Timestamping documents
A timestamp serves as a digital proof of authenticity. Similarly to digital signatures, these server-generated timestamps are used to verify the authenticity of a document by recording the exact date and time an event occurred. Because of the server connection needed to establish the validity of a timestamp, it is substantially more secure than a regular digital signature and is frequently used by governments, financial institutions, and corporations worldwide.
Adding timestamps
To add a timestamp, you need to connect to a server first. Here is how to add your first timestamp server connection from the “Server Settings” panel.
- Click on “Time Stamp”.
![PDF Extra: accessing the timestamp tool](/public/uploads/files/images/user guide/Protecting PDFs/protect_pdf_24.png)
- Click on “New” to add a timestamp server.
![PDF Extra: adding a timestamp server](/public/uploads/files/images/user guide/Protecting PDFs/protect_pdf_25.png)
- Provide the name and URL of the timestamp server you want to connect to.
![PDF Extra: setting up a timestamp server](/public/uploads/files/images/user guide/Protecting PDFs/protect_pdf_26.png)
NOTE: Depending on how the timestamp server is set up, you may need to also provide a username and password before you can connect to it.
- With the server added, select it and click on “Continue”.
![PDF Extra: selecting a timestamp server](/public/uploads/files/images/user guide/Protecting PDFs/protect_pdf_27.png)
- Choose where to save a timestamped version of your original document.
- Your document has been timestamped!
TIP: If your timestamp is not validated automatically, you can verify it the same way as you would a digital signature.
Please note that once added, a timestamp CANNOT be deleted!
![PDF Extra: grayed out timestamp delete option](/public/uploads/files/images/user guide/Protecting PDFs/protect_pdf_28.png)