Printing a form just to sign it, then scanning it back in, is a hassle. Every major device can now sign PDFs directly, and you don't need a paid service for everyday paperwork.
Method 1: Sign with PDFJig (any device)
- Open PDFJig's Sign PDF tool and choose your PDF.
- Click Add signature. Draw it with your mouse or finger, type your name in a script font, or upload a photo of your signature.
- Drag the signature into place and resize it with the corner handle.
- Add the date or your printed name with the Date and Text buttons if needed.
- Click Save signed PDF and download.
Your signature stays in your browser and the PDF you download. Nothing is uploaded or stored.
Method 2: Preview on a Mac
- Open the PDF in Preview and click the Markup button (the pen icon).
- Click the Sign button and create a signature with your trackpad, your Mac's camera, or your iPhone.
- Choose the signature, drag it into place and save.
Method 3: iPhone or iPad
- Open the PDF in the Files app or from an email attachment.
- Tap the Markup (pen) button, then the + button, then Add Signature.
- Sign with your finger, tap Done, and position the signature.
Method 4: Adobe Acrobat Reader
The free Acrobat Reader has a Fill & Sign tool that adds a typed or drawn signature on Windows, Mac and mobile.
Are electronic signatures legally valid?
In the United States, the ESIGN Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (adopted by most states) give electronic signatures the same legal standing as handwritten ones for most agreements. The EU's eIDAS regulation does the same across Europe. Some documents, such as wills and certain court and family-law papers, may still need a handwritten signature or extra formalities, so check if you're unsure.
Tip: An electronic signature is an image or mark showing you agreed. A "digital signature" is different: it uses a certificate to prove who signed and that the file hasn't changed since. Contracts that require certificate-based digital signatures need a dedicated signing service.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to sign a PDF?
Yes. PDFJig, Mac Preview, the iPhone's Markup tool and Adobe Acrobat Reader all let you sign PDFs at no cost.
Can I sign a PDF on my phone?
Yes. Use the iPhone's built-in Markup tool, or open PDFJig in your phone's browser and draw your signature with your finger.
Can someone move or edit my signature afterwards?
Signatures added with PDFJig are drawn into the page itself rather than added as a movable comment. For extra protection, add a password that blocks editing with Protect PDF.