How to sign a PDF without printing it

Printing a document just to sign it and scan it back wastes paper and usually gives a crooked, grey scan. Signing the PDF directly takes two minutes and looks better.

The quick way

1. Open Sign PDF and drop the document.
2. Draw your signature with a finger, a stylus or the mouse — or switch to Type and enter your name.
3. Pick the page, then tap where the signature goes. Adjust the size with the slider.
4. Click Sign PDF and download the signed copy.

Everything happens in your browser: the document and your signature are not uploaded, and the signature is not kept once you leave the page.

Fill the form first

If the document has fields to complete — name, date, tick boxes — fill them with Fill PDF Form before signing, then tick Flatten so the answers can't be changed and show in every viewer. Sign that flattened copy last.

Make it look right

• Sign on a phone. A finger on a touchscreen gives a more natural line than a mouse.
• Size it like on paper. Around 25–30% of the page width is typical; the preview shows exactly where it will land.
• Leave the date to the form. If a date field exists, fill it rather than writing it next to the signature.
• Several pages to sign? Sign one, download, reload the signed file and sign the next. To send everything as one document, use Merge PDF.

Is a visual signature valid?

For most everyday documents — quotes, purchase orders, rental applications, school and HR forms — a signature image on the PDF is accepted, just like a scanned signature.

Some procedures explicitly require a certificate-based electronic signature (called "advanced" or "qualified" in the EU, and used for certain notarial, real-estate and public-sector acts). That kind proves who signed and that the file has not changed since; it requires an identity check by a trust-service provider. If the document or the organisation asks for it by name, use the service they indicate.

Before you send it

A signed contract often contains personal details. If you send it by email, consider protecting it with a password and giving the password by phone or text message — never in the same email.