How to Sign a PDF Online Without Printing It

To sign a PDF without printing and scanning it, open Sign PDF, add the document, create your signature — draw it, type your name, or upload a photo of your signature — then tap the page where it goes and download the signed copy. It takes about a minute, it's free, and the document stays on your device.

Sign a PDF step by step

1. Open Sign PDF and add the PDF. It opens on the last page, where signatures usually go; use the arrows to move to another page.
2. Under Your signature, choose how to create it:
   • Draw — sign with your mouse, trackpad or finger. Pick black or blue ink, and Clear to try again.
   • Type — type your name and it's written in a handwriting style.
   • Upload image — choose a photo of your signature on white paper; the paper is removed automatically.
3. Click Use this signature.
4. Click the page where the signature belongs. Drag it to the exact spot — onto the line — and adjust Size until it fits.
5. Need it on several pages, or initials on every page? Go to each page and click Add signature to this page.
6. Click Download signed PDF. The file is saved with "-signed" added to its name.

Which signature style to use

• Drawing looks most like your real signature. A trackpad is awkward for this; a phone or tablet screen and a finger work much better, which is why many people sign on their phone.
• Typing is quick and always neat, and it's widely accepted for everyday agreements such as quotes, tenancy renewals and school forms.
• Uploading is best when you want the signature you use on paper: sign a blank sheet with a dark pen, photograph it in good light, and upload. You can reuse the photo every time.

Fill in the form before you sign

Sign last. Typing names, dates and answers after signing risks moving things around and makes it look as if the document changed after you signed it.

• If the PDF has fillable fields, complete them with Fill PDF Form.
• If it doesn't, type onto the page with Add Text to PDF — that's also how you add the date next to your signature.

Then open the completed PDF in Sign PDF.

Is an electronic signature legally valid?

For a great many documents, yes. In the United States (under the ESIGN Act and UETA), the European Union (eIDAS), the UK and many other countries, an electronic signature — including an image of your handwritten one — is generally legally binding for everyday contracts, consent forms and agreements, as long as both sides intend to sign.

There are exceptions. Some documents need a handwritten signature on paper, a witness or a notary, or a certificate-based "qualified" digital signature: wills, some property deeds, certain court and government filings. This tool places an image of your signature; it doesn't add a cryptographic certificate that proves the document hasn't been changed. When in doubt, ask whoever requested the signature which kind they accept.

Sending the signed PDF

• To stop anyone from editing filled-in fields after you've signed, run the file through Flatten PDF.
• For sensitive documents, add a password with Protect PDF and send the password separately — by text message, for example.

Frequently asked questions

Is my signature stored anywhere?

No. The document and your signature are processed in your browser; nothing is uploaded to a server, and nothing is kept when you close the page.

Can I sign on my phone?

Yes, and it's often the easiest way to draw a signature. See how to sign a PDF on iPhone for the phone-specific steps.

Can someone else sign the same PDF?

Yes. Send them the signed copy; they open it in Sign PDF, add their own signature and download a new version.

The download says the PDF is protected — what now?

Some PDFs block changes. If it's your document and you have the password, remove the protection with Unlock PDF, then sign the unlocked copy.