Do you want to add your signature to a document without the hassle of printing it out, signing it by hand, and then scanning it back in? You’re in luck! Today, it’s easier than ever to electronically sign a PDF, whether you’re on a Windows PC, a Mac, or even a mobile device. This guide will walk you through the process in great detail, so even if you’re completely new to this, you’ll be able to confidently add your electronic signature to any PDF document.
1. Using Our Online Tool
At PDFtoPDF.io, we are dedicated to providing the best possible online PDF editing and conversion experience, completely free of charge. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to electronically sign your PDF files, our free online eSign PDF tool is the perfect solution.
Unlike traditional methods that require software installation or navigating through complicated steps—like those on iOS—our tool is entirely online, privacy-focused, and incredibly user-friendly. Plus, it’s universally accessible on any device, whether you’re using iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, or Linux.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to eSigning a PDF using our Online PDF Editor:
1. Begin by opening our free Online eSign PDF Tool by visiting https://pdftopdf.io/esign-pdf/ in your web browser.
2. Once you’re on the Online PDF Editor page, click the “Choose File” button to select the PDF file from your device. Alternatively, you can use Dropbox to import a PDF or paste the URL of a PDF file stored online.
3. After selecting your PDF file, it will be imported and processed for editing. Once processed, you’ll see a preview of your PDF file along with several options to add a signature in the left pane.
You can choose to:
- Add Text as a Signature by typing (large “T” icon),
- Add an Image as a Signature (image icon), or
- Draw Your Own Signature (pen icon).
For illustration, let’s choose to draw the signature by clicking the pen icon.
4. A Signature Pad will appear on your screen. Use your input device (such as a mouse, touchpad, or stylus) to draw your signature, then click the “ADD” button.
5. Your signature will appear in the preview area, allowing you to see how it looks. Once you’re satisfied, click the “PLACE SIGNATURE” button to add the signature to the PDF.
6. Your cursor will now turn into a plus sign.
Use it to select the area of the PDF where you want to place your signature.
When you release the cursor, your signature will be added to the PDF.
7. Once you’re finished adding the signature, click the “Save” button at the top of the page to save your changes.
8. Finally, click the “Download” button to save the edited PDF to your device.
With PDFtoPDF.io, electronically signing your PDF files is straightforward, secure, and can be done in just a few simple steps on any device, anywhere.
2. Using Preview on Mac
1. Find the PDF file you want to sign in Finder. Click on the PDF to highlight it. Go to the top menu bar, click on File, select Open With, and then choose Preview from the list.
2. Once your PDF is open in Preview, you need to access the markup tools to add your signature. Look for the “Show Markup Toolbar” icon, which looks like the tip of a pen inside a circle, located next to the search bar at the top. Click on it to reveal a toolbar with various annotation tools.
3. Now it’s time to create your signature. Click on the Signature icon in the markup toolbar. A drop-down menu will appear. If you have an existing signature saved, you’ll see it here. Otherwise, click Create Signature.
4. You have three options for creating your signature:
- Trackpad: Use your finger or a stylus to write your signature on the Mac’s trackpad.
- Camera: Sign your name on a piece of paper and hold it in front of your Mac’s camera to scan it.
- iPhone/iPad: If your iPhone or iPad is signed into the same account as your Mac, use its screen to write your signature.
5. Once you’re happy with your signature click Done. Your signature will be saved and can be reused in the future.
6. With your signature saved, you can now insert it into the PDF. Click the Signature icon again, and select your signature from the list. Click anywhere on the PDF where you want your signature to appear. You can then resize and reposition it as needed.
7. Finally, make sure to save your signed document. Go to File in the top menu bar, and select Save. Your PDF will now include your signature.
3. Using Adobe Reader or Acrobat on Windows or Mac
1. If you don’t already have Adobe Reader or Acrobat installed on your computer, you’ll need to do this first. You can download Adobe Reader for free from the Adobe website, or if you prefer more advanced features, consider purchasing Adobe Acrobat.
2. Once Adobe Reader or Acrobat is installed:
- On Windows: Right-click the PDF file, select Open with, and choose Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- On Mac: Click the PDF file, go to File in the menu, select Open With, and choose Adobe Acrobat Reader.
3. Click on the Tools tab at the top of the Adobe Reader or Acrobat window. Find and click on Fill & Sign. This will open a new toolbar.
4. Find and click on Fill & Sign. This will open a new toolbar.
5. In the Fill & Sign toolbar, Click on Sign in the upper-right corner.
6. Choose Add Signature from the drop-down menu.
5. Adobe offers three ways to create your signature:
- Type: Enter your name, and Adobe will generate a stylized signature for you.
- Draw: Use your mouse or trackpad to draw your signature.
- Image: If you have a photo of your signature, you can upload it here.
6. Once your signature is created, Click Apply. Your signature will be saved and ready to use. Click on the spot in the document where you want your signature to appear. You can move and resize it as needed.
7. To finalize your signed document, Press Ctrl+S (on Windows) or ⌘ Command+S (on Mac) to bring up the save dialog. Choose your save location, rename the file if needed, and click Save.
4. Using Markup on iPhone or iPad
1. Open the Files app and tap on the PDF you want to sign. Once the PDF file open, tap on the markup option (marker nib in a circle) located at the bottom.
2. In the Markup interface, Tap the + icon in the bottom right corner. Select Add Signature from the options.
3. If you don’t already have a saved signature, Draw your signature on the screen using your finger or stylus.
4. Drag and position the signature on the document where you want it to appear.
5. Once your signature is in place. Tap Done in the top right corner. Your PDF will be saved with the signature.
5. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile App
1. Start by opening the Adobe Acrobat Reader app on your iOS or Android device. If you’re not already signed in, use your Adobe, Google, or Facebook account to log in.
2. Once in the app, Tap Files at the bottom of the screen.
Browse for the PDF you want to sign. You can find files on your device, in the Adobe Document Cloud, or in Dropbox.
3. Locate and tap on the Fill & Sign option from the bottom toolbar.
4. To create your signature, Tap the Sign icon, which looks like a fountain pen nib.
5. Then, choose the Add Signature option.
6. Adobe offers multiple ways to add your signature:
- Draw: Write your signature using your finger or a stylus.
- Image: Upload an image of your signature.
- Camera: Take a picture of your signature on paper.
7. After creating your signature, Tap on the area in the PDF where you want your signature to appear. Adjust its size and position if necessary.
8. Finally, Tap Done in the top left corner to save your signature and the signed PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use other apps to sign a PDF on mobile devices?
Yes, in addition to Adobe Acrobat Reader and Preview, many other apps like DocuSign, SignNow, and even Microsoft Word allow you to sign PDFs.
Is an electronic signature legally binding?
In most cases, yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding in many countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Canada. However, it’s important to verify the specific regulations in your jurisdiction.
Can I remove or change a signature after adding it to a PDF?
Yes, as long as the document is not locked or finalized, you can usually remove or replace a signature by reopening the document in the software you used to sign it.
What if I don’t have a trackpad or a camera?
If you’re using a desktop without a trackpad or camera, you can still create a signature using your mouse, or you can upload an image of your signature.
How do I create a signature on a touchscreen device?
On devices like an iPhone, iPad, or Android tablet, you can easily draw your signature using your finger or a stylus in apps like Adobe Acrobat Reader or the built-in Markup tool.
Adding an electronic signature to a PDF is a simple process that can save you time and hassle. Whether you’re using a Mac, Windows PC, or mobile device, there are multiple ways to electronically sign your documents. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to confidently add your signature to any PDF, ensuring that your documents are signed and ready to go without ever needing to pick up a pen.
Feel free to use this detailed guide on your website, PDF to PDF, to help users easily navigate the process of electronically signing PDFs!
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