{"id":3330,"date":"2025-02-06T11:00:11","date_gmt":"2025-02-06T10:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.d-velop.com\/blog\/?p=3330"},"modified":"2025-09-24T09:20:38","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T07:20:38","slug":"xml-signature","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.d-velop.com\/blog\/process-automation\/xml-signature\/","title":{"rendered":"XML signature: How to sign an XML file"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The XML signature is an indispensable tool in the modern digital world that ensures the authenticity and integrity of XML data. In this blog article, you will learn how to sign an XML file to ensure that the data is unaltered and from a trusted source. We will explain the necessary steps and best practices to create a secure and reliable XML signature. Whether you work in IT, e-commerce or the public sector, knowing about XML signatures will help you increase the security of your digital documents and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Dive into the world of XML signatures and learn how to effectively protect your XML data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>Essential Knowledge Before Implementing XML Signatures<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What is the XML format?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The XML format allows users to save data in a structure that can be read by machines (unlike the classic PDF). The term “XML” stands for “Extensible Markup Language”, which translates as “extensible markup language”. The XML format is a standard that enables the exchange of structured information between applications. As an XML file is formatted as a text document, it can be displayed, read and edited using a simple text editor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is an XML file?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An XML file can be regarded as a text-based database. The XML file uses user-defined tags such as “<H1>” and has now replaced the HTML file as the standard method for saving and transferring between programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is an XML signature?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

An XML signature<\/strong> is a digital signature<\/a> format that has been specially developed for XML data. It is a specification for the use of digital signatures in XML format. It enables the authentication and integrity of XML documents and is often used in web services and other XML-based applications. Depending on the type of document being signed, a specific signature format – the “language” of the signature, so to speak – is used. In the case of an XML file, the signature format is usually XAdES. The formats are defined in international specifications.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What XML signature methods are there?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are two signature methods, the “internal” and the “external” signature. With the internal signature, the signature is applied directly to the XML document. With the external signature, on the other hand, it is created in a separate signature file. This means that there is an original file and a signature file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/span>How to sign an XML with d.velop sign<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The document – in this case an annual financial statement – must be created in XML format. This is how you proceed step-by-step to sign the XML:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. The author signs the XML document first<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. All authorised signatories then sign with an external signature. The current signature file can be extended or a signature file can be created for each signatory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. In the international area, attention must be paid to the corresponding ending of the XML file. The file name of the signature file must have the file extension XAdES for Poland, for example. If this is not the case, the signature file must be renamed manually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Once all obligated persons have signed, the document can be sent to the auditor. The auditor receives the signed documents and checks their content for correctness.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. As soon as the auditor has confirmed the documents, they are ready to be sent to the registry court. To do this, the company must register online. In the case study, this is possible for Polish companies on the government website<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. The qualified signed XML file can now be uploaded.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    <\/span>Advantages of the XML signature with d.velop sign<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The XML signature offers numerous advantages for companies and organisations, making it an indispensable tool in the digital working world. Here is an overview of the most important advantages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n