Bluebeam Tip: Stamps vs Certificate-Backed Digital Signatures in Bluebeam Revu

Apply signatures in Bluebeam Revu with confidence by choosing the right method for the job: visual stamps or certificate-backed digital signatures.

• Stamps (visual, non-cryptographic)
  • Best for internal reviews, preliminaries, and routine approvals (e.g., “Reviewed,” “Received”).
  • Create or manage via Tools > Stamp and Stamp Manager; add dynamic fields (Date, Time, User).
  • Editable like any markup until flattened; use Document > Flatten before issuing to prevent changes.
  • Not tamper-evident or legally equivalent to a digital signature.
• Digital Signatures (cryptographic, tamper-evident)
  • Appropriate for sealed submittals, contracts, and compliance-driven deliverables.
  • Create a Digital ID: Revu > Preferences > Signatures > Digital IDs > Add.
  • Place a signature field (Forms or Signatures panel), then Sign; choose appearance, reason, and permissions.
  • Optionally lock the document after signing; any change will invalidate the signature.
  • Use Batch Sign & Seal for multiple files (Complete/eXtreme).

Fast setup tips

• Standardize team stamps in a shared Tool Set and distribute via Studio Projects or your network.
• Create appearance templates for signatures (graphic seal + signer info) to keep submittals consistent.
• If you must place both a stamp and a digital signature, sign last. Flattening after signing will break the signature.

Validation and trust

• Use a trusted certificate (company CA or third-party). Add trust via Windows Certificate Store if needed.
• Configure a Time Stamp Server for long-term validation (Preferences > Signatures > Time Stamp).
• Verify status in the Signatures panel; a green check indicates an intact, trusted signature.

Need help selecting the right Bluebeam plan, deploying enterprise stamps, or setting up certificate workflows? Connect with NOVEDGE for licensing, upgrades, and training. For tailored rollout guidance or to source hardware tokens and PKI options, reach out to NOVEDGE’s team.

You can find all the Bluebeam products on the NOVEDGE web site at this page.