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Guide

How to Sign a PDF for Free (Without Printing It)

Updated 2 min read

To sign a PDF without printing it, open it in a PDF signing tool, create your signature by drawing it with your mouse or finger (or typing your name), click where it should go, resize it to fit the line, add the date, and download the signed file. The whole thing takes about a minute and the signature becomes part of the PDF, so it shows up in every PDF reader.

Try Sign PDF free

Draw, type or upload your signature and sign any PDF.

Runs in your browser. No upload, no sign-up.

Open Sign PDF

Sign a PDF in 5 steps

  1. Open Sign PDF and add your document.
  2. Choose Draw, Type or Upload to create your signature. Drawing with a finger on a phone gives the most natural result.
  3. Click Use this signature, then click on the signature line in the document to place it.
  4. Drag the signature into position and use the corner handle to resize it so it sits neatly on the line.
  5. Click + Add today’s date if the form asks for one, then Save signed PDF and download.

Sign several pages?

Use the page strip under the document to jump between pages. Your signature stays ready, so you can click to place it on every page that needs it.

Draw, type or upload: which signature should you use?

MethodBest forTip
DrawLooking like your real signatureUse a phone or tablet and your finger for smoother lines
TypeSpeed and neatnessPick a handwriting-style font and type your full name
UploadMatching an existing wet-ink signatureSign on white paper, photograph it in good light, and crop tightly

Is an electronic signature legally valid?

In most countries, yes, for everyday agreements. Laws such as the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States and eIDAS in the European Union recognize electronic signatures when the signer intends to sign and agrees to do business electronically. That covers things like rental agreements, freelance contracts, school forms and HR paperwork.

Some documents still need more: wills, certain property deeds, notarized documents, and contracts that specifically require an “advanced” or “qualified” electronic signature with a certificate. If you’re unsure, ask the person who sent you the document what kind of signature they accept.

Keep signed documents safe

  • Save a copy of the signed PDF for your records before sending it.
  • If the document is confidential, add a password with Protect PDF and share the password separately.
  • Avoid signing on public computers. FaaTools processes everything in your browser, so your document is never uploaded, but your downloads folder is still on that machine.

Frequently asked questions

Can I sign a PDF on my iPhone or Android?

Yes. Open Sign PDF in your phone’s browser, draw your signature with your finger, place it and download the signed file.

Will the signature show in Adobe Reader?

Yes. The signature is drawn into the page itself, so it appears in Adobe Reader, Preview, browsers and every other PDF viewer.

Is this the same as a digital signature?

Not exactly. This adds a visible electronic signature. A “digital signature” in the technical sense also embeds a cryptographic certificate that proves the file wasn’t changed. Most everyday forms only need the visible signature.

Tools used in this guide

Sign PDFDraw, type or upload your signature and sign any PDF.PDF EditorEdit PDFs free: add text, images, shapes, highlights, drawings and signatures.Protect PDFPassword-protect a PDF with AES-256 encryption.

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