How can I sign a document only using GIMP such that it looks like it was printed to actual paper, signed with a blue ballpoint pen, and then scanned again.
I was sent an important document and, for legal reasons, I was asked to sign it. I don't own a printer, and this document has sensitive data on it that could be used for identity theft. For privacy/security reasons, I don't want to take it to a print shop.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, I've found that many organizations are more accepting of documents "signed" only using picture editing software. However, I think it's a grey area for a lot of businesses and governments recently, so I want the signature to look as authentic as possible.
Of course, I'm very aware that non-cryptographic signatures don't provide a trustworthy means of authentication. But, unfortunately, the country where I live doesn't utilize asymmetric cryptography for signing of documents, so if I want to get anything done I have to actually sign things they give me by hand.
Anyway, using the pen tool in GIMP, I've created a signature on a transparent background. It looks decent, but not great.
There's a few things I'd like to adjust:
- The pen stroke looks like it was made on a computer. How can I adjust it to look like it was made by a human hand using a ball-point pen? (eg jitter, smooth stroke, etc. The thickness of the line should probably vary)
- The color is monochrome, but an actual signature with a blue-ink ballpoint pen should vary in shades as the ink is dragged across the paper. How do I make the color look more authentic?
- The document itself doesn't look printed and scanned. What filter(s) can I use that make this pristine PDF look like it was actually printed, signed, and then scanned?
How can I "write" my signature on a PDF document using GIMP to make it look like I printed, signed with blue ink, and scanned the document -- without actually having to print it?