How to Sign a PDF Without Printing It
Printing a document just to sign it and scan it back is slow and wastes paper. You can place a signature directly on the PDF in a couple of minutes.
Step by step
- Open Sign PDF and drop the document. Every page is shown below the signature pad.
- Create your signature in one of three ways: draw it with a mouse, trackpad or finger; type your name in a handwriting-style font; or upload a photo of your signature on white paper (the white background can be removed automatically).
- Go to the right page and click Place signature. Drag it into position and resize from the corner.
- Click Add date if the form asks for one.
- Download the signed PDF.
Nothing is uploaded: the PDF and your signature stay on your device.
Tips for a clean result
- On a phone, typing your name usually looks neater than drawing with a finger.
- For a scanned signature, use black ink on white paper, photographed in good light.
- Need initials on every page? Place a small signature on each one.
What kind of signature is this?
This adds a visible signature — the digital equivalent of signing a printout and scanning it. For everyday agreements, consent forms, rental applications and internal documents that's widely accepted. In the US, the E-SIGN Act and UETA generally recognize electronic signatures; in the EU, eIDAS calls this a "simple electronic signature".
It is not a certificate-based digital signature: it doesn't cryptographically prove who signed or that the file wasn't changed afterwards. Contracts that legally require a qualified or certified signature — and some real-estate, notarial or government documents — need a certified e-signature service or wet ink.
Need to add the signed page to other documents? Combine them with Merge PDF.