How to Sign a PDF (Free, No Printing)

Mac (Preview)

Open the PDF in Preview.
Click the Markup (pen) icon > Sign icon > Create Signature.
Sign on the trackpad, hold a signature on paper up to the camera, or use your iPhone.
Click the signature to place it. Drag to position and resize.
File > Save.

Windows (Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)

Open the PDF in Acrobat Reader.
Choose Fill & Sign > Sign yourself > Add signature.
Type, Draw or Image (upload a photo of your signature).
Click to place it, then save.

Windows (Microsoft Edge)

Open the PDF in Edge > Draw > sign with a mouse, pen or touchscreen > Save. Handy but less neat than Acrobat’s signature tool.

iPhone and iPad

Open the PDF in Files (or from Mail).
Tap the Markup (pen) icon > + > Add Signature.
Sign with your finger, tap Done, then position it.

Android

Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app: Fill & Sign > signature icon > create and place.

Need signatures from others?

E-signature services (DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign, Dropbox Sign and others) send the document, collect signatures in order, and produce an audit trail. Learn more: Electronic vs digital signatures.

Frequently asked questions

Is a signature added this way legally valid?

In the US, EU, UK and many other countries, simple electronic signatures are legally valid for most agreements. Some documents (wills, some property and court filings) have stricter rules.

How do I stop someone from moving or copying my signature?

After signing, flatten the PDF (Print > Save as PDF) so the signature is merged into the page. For stronger protection use a digital signature, which shows any later changes.