We've added new API support to Adobe PDF Library SDK in our newest release, making it easier to create PAdES B-T digital signatures in PDF documents. 

In practical terms, that means developers can now generate PAdES Baseline B-T signatures directly through a dedicated PAdES signature class in the SDK.    

So what does that mean for PDF security?

• PAdES is a European standard for advanced electronic signatures in PDFs.
• Baseline B-T adds a trusted timestamp to the signature.
• That timestamp proves not just who signed the document, but when it was signed and that the signature was valid at that time.

With this update, you don’t have to manually piece together all the required components for a compliant PAdES B-T signature. Adobe PDF Library SDK now handles the heavy lifting through a purpose-built API, so it’s now much easier to create standards-compliant, timestamped digital signatures in PDFs using the Adobe PDF Library SDK. 

Here’s some more information about PAdES: 

PAdES stands for PDF Advanced Electronic Signatures. It is a set of standards that defines how to create advanced and qualified electronic signatures inside PDF documents, based on European regulations (notably eIDAS) and ETSI standards. *Note that Datalogics only supports PAdES B-T at this time. PAdES builds on PDF digital signature capabilitiesPKI (Public Key Infrastructure)X.509 certificatesETSI standards for advanced electronic signatures. It specifies how to embed long-term, legally valid digital signatures directly into a PDF file.

Why PAdES Is Useful in PDF

PAdES signatures can meet eIDAS requirements, meaning:

They can qualify as Advanced Electronic Signatures (AdES)Or even Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES)A QES has the same legal value as a handwritten signature in the EUBuilt for PDF PAdES integrates directly into the PDF structure using standard PDF signature fields. 

That means:

• The document remains a normal PDF
• It can be opened in Adobe Acrobat and other readers
• Signature validation is built-in 

Long-Term Validation

One of PAdES’s biggest advantages is long-term validation support. 

It allows embedding:

• Certificate chains
• OCSP responses
• CRLs (revocation info)
• Timestamps

This ensures the signature can still be validated years or decades later; even if certificates expire. This is critical for industries that require long document retention.

Multiple Signature Levels PAdES defines different levels of assurance:

• PAdES-B-Basic: basic signature
• PAdES-B-T: includes trusted timestamp
• PAdES-B-LT: long-term validation material included
• PAdES-B-LTA: archival-level protectionOrganizations can choose the level depending on regulatory needs.

Why It Matters in Enterprise PDF Workflows

For companies working with PDF technology (like digital document processing, validation, archival, or compliance), PAdES is important because:

• It enables compliant e-signature solutions.
• It supports automated validation workflows.
• It aligns with European regulatory requirements. It reduces legal risk.

To see this new capability in action, check out Adobe PDF Library SDK and start a free trial.