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FalsiScan: Make it look like a PDF has been hand signed and scanned (gitlab.com)

939 points by tercio · 1701 days ago · 390 comments on HN

Article summary

A developer created a script called FalsiScan to make a PDF look like it has been hand signed and scanned, in order to save time and resources. The script is available on GitHub and is licensed under the Do What The F*ck You Want To Public License. The developer's goal was to avoid the hassle of printing, signing, and scanning documents for bureaucratic purposes. The script aims to mimic the appearance of a scanned document, complete with imperfections.

Main themes

  • digital signatures
  • bureaucratic requirements
  • PDF editing
  • scanning and printing
  • software features
  • security and trust
  • productivity and efficiency
  • subverting bureaucracy

What commenters say

  • Some commenters find the script useful for saving time and resources when dealing with bureaucratic requirements.
  • Others prefer to use alternative methods, such as drawing signatures with a tablet or using built-in PDF editing features in certain software.
  • There is disagreement over the effectiveness of making a digital signature look like it was scanned, with some arguing it is unnecessary or obvious.
  • Some commenters appreciate the script as a way to subvert bureaucratic requirements, while others see it as a practical solution to a common problem.
  • The discussion also touches on the usefulness of certain software features, such as PDF editing and annotation tools, in completing tasks efficiently.
  • A few commenters mention the potential security risks of uploading sensitive documents to unknown servers or using untrusted software.
  • The script's ability to mimic the appearance of a scanned document is seen as both a benefit and a potential drawback, depending on the context and purpose of use.