Digitizing Signatures

**WendellB** · 2006-04-12 15:09

We have a need to digitize signatures that are to be printed on a certificate that is intended for framing. In the past we've done this by scanning in the signature, perhaps tweaking it a bit with an image editing program and then either storing it as a bit-mapped image, or converting it into a font for faster printing. We now have a need to do a number of these, and a recomendation has been made that we get PhotoShop CS2 to do the task. Is there are reason why one of the other image editing programs - PhotoSuite, Paint Shop Pro, Microsoft Photo Editor, or IrfanView wouldn't do just as well?

**KenK** · 2006-04-12 15:28

Hi Wendell

Do you intend to apply the signature(s) to the certificates before the certificates are printed or are you printing them on preprinted certificates?
If you are applying them before printing, will you be doing so with each individual certificate, or would you be batch processing the files?

Have a Great day!!!
Ken

**DaveA** · 2006-04-12 15:29

I see no reason to change programs, unless CS2 has a built in signature program!
And I have never heard of one <img src=/S/evilgrin.gif border=0 alt=evilgrin width=15 height=15>

**jscher2000** · 2006-04-12 17:39

It would be convenient to use a program that supports layers; Photoshop and Photoshop Elements do not have a monopoly on that feature, but I don't know the competitors very well.

**Jezza** · 2006-04-12 19:42

Top tip. Many moons ago I created a signature from a scanned image. I found that doing it with just a biro on a piece of paper normal size made the finished image quite horrible. What I found best to do was to get a marker pen and a piece of A4 paper and get the person to make a really large mark. Once scanned in the signature could be reduced in sized, quite dramatically with out loss of quality. It could even be softened and coloured.

I used phoo editor then nut use Macromedia products. My reckoning is that the sw pakages you commented on will do the job perfectly, but try my top tip and I think you will see a difference.

**WendellB** · 2006-04-12 19:53

In this case, the certificates are pre-printed and have some or a lot of graphics already printed on them, and we are printing the person's name and other text as well as signatures of the authorizing person (who in some cases is deceased!). In some cases we print batches of them, but in others we print them one off.

**WendellB** · 2006-04-12 19:54

We've had the same experience - if the signature isn't fairly large and broad it doesn't come out well. Thanks for the tip as others may find it quite useful.

**jscher2000** · 2006-04-12 22:13

> Once scanned in the signature could be reduced in sized, quite dramatically with out
> loss of quality. It could even be softened and coloured.

Next thing would be to add little loops and hearts. <img src=/S/laugh.gif border=0 alt=laugh width=15 height=15>

**KenK** · 2006-04-12 23:37

I think what you should look for is a program that will allow you to "lasso" or otherwise select the signature alone, then convert the rest of the scanned image to "transparent". Save your image as a bitmap or other graphic format that you can import into your word processor. Import it to your word processor as a graphic, scale it appropriately and position it to print in the proper location and print on your certificates. Do not let your resolution go below 250 to 300 dots per inch.

You might be able to pick up a copy of Photoshop Elements 2 or 3 at a discounted price or you can download "the GIMP" from the internet free of charge. Of course, other versions of Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, etc. will also work. I'm not sure about MS Photo Editor or Photo Suite and Irfan View won't do what I'm suggesting.

Have a Great day!!!
Ken

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