How to Create a Digital Signature with Affinity Photo

To extract a black signature from a white background in Affinity Photo and create a reusable digital signature, the most straightforward method is using the "Erase White Paper" filter.

Steps to Extract Your Signature (Affinity Photo)

1. Scan or Photograph your signature written in black ink on clean white paper. Ensure the image is well-lit and high-resolution for the best results.

2. Open the image in Affinity Photo.

3. Adjust Levels (Optional but Recommended): To ensure the white background is pure white and the signature is pure black, apply a Levels adjustment layer (Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Levels Adjustment). In the Levels panel, drag the white level slider (rightmost input slider) to the left and the black level slider (leftmost input slider) to the right until the background is stark white and the signature is dark and clear.

4. Remove the White Background: Go to the menu Filters > Colours > Erase White Paper. This will make the white areas of the image transparent, leaving only the signature on a checkerboard background.

5. Crop the image (Optional): Use the Selection Brush Tool or draw a rectangular selection marquee around the signature to trim excess transparent space. Go to Edit > Copy, then File > New From Clipboard. This creates a new document perfectly sized to the signature.

6. Export as PNG: Export the signature as a PNG file to preserve the transparency. Go to File > Export and select PNG as the format. Ensure the background is transparent in the preview and click Export.