How to Sign a PDF for Free (Draw, Type or Use a Photo of Your Signature)

Someone has sent you a PDF to sign: a lease, a permission slip, an offer letter. You don't need to print it, sign it with a pen and scan it back. You can sign it in your browser, for free.

How to sign a PDF, step by step

1. Open the PDF. Go to a free tool to sign a PDF online and choose your file.

2. Press Add signature. You have three ways to make your signature:

  • Draw it with your finger (on a phone or tablet) or with your mouse or trackpad.
  • Type your name and it's shown in a handwriting style.
  • Use a photo of your signature. Sign a sheet of plain white paper, take a close-up photo, and pick that photo.

3. Place it. Drag the signature onto the signature line. Pull its corner to make it bigger or smaller so it fits the line.

4. Add the date. Press Date to add today's date next to your signature. If the form asks for your printed name as well, press Add text, click on the line and type it.

5. Download. Press Download edited PDF. You get a signed copy with "-edited" added to the file name, ready to email back.

How to sign a PDF on your phone

  1. Open the PDF in Safari or Chrome.
  2. Tap Sign in the tools at the bottom of the screen and draw your signature with your finger.
  3. Drag it onto the line and resize it.
  4. Tap Download, then attach the signed file to your email.

A finger signature on a phone usually looks more natural than one drawn with a mouse.

If there's a form to fill in first

Many PDFs you're asked to sign also have boxes to fill in. If the boxes are real form fields, just click one and type, or tick it. If they're only printed lines, press Add text, click on the line and type. Use ✓ to tick a box. Then sign last.

Tips for a signature that looks right

  • Keep it on the line. Resize the signature so it isn't much bigger than the line it sits on.
  • Use a dark pen for a photo signature, and take the photo in good light so the background comes out white.
  • Check the whole file before sending. Open the downloaded copy and scroll through it once, especially if there are several places to sign or initial.

Is this a digital signature?

No. It's a picture of your signature placed on the page, the same kind of signature you get by signing a printout and scanning it.

A digital signature is different: it carries a certificate that proves who signed. If the document says it must be signed through a specific e-signature service, or with a certificate, use that service. If you're not sure whether a signature like this is accepted, ask whoever sent you the document.

Is it free and private?

Yes. There's no account and no watermark. The PDF is opened and signed inside your browser and isn't uploaded to a server, so your signature and the document stay on your device.

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