or biometric information inherent to a user's signature. Sign-it captures this information during the enrollment process using SignatureOne Profile Server and stores information related to the signature in a protected network database. When selected, any subsequent signature is verified against this information prior to the signature being placed in the document. 

What is Ceremony™?

Sign-it captures various data needed to support the non-repudiation of an electronic document and the associated electronic signature. The data is representative of the Ceremony or process an individual would normally provide in the course of executing a transaction or document. It includes such critical data as the date/time of the transaction, claimed identity of the signatory, location, and reason for signing. These are the default Ceremony data elements that are collected during the signature process and can be modified through the preferences options of the product. 

How do I obtain additional information about Sign-it or SignatureOne Profile Server?  

Additional information about these products can be found on our website or you can request specific information by completing our internet based Inquiry Form.  A representative from CIC will contact you directly for assistance.  

What is an eSeal?

An eSeal is an electronic image of a company logo, a company seal, or a personal seal.  Sign-it allows you to attach one to a signature block.  File formats supported are JPEG, TIF, BMP, GIF and PNG. 

What is a Digital ID?

A Digital ID (also known as a digital certificate) is a form of electronic credentials for the Internet. Similar to a driver's license, employee ID card, or business license, a Digital ID is issued by a trusted third party to establish the identity of the ID holder. The third party who issues certificates is known as a Certification Authority (CA).  The purpose of a Digital ID is to reliably link a public/private key pair with its owner.  Just as when a government issues you a passport it is officially vouching for the fact that you are who you say you are, when a CA issues you a digital certificate it is putting its name behind the statement that you are the rightful owner of your public/private key pair.   For more information on Digital ID's, visit VeriSign®'s website.

Sign-it uses the Digital ID to digitally sign the eSignature token. Only valid certificates at the time of signing are allowed to be used with Sign-it. No attempt is made to validate the signer's identity or check the revocation status of the certificate. Therefore, we support the claim that the certificate was valid at the time of signing.

What is an eKey?

An eKey is a USB Authentication Token, also known as a hardware USB security token.  It plugs directly into the USB port and is used in public key infrastructure (PKI) environments for secure log-on, email and web access, and file encryption.  Sign-it currently supports the iKeyTM 2032 from SafeNet, Inc.  Sign-it allows you to access the Digital ID or eSeal that are available on supported eKeys.

What's new

 

Installation/Setup

 

Setup Requirements

Installation Procedures

Sign-it is an independent application plug-in for MS Word and must be installed on each user's system which will be used for signing or validating signed documents.  Double-click on the Setup.exe file and follow the instructions on the screen.    

Notes: 

Uninstalling Sign-it

Run the Windows Add/Remove Programs to uninstall Sign-it.

In Windows, from the Start menu, select Settings, then Control Panel. Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.  Select CIC Sign-it for Word and click on the Remove button.  Follow the instructions on the screen to uninstall Sign-it.

Setting System Preferences

Select System Preferences from the Sign-it menu.  The Preferences screens for Sign-it are shown below.  

  1. General

     

    General Preferences Description
    Enable persistency between Sign Now signature fields Select if you want the data from the last Sign Now signature field created to appear when creating new Sign Now signature fields.
    Enable persistency between new Blank Signature fields Select if you want the data from the last Blank Signature field created to appear when creating new Blank Signature fields.
    Validate on Open Select to validate documents upon opening them
    Validate on Save Select to validate documents when saving them

     

  2. User

    User information from this setting is used for importing User data to fields when creating blank signature fields.  If a computer system is shared among multiple users, each new User to Sign-it should enter a Title, User ID, First Name and Last Name.  This data is stored in the local database.  When you log in, your User data will be displayed in this setting.  This information must be entered for each system used; it is not carried across the network. 

  3. SignatureOne

    SignatureOne settings are required if you are using signature verification, stamps, passwords or uploading transaction receipts with Sign-it.  You must be logged in as an Admin or have Admin rights to set the settings for the Server and Company.  See your network administrator or refer to the SignatureOne Profile Server documentation for these settings. 

    SignatureOne Preferences Description
    Primary Server URL Enter the Server IP address or Server name of the SignatureOne Profile Server you have been enrolled on.  Select Test to test your connection to the server.  
    Secondary Server URL Enter a second Server IP address or Server name if you have been enrolled on a secondary SignatureOne Profile Server.  Select Test to test your connection to the server.  
    Use Secure Connection (SSL) Check box if using SSL to secure connection between client and server. 
    Company The company name is used for uploading transaction receipts.  Select Set Company to enter a valid UserID and Password for the server.  

     

  4. Transaction Receipts

A transaction receipt is a record of your signing and signature data.  These records and data can be stored on the server for history information of every signing.  Select box to automatically upload receipts to the SignatureOne server upon starting MS Word.  

Note: 

  • Sign-it will always try to upload a transaction receipt following a signing.  Checking this box adds an additional upload attempt when MS Word is started. 
  • Transaction receipts are created only if you have a Primary Server and Company name set in the SignatureOne settings. 
  • Transaction receipts are saved to the server database if your computer has a connection to the server.
  • Transaction receipts are saved to the local database if your computer does not have a connection to the server.  These will be uploaded to the server once a connection is established. 

 

Getting Started

 

Sign-it Menu

Sign now Add a signature on-the-fly.
Create Blank Signature Field Add a blank signature field to be signed at a later time.
Validate All Signatures Select to validate all signatures in document.
Work On-line Connect to your network for signature verification, stamping, and password.  
Work Off-line Use when a connection to the network database is not available.  Can access local database for signature verification, stamping, and password. 
System Preferences Set signature persistency, User information, and SignatureOne server information. 
Tools
  • Edit Reasons -- Select to add, edit or remove reasons for signing
  • Edit Locations -- Select to add, edit or remove locations for signing
  • Upload to SignatureOne -- Select to upload transaction receipts to the SignatureOne Profile Server.  You can select to automatically upload transaction receipts in System Preferences.  
Sign-it Help Get information on using Sign-it.
About Sign-it Identify Sign-it version and product information.

Overview on Creating a Document Containing Signatures

Working On-Line or Off-Line

These modes of operation for Sign-it require that you have been enrolled on a valid SignatureOne Profile Server for the use of signature verification, stamping, or passwords.  The modes of operation are:

 

Working with Sign-it

 

Adding a Signature on-the-fly

  1. Place the cursor at the location where you wish to insert a signature.  From the Sign-it menu, select Sign Now. 
  2. Select a signing method:  Live Signature, Voice Recording, Signature Stamp, Verified Signature, Password, ePad-ink Signature or Click2Sign.

     

  3. Enter a User ID, Title, First Name, Last Name, Reason and Location.  Key Words can be inserted into the Reason field.  For example, enter [Name], to display the First and Last Name.  See the list below for possible key words.  
     
    Key Words for Reasons Display
    [Name] First and Last Name
    [Location] Location
    [FirstName] First Name
    [LastName] Last Name
    [UserId] User ID
    [Title] Title

     Note:  Key words are case sensitive.  They must be entered exactly as shown.  
     

  4. Browse to select an eSeal to display with your signature.  File formats supported are JPEG, TIF, BMP, GIF and PNG.

    If you have a supported eKey connected to your system, you will be prompted to select either from an eKey or from File.  Sign-it only supports one eKey at a time.  If you have more than one connected to your system, please disconnect all but the one you wish to select from. 
     

  5. Browse to select a third-party Digital ID.  A Digital ID store will be displayed.

    You can select a Digital ID from one of the following options:

    • Digital ID store
    • From File -- Browse your computer system for a .PFX or .P12 file 
    • From eKey

    The Digital ID is used to encrypt or digitally sign the signature data.  No attempt is made to validate the signer's identity or check the revocation status of the certificate.  The certificate was valid at the time of signing. 
     

  6. For other options, select Advanced. 

    The Field Name is the name assigned to this signature block.  It is currently not used by Sign-it and is reserved for future functions.  Select to require the User ID, Name, Reason, Location and/or Title.  You can lock the signature method and/or the Ceremony information.  You can select to not display the Ceremony dialog when signing.  Select Show Only Required Fields to display the selected fields in the Ceremony dialog. 

    Select items to display in signature field, then OK.  
     

  7. Select Sign to enter your signature.  The Sign button may be grayed if you have not provided all required data. 

Creating a Signature Field to be Signed at a Later Time

  1. Prepare a document for adding signatures.  Make sure you save the document before adding any signature fields.  
  2. Place the cursor at the location where you wish to insert a signature.  From the Sign-it menu, select Create Blank Signature Field.  The new signature field will be inserted at the left margin of the cursor location.  You can move this signature field in Design Mode to another location.  The layout of the signature field is in front of text. 
  3. Select the preferences for the current signature field.  
     
    1. General

      The Field Name is the name assigned to this signature block.  It is currently not used by Sign-it and is reserved for future functions.  Select to require the User ID, Name, Reason, Location, Title, eSeal and/or Digital ID.  Lock the signature method if you do not want the signer to change the selected method.  You can also select to lock the ceremony information and not display the ceremony dialog when signing.  When locking the ceremony information, the eSeal and Digital ID are not locked.  The signer can still select his own eSeal and Digital ID.  To not allow the signer to select these features, check box to Don't Show Ceremony Dialog Before Signing.  Select Show Only Required Fields to display the selected fields in the Ceremony dialog.  
       

    2. Display

      Select the display properties for the signature.  Check the boxes to see samples of the properties in the display window.  The eSeal will only display if Require eSeal (from General tab) and/or an eSeal file is selected in the Ceremony tab.  If an eSeal file is selected, a faded version of that seal will be displayed. 

      Select Text for Unsigned Signature Field to show text in a non-signed signature box that has been placed in a document.  This text can be customized to display a text message of your choice by over-writing the 'Click to sign' statement in the box with your own message.
       

    3. Import

      You can import data from available text fields in the document or User settings.  Importing of data is not available with signatures you create on-the-fly. 
       

    4. Export

      You can export data to text fields in the document.  Exporting of data is not available with signatures you create on-the-fly. 
       

    5. Ceremony

      Select a signing method and enter ceremony data for the current signature field.  Browse to select an eSeal to display with your signature.  File formats supported are JPEG, TIF, BMP, GIF and PNG.

      If you have a supported eKey connected to your system, you will be prompted to select either from an eKey or from File.  Sign-it only supports one eKey at a time.  If you have more than one connected to your system, please disconnect all but the one you wish to select from. 

      An eSeal associated with an unsigned signature field displays with faded colors.  The original colors of the eSeal will be displayed once the signature field is signed. 

       

    6. Sectional Signing

      By default, a signature field is hashed with the entire document.  Sectional signing allows signatures to be hashed with specific sections or form fields.  Changes to a section or form field will invalidate the signature associated with it.  A signature field cannot be assigned a combination of sections and form fields.  However, a document can contain a mixture of signature fields associated with sections and signature fields associated with form fields.

      To prevent users from making changes to sections or forms (excluding form fields), select Protect Document from the Tools menu.  Click Forms, then Sections if applicable.  Note:  Password protected document contents are not hashed with the signatures.  If you wish to protect your document with a password, protect the document prior to entering the first signature.  Make sure all sections are selected for protection.  When working with sections, password protecting or unprotecting a document is considered a change to the document.  

      To associate this signature field with specific sections, check box to Enable Sectional Signing.  Select Sections, then Include or Exclude.  Select the sections, Header or Footer  to include or exclude.  To associate this signature field with specific form fields, select Form Fields, then Include or Exclude.  Select  the form fields to include or exclude.  

      Check box to Ignore Text Attributes such as font, text size, color, superscript, etc.  Ignoring these attributes will speed up the validation of large documents.  
       

    7. Security

      Select box to protect the preference settings.  Enter and confirm password.  This will not allow the signature information to be altered without first entering a password.
       

  4. Select OK to complete inserting the signature box.

Note:  Once a signature block has been placed on the document, you can return to the Signature Preferences by right-clicking on the signature and selecting Signature Preferences.  

Helpful Hints

Signature Methods

Live Signature The User uses an input device to physically sign the document.  
Voice The User signs with a voice recording of the reason, date and time of the signing.
Stamp A signature stamp is a facsimile of your signature. It can be added to your documents without the use of a pen input device by using a standard password. The creation of the signature stamp is controlled by the SignatureOne administrator when your Signature Profile is created and only you have access to the stamp.  Never share your password with anyone or leave it written down where it can be found as this would allow someone to sign drawings with your stamp as if they were you. 

When signing a document, select CIC Signature Stamp as the signature method in the Ceremony tab in Signature Preferences.  Enter your User ID or First and Last Name.  Enter your password to place your signature stamp on the drawing. 

In order to use signature stamps you must have a valid Signature Profile on a SignatureOne server which you are connected to through your network or have your stamp exported to your local machine after enrollment.  
Verified Signature Signature verification allows you to verify that the signature on the document is not a forgery.  Signature biometrics are compared against encrypted signature data stored in a user profile either on a SignatureOne server or locally that can only be created in a controlled environment by the SignatureOne server administrator. The signature data stored in these profiles consists of measurements of the individual's writing style or stroke dynamics which are unique to the individual.   

When signing a document, select CIC Verified Signature as the signature method in the Ceremony tab in Signature Preferences.   If the signature entered does not match the template created for the User, an error appears indicating that the signature can not be verified and the signature is rejected.  If the signature is verified, the signature will be placed in the document. 

In order to use signature verification you must have a valid Signature Profile on a SignatureOne server which you are connected to through your network or have your template exported to your local machine after enrollment.  
Password A valid User ID and Signature Profile is required to use a Password for signing.  
ePad-ink Signature Select this method if you wish to display the ceremony data (Name, Reason, Date/Time) on the ePad-ink device when you enter your signature.  
Click2Sign Select "I Agree" to complete your approval/signing. 

eSeals

This new feature allows the display of a company or personal seal or logo with a signature method.  The examples below demonstrate several uses for an eSeal.  File formats supported are JPEG, TIF, BMP, GIF and PNG.

  1. eSeal with a Live Signature

  2. eSeal with Click2Sign


     

  3. eSeal with a Live Signature and display of Ceremony data

Adding, Editing and Removing Reasons and/or Locations

Both of these fields are important when signing a document electronically. The Location information denotes a physical presence at the time of the signing and the Reason makes clear your intentions when signing. 

You can enter the reason and location at the time you are signing.  To make this data persistent the next time you create a new signature field, enable persistency in System Preferences.  If you prefer to maintain a list of reasons and locations to select from, you can store the list in Sign-it.  From the Sign-it menu, select Tools/Edit Reasons or Tools/Edit Locations.  Select Add, Edit or Remove to maintain your list.  

Examples of Reasons "I am signing to approve this form."
"I agree to the terms and conditions herein."
Examples of Locations "San Francisco, CA"
"Office"
"New York Branch"

Deleting, Re-sizing or Moving a Signature Box

  1. To Delete, Move or Re-size a signature box you must be in MS Word Design Mode. Changes of these types should be done prior to signing a document so that they do not invalidate existing signatures. 
  2. Click on the Design Mode button    to enter Design Mode.
  3. Select the signature box and move, re-size or delete it as you would any Windows object. 
  4. Click on the Design Mode button again to exit Design Mode.  

Binding Signatures to Documents and Validating Signed Documents 

A signature field when signed is automatically bound to the document.  Make sure all changes to the sections, form fields or document have been made prior to signing. Once the signatures are bound to your document, the signature or the document can not be altered without invalidating the signatures. 

Note: 

Select Validate All Signatures from the Sign-it menu to make sure that all signatures within a document are valid and that the document has not been altered. The following graphic shows the information that would appear during validation of a document if it had been altered after being originally signed and bound.

 

Signature Information
Original Original Signature
Invalid Signature was invalidated
Re-sign Signature was re-signed without changes.  This may occur if a different person signed the document, the reason or location was changed, or the method of signing was changed.  However, the document, sections, or fields attached to the signature were not changed.   
Not Signed Signature field is not signed

Invalid Signatures

An 'X' will appear over a signature if an alteration has been made to the document. This indicator represents an "Invalid Signature".  To approve the changes, re-sign the document.  This will give you a valid, but re-signed signature as noted in the Validation Results history.  

Routing Document for Multiple Signatures

A document can be signed and routed to multiple users without invalidating any signatures as long as there are no changes to the attached sections, form fields, or document after the first signature has been bound.  It is recommended that all signature fields be placed in the document prior to the first signature binding.  

An ad hoc signature is allowed only if it is added to sections that are not bound to pre-existing signatures.  Keep in mind that a signed adhoc signature is hashed with the entire document.  Thus, all signature blocks should be added prior to signing one.     

Signature Properties

  1. Right-click on any signature to bring up the pop-up menu.  
  2. Select Signature Properties.  
  3. The Signature Method, User ID, Title, Name, Reason, Location, Timestamp and History are shown.

    Note:  A re-signed signature without changes to the document is denoted as a change.

  4. Select Show Certificate to display the digital ID certificate.  This certificate contains information used to validate your digital signature. 

  

Including the Document Header or Footer in the Hashing of a Signature

The Header or Footer of a document can be included or excluded from the signature binding process if you are working with sections.  You can select this option in the Sectional Signing tab in Signature Preferences for each signature.  Dynamic data such as page numbers and dates are not supported.  Recommendation is to exclude the sections containing such data from the hash. 

Note:  Adding a signature to a Header or Footer is not supported.    

Detecting Changes Upon Opening and/or Saving  a Document

Signatures in a document can be validated automatically or manually at the time the document is opened or saved.  

Manually:  Select Validate All Signatures from the Sign-it menu to validate the document.  A summary of the signature(s) in the document will be provided in the Validation Result window.  

Automatically:  Select Validate on Open or Validate on Save in the System Preferences settings.  

Printing Documents with Signatures

Sign-it validates all signatures prior to printing the document.  If a document contains changes after a signature has been entered, an "X" is displayed across the signature on the printed page.  Sign-it also validates signatures when you access Print Preview.  

Note:  eSeals may not print properly on all printers.

Protecting Signatures from Being Copied

If a signature has been copied to another document running the Validation will invalidate the signature and place an 'X' through it when it detects an invalid hashing key. If you want additional protection you can choose to protect the document using the Protect Document feature provided within Word under the Tools menu.    

Sending Documents Containing Signatures to Users without Sign-it

If you send a signed document to someone who does not have Sign-it, the user can still view the signatures.  Sign-it is not required to view signatures, but it is required to check for changes in a document and validate the signature(s). 

CIC offers a Viewer version of Sign-it that allows users to view and validate Sign-it signatures in documents.  Contact CIC for additional information or to obtain a copy of the Viewer. 

Opening a Document Containing Signatures Created in an Earlier Version of Sign-it for Word

When you open a document containing signature fields created in version 4.x of Sign-it for Word, you will be prompted to convert the document to the current format.  If you select No, you can view the document with the signature fields.  However, in order to sign, re-sign, validate or create new signatures, you will have to close the document, re-open it, enable Macros when prompted, and select Yes to convert the document.

Please Note:
  • Enabling Sign-it macros is important prior to converting the document to the current format.  If macros are not enabled, signatures will convert to unsigned (blank) signature blocks. 
  • Signatures in a protected document for Read Only (Office 2003 only) or Comments cannot be converted.

Migrated Signature Display Results

With a newly installed version of Sign-it for Word and persistency settings unchanged in the General tab of System Preferences, opening a document containing signatures created in Sign-it v4.x for Word will display the following information by default: 

Signed signature field Name of signer and signature
Unsigned signature field Name of signer and "Click to Sign" text

To customize the items to be displayed in a signature field after a migration, persistency must be enabled in the System Preferences.  Persistency settings for Sign Now signature fields determine the display settings for migrated signed signature fields and persistency settings for Blank Signature fields determine the display settings for migrated unsigned signature fields.  After persistency is enabled, add a blank signature field to a test document and set the desired display settings in the Display tab of the Signature Preferences.  Next, add a Sign Now signature to the document and set the desired display settings.  Sign the signature field. 

The steps described above will set the display options for migrated signature fields.  Items that can be displayed are listed below.

Opening a Sign-it v4.x for Word document and selecting not to convert the document will display the default items listed in the table above.  Selecting to convert the document will display the items last selected in the persistency settings, even if the persistency settings are disabled. 

Viewing or Modifying a Document in Earlier Versions of MS Word

Viewing or modifying of Sign-it documents in an earlier version of MS Word than the one in which they were created and/or signed is not supported. 

However, if you were to open a version 6.0 document, the following is to be expected:

In Sign-it for Word version 5.0, any eSeals used in the signature will not be displayed as version 5.0 did not support eSeals.  The certificate information for Digital ID used to sign the signature field will be available.

In Sign-it for Word v4.x, the signature block will be displayed as a graphic, including the eSeal, if used.  The certificate information for the Digital ID used to sign the signature field will not be available.

 

Troubleshooting

 

Sign-it menu does not appear in MS Word's Menu Bar

Unable to convert Sign-it version 4.x documents to the current version

If Sign-it for Word is not displaying a message to convert Sign-it v4.x documents when opening them, check if MS Outlook is running. 

If you are running MS Outlook, either turn off the option to use Word as the email editor, or don’t use HTML as the message editor format.  You can set these options in MS Outlook's Tools/Options menu.  For additional information, see http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;209977. 

Unable to Enter Data in Form Fields or Sign in Signature Boxes

If you are unable to enter text in text fields or sign in signature boxes in your document, check your Macro Security Settings.  You'll run into this problem if you have set your Macro Security Level to high.  Change your security level to medium and you should be able to enter data.  Changing this setting will not make your system more vulnerable to potentially harmful Macro viruses. Whenever a macro attempts to run in the future your system will prompt you before allowing it.

To change the security level:

  1. Close all open documents in MS Word. 
  2. From the Tools menu, select Macro, then Security.  
  3. Select the Security Level tab. 
  4. Select Medium, then OK.  
  5. Open the document containing form fields.  
  6. Select Enable Macros when prompted.  

Problems getting your signature to verify

For many Sign-it users it is the first time that they have used an electronic digitizer or handheld computer to sign their name. As a result, many will have some difficulty signing their name consistently the first few times. It is recommended that you try signing several times before enrolling your signature and to sign your name in a manner that is comfortable for you on the signing device. This may include shortening your signature if the device is too small for you to write your full name. If you find that you have this problem it is recommended that you re-enroll with the SignatureOne server after you have gotten more accustomed to using your signing device. This will insure that the template being used to verify your signature contains data consistent with the manner in which you sign.

A second consideration is the orientation of the signing device. Sign-it accurately measures how you sign your name and accounts for the natural deviation between one signature and another. Many people, however, will sign their name very differently if they are holding the signature device or if the device is laying flat on their desk. If you are having problems try using the same orientation for the signing device as you did when you enrolled with your SignatureOne server Administrator.

Digital ID persistency for Blank pre-populated signatures

When designing a form with pre-populated signature fields, Digital IDs are not pre-selected for the signature fields.  If you have persistency set for Sign Now signatures, the last Digital ID you used to sign with will be pre-selected when you sign a Blank signature.  If you did not use a Digital ID for the last signature or have not set persistency for Sign Now signatures, the Digital ID selection defaults to None. 

eSeal image displays with blue background

GIF and PNG file formats support transparent backgrounds.  Some GIF and PNG files may display with a blue background.  It is recommended that you use other file formats such as JPEG. 

Signatures not displaying in MS Word's Normal View

MS Word does not display floating pictures/objects in its Normal View.  Sign-it's Blank Signatures are floating objects, thus will not display in the Normal View.  These signatures float so they can be placed over text as when used with eSeals.  Suggestions for working with Blank Signatures are: 

Validating signatures that were signed using Sign-it for Word (Chinese version) on an English OS system

A document signed using Sign-it for Word Chinese version on a Chinese OS system will not validate correctly on Sign-it for Word on an English OS system.  To maintain the validity status during a validation on an English OS system, you must set the Language for Non-Unicode Programs to Chinese (PRC.)  To do so, go to Windows Control Panel, Regional and Language Options, then the Advanced tab.  Select Chinese (PRC) for the Language for non-Unicode programs. 

 

Support

 

If you need additional assistance with a Sign-it product, either contact your help desk, reseller, or CIC Technical Support (English only):

http://www.cic.com/support/inquiry/

Please check the support section on our website at www.cic.com for the latest documentation.

 

 

©1998-2007 Communication Intelligence Corporation, all rights reserved.
CIC, Sign-it, and its logos are registered trademarks of Communication Intelligence Corporation.  Biometric Token, SignatureOne and Ceremony are trademarks of Communication Intelligence Corporation. 
All other names used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

www.cic.com

May 2007