A .p7m file is a digitally signed document. But who signed it? Is it authentic? In this guide we see how to verify the digital signature of a .p7m file and read the signer's information.
What does it mean to verify the signature
Verifying the digital signature means checking two aspects:
- who signed the document (the signatory and his certificate);
- that the document has not been modified after signing (integrity).
The signature of a .p7m follows the CAdES standard and is affixed with a qualified signature certificate.
How to see the signer with P7M Viewer
When you open a .p7m file with P7M Viewer, you get signature information in addition to the document:
1. Open the Open .p7m tool.
2. Upload the .p7m file.
3. Along with the document you will see the signer's name and the signing date.
This way you can understand who issued the document before considering it valid.
Official verification and qualified certificates
For a complete legal verification (validity of the certificate, chain of trust, timestamp) there are official tools and services that check the list of qualified certifiers. P7M Viewer helps you in the daily part: open the document and see who signed, quickly and for free.
Why verification matters
Invoices, contracts and deeds have legal value thanks to the signature. Check signatory and integrity avoids errors, false or modified documents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see who signed a .p7m? Yes, P7M Viewer displays the signer's name and date.
Do you need to install software? No, the basic verification happens in the browser.
Is it free? Yes, opening and seeing the signer of a single file is free.
In summary
To verify the digital signature of a .p7m file, open it with P7M Viewer: in addition to the document, you can see who signed and when, in a few seconds and for free.
