How to Add a Signature to a Report in Bold Reports

The Signature report item allows end users to capture electronic signatures interactively while viewing a report. Users can draw a signature using a mouse or touch device. The captured signature is embedded directly into the report at runtime. The signature can be captured directly in the Report Viewer without exporting the report.

This article explains how to add the Signature report item in the Designer and enable runtime signing in the Report Viewer.

Prerequisites

• Bold Reports Designer (version 6.0 or later)
• Report published to Bold Reports Server or embedded using the Report Viewer component
• Interactive viewing mode (not PDF export)
• Modern browser with mouse or touch support

Step-by-Step Guide to Enable Runtime Signing

1. Add the Signature report Item

1. Open your report in the Bold Reports Designer.
2. In the Report Items toolbox, locate Signature.
3. Drag and drop the Signature item onto the report canvas at the required location.
4. Resize the item as needed using the resize handles.

2. Preview and test in Report Viewer

1. Save the report and publish it.
2. Open the report in the Bold Reports Report Viewer (embedded or on-premise).
3. Locate the Signature placeholder in the report.

3. Capture the signature at runtime

1. Hover over the Signature item. A pen icon appears.
2. Click the pen icon to open the signature capture dialog.
3. Draw your signature using a mouse or touch input.
4. (Optional) Modify the stroke color or thickness using the toolbar options.
5. Click OK to insert the signature into the report.

The signature becomes part of the report and persists during export (PDF, image, and other supported formats).

Live demo of signature capture:

How runtime signing works

The Signature report item initially appears as an empty placeholder. At runtime, the Report Viewer provides a drawing canvas for signature capture. After confirmation, the signature is stored as an image within the report and behaves like a standard image item during printing or exporting.

Best practices

• Place the Signature item in a footer or dedicated approval section.
• Add a descriptive label (for example, “Approved by:”) next to the Signature item.
• Use report parameters (such as UserID or Date) to display signer details.
• Test the functionality on both desktop and mobile devices.
• For advanced security requirements, integrate external e-signature services using custom code.

Limitations

• Works only in interactive Report Viewer mode. The signature must be captured before exporting.
• The signature is stored as a raster image and is not a cryptographic digital signature.
• To clear a signature, reopen the capture dialog or resetting the report.
• The maximum drawing area is limited to the dimensions of the Signature report item.

Related articles

• Signature Report Item Overview