Gone are the days of printing, signing, scanning, and emailing documents. Electronic signatures let you sign PDFs directly on your computer or phone — no printer or scanner needed.

In this guide, you'll learn how to sign PDF documents digitally in just a few clicks.

Why Sign PDFs Electronically?

  • Save time — Sign documents in seconds, not hours
  • No printing — Better for the environment and your wallet
  • Sign anywhere — Works on any device with internet
  • Instant delivery — Send signed docs immediately
  • Professional appearance — Clean, consistent signatures

How to Sign a PDF Online (Step-by-Step)

Our free tool makes signing PDFs simple. Here's how:

  1. Open the Sign PDF tool
  2. Upload your PDF — Drag and drop or click to select
  3. Create your signature — Draw, type, or upload an image
  4. Position your signature — Click where you want to sign
  5. Adjust size if needed — Resize to fit the signature line
  6. Download — Get your signed PDF

Sign Your PDF Now — Free & Secure

Add your signature in seconds. No registration required.

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Three Ways to Create Your Signature

✍️ Draw Your Signature

Use your mouse, trackpad, or finger (on touch devices) to draw your signature. This creates the most natural-looking result and mimics your actual handwriting.

⌨️ Type Your Name

Simply type your name and choose from signature-style fonts. Quick and professional, great when you need consistency across documents.

📷 Upload Signature Image

If you have a scanned image of your signature, you can upload it. This works well if you want to use your existing signature.

💡 Pro Tip: When drawing your signature, use smooth, confident strokes. If you make a mistake, just clear and try again — practice makes perfect!

Adding Additional Information

Besides your signature, you often need to add:

  • Date — When you signed the document
  • Printed name — Your name in regular text
  • Initials — For initialing individual pages

Our Edit PDF tool lets you add text anywhere on the document, perfect for filling in dates and other fields.

Are Electronic Signatures Legal?

Yes! Electronic signatures are legally valid in most countries:

  • USA — ESIGN Act (2000) makes e-signatures legal
  • EU — eIDAS regulation recognizes electronic signatures
  • UK — Electronic Communications Act 2000
  • Canada — PIPEDA and provincial laws
  • Australia — Electronic Transactions Act

For most everyday documents — contracts, agreements, forms — electronic signatures are fully binding.

⚠️ Exceptions: Some documents still require handwritten signatures or notarization, such as wills, certain real estate deeds, and court documents. Check your local requirements for sensitive legal documents.

Tips for Professional-Looking Signatures

Keep It Consistent

Use the same signature style across all documents. This looks more professional and helps with recognition.

Size Matters

Don't make your signature too small (hard to see) or too large (looks unprofessional). It should fit naturally in the signature area.

Use Dark Colors

Black or dark blue signatures look most professional and scan/copy well. Avoid light colors that might not print clearly.

Securing Your Signed Documents

After signing, you may want to:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my signature stored somewhere?

No. Our tool processes everything in your browser. Your signature and documents never leave your device.

Can I sign on my phone?

Yes! Our tool works on mobile devices. Drawing signatures with your finger works great on touchscreens.

How do I sign multiple pages?

After creating your signature, navigate to each page and click where you want to place it. You can add your signature to as many pages as needed.

Can I add initials instead of a full signature?

Absolutely. Just create a smaller signature with your initials and place it where needed.

What if I need someone else to sign too?

Sign your portion, download the PDF, and send it to the next person to add their signature. They can use the same tool.

Conclusion

Electronic signatures make document signing fast, easy, and paperless. Whether you're signing a contract, completing a form, or approving a document, you can do it all from your browser in seconds.

Ready to sign? Try our free Sign PDF tool — no registration needed, and your documents stay completely private.