Signing Drawing Files for Authentication

Use the SignFile command to securely associate a digital signature to specified drawing files.

Digital signatures let you authenticate you as the signer.

You can sign drawing files (.dwg), drawing template files (.dwt), and drawing standard files (.dws).

A digital signature remains valid when a signed drawing is modified and saved in the same session. If a signed drawing is modified in another session, be it by the signer or another user, the signature is invalidated.

Note: To sign drawing files, you must have purchased a signature certificate from a service of a reliable Certificate Authority (CA).

To sign drawing files for authentication:

  1. Type SignFile at the command prompt.

  2. In the dialog box, under Files to be signed, specify the drawing files to sign.

    The current drawing file appears in the list. You can add additional files, add complete folders, remove files from the list, and clear the list completely.

    Note: Externally referenced drawings attached to listed files do not appear automatically in the list.

    Use the following options to process multiple files in one signature operation:

    • Include files from subfolders. Adds drawing files located in subfolders relative to the position of the current drawing file to the list.

    • Add Files. Adds drawing files to the list.

    • Add Folder. Adds all drawing files of the specified folder to the list.

    • Remove. Removes the selected files from the list.

    • Clear List. Removes all files from the list.

  3. From the list under Select a digital ID (Certificate), specify the digital ID to use to prove your identity.

    You need at least one valid digital certificate file (.pxf) available on your system.

  4. Optionally, under Signature information add details:

    • Select or clear Add time stamp.

    • In Note, write individual information related to your authentication.

  5. Click Sign Files.

  6. Save the files you signed.

tip An icon at the right end of the Status Bar indicates whether a drawing file is signed. If the signature is valid, a stamp icon appears, and if it is invalid, the stamp icon appears stroked out. Click the icon to run the VerifySignature command.

Access

Command: SignFile

Related Topics

Verifying a Digital Signature in a Drawing

Removing a Digital Signature from a Drawing

Parent Topic

Applying Digital Signatures for Authentication