Sometimes a document must be signed by multiple people: this creates a .p7m file with multiple signatures. It can be confusing, but opening it is simple. Let's see how to open a .p7m file with multiple signatures.
What is multiple signature
Multiple signature occurs when a document carries multiple digital signatures. There are two ways:
- parallel (contextual) signatures — multiple signatories sign the same document in the same envelope;
- nested signatures (Matryoshka doll) — the file is signed, then re-signed: you get a .p7m inside another .p7m (sometimes with the name `document.pdf.p7m.p7m`).
Why we need more signatures
Multiple signatures are common when an act requires the approval of multiple parties: contracts between companies, resolutions, technical documents with manager and legal representative, notarial deeds.
How to open a multi-signature .p7m
With P7M Viewer you don't have to worry about how many signatures there are:
1. Open the Open .p7m tool.
2. Upload the file (also with double extension `.p7m.p7m`).
3. P7M Viewer removes all signature envelopes and shows you the original document.
Even in the case of nested signatures, the internal document is extracted correctly until reaching the actual file.
Frequently asked questions
Is a .p7m.p7m normal? Yes, it indicates a multiple-signed file (nested signatures).
Do I lose signatures when opening the document? No: open and read the contents; the original signed file remains valid.
Is it free? Yes, opening a single file is free, even with multiple signatures.
In summary
A multi-signature .p7m file simply contains multiple signatures on the same document. With P7M Viewer you open it in seconds anyway: all the envelopes are removed and you get the original document, for free.
