Created attachment 77281 [details]
It shows an aattempt to use image and time stamp for visual impact of a digital signature

The current digital signature feature in libre office seems to have limitations for full functionality in respect of digital signatures. Office documents typically need several signatures, say the gentleman who drafted, the gentleman who proofread, the guy who accepted, and the guy who finally okayed. Basically, a document requires multiple signatures. This provision is currently not there in libre office. We need a system of signing in "APPEND" mode as well if the digital signature has to be made more effective and widely acceptable.

Secondly, often the print out of the digitally document need visual features to tell the reader that the document was electronically signed by Mr. X at such date and time. Adobe does it nicely, but it has only one fixed image set to do so. Similar feature with custom images by the author is required, again with provision for multiple signatures. This would greatly enhance the visual appeal of the document and its authenticity. MS Word 2010 has already implemented such a system,and they call it "signature lines", and one could add oe or more signature lines to a document.

To my understanding, in addition to the current feature of digital signatures, there needs to be defined another way of putting signatures by using custom images (say .gif) which could be scanned signatures/ captured signatures from tablets, or any custom image. I could insert one image anywhere on the body of the document (say in OR mode) and as soon as I place it in the final location, it should record the time stamp below the image along with a custom line, say "This document is digitally signed...". However, to use the image for digital signatures, we may have to prepare it using custom line and a field/ placeholder where the timestamp appears. Additionally, this procedure should also activate the normal digital signature routine at the same time, so that digital validation can be achieved. 

I attempted doing such a thing. However, I first applied the digital signature and then inserted an image and used date field to capture the timestamp (which was couple of minutes late, obviously). We simply need a process by which on applying the image, the document gets digitally signed and the time stamp also appears, in a given location in the image/place

Further, when we convert existing digitally signed documents in pdf, there is no trace of the signature. By using the image, this situation can be remedied partially. Further, if possible, pdf must be able to show in its properties the document as digitally signed. This would also be a good relief.

Secondly, multiple signatures need to be allowed by using custom images.

This is a very important feature and should be looked at with  seriousness. Absence of this feature is hampering use of LibreOffice in offices, especially in complete digital work flow, dcument creation, management and distribution.