Training module (SI): Signatures

In this module you will learn how to add and update Signatures.

Tutorial

Signatures are managed in Lawmaker through Signature blocks.

To insert a Signature block, select Insert > Insert Signature block.

This will bring up the Insert Signature Block window.

Fill in the fields and click Insert.

To update the signature, Right-click > Update Signature. Fill in the window and click Update.

In many cases the date of the signature will not yet be known. Some drafters use placeholders for the date.

To add a placeholder, click in the Date field and type in your placeholder, ignoring the calendar that pops up.

Then, click outside of the date field and Insert or Update the signature as normal.

Do not try and update the signature by typing directly in the editor.

This can cause XML errors which can prevent PDF generation and registration of the document.

To delete the signature, click on the signature, then select Signatures from the breadcrumb, or from the Structure view.

Then, press backspace.

Video

Please review Inserting and updating Signatures in the video linked below.

The other sections of the video are covered elsewhere.

https://youtu.be/tc91pObbHM8?t=6

Further information

For further information, see Managing Signatures.

Exercises

Getting started

Before you start the exercises, you will need a document ready and open in the Editor.

If you already have a document ready, you can move on to the exercises below.

If you don’t have a document ready, follow the steps below.

How to create a new project

Log in to the Lawmaker Training environment (link here).
From the Dashboard, create a new project. (See Creating a new project for details.)
Select the document type that you are most likely to work with. For Sub-type, select Regulations (for convenience).
Give it a memorable title such as[Your name] - Training project.
From the Project tab for your new document, select Document Actions > Import from legislation.gov.uk. (See Import legislation from www.legislation.gov.uk for details.)
Give the document a clear Version Description, e.g., the name of this Training module.
Import one of the following documents, depending on your document type:
- Northern Ireland Statutory Rules: The Horticulture Pilot Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
- Welsh Statutory Instruments: The Healthy Eating in Schools (Nutritional Standards and Requirements) (Maintained Primary Schools) (Wales) Regulations 2025
- Scottish Statutory Instruments: The Sheep Carcase (Classification and Price Reporting) (Scotland) Regulations 2025
- (UK) Statutory Instruments: The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2025
Open the new document in the Editor.

Exercise 1 - Insert a signature

Insert a signature, including your own name, job title and department (if you want, alternatively put in anything).

Add the placeholder ‘[DATE]’ in place of the date.

Generate a PDF to see how it looks.

Instructions to insert a signature

Select Insert > Insert Signature block;
In the Insert Signature Block window, fill in the relevant fields.
Place your cursor in the Date field. Ignore the calendar that pops up.
Type ‘[DATE]’.
Click elsewhere in the window to exit the Date field.
Click Insert.
Click Document > Generate PDF, then open the PDF from the green popup.

Exercise 2 - Edit the signature

Edit the signature to:

Add a Standard Seal
Change the [DATE] placeholder to an actual date
Change any other details you want.

At the time of writing, if you have a placeholder in the Date field, you may need to go into and click the calendar twice to successfully select the desired date. Furthermore, the Department field may appear to show no information.

A fix is being investigated for this.

Instructions to edit a signature

Find the signature you added in the previous exercise.
Right-click > Update Signature.
Click in the Seal field and select ‘Standard Seal’.
Click in the Date field and select a date (as said, you may need to do this twice).
Update any other information you wish.
Fill in the window and click Update.

Exercise 3 - Delete a signature

Delete the signature you have created.

Instructions to delete a signature

Click in the signature.
Select Signatures from the breadcrumb or Structure view.
Press backspace.