How to sign a PDF online without printing
Updated 4 min readBy Total PDF Tools
Quick answer
To sign a PDF without printing it, open Sign PDF, add the document and create your signature by drawing it with a mouse or finger, typing your name in a handwriting font, or uploading a photo of your signature. Place it on the page, resize it, add the date if needed and download the signed PDF. Everything happens in your browser, so the document is never uploaded.
Open Sign PDFStep by step
- 1
Open Sign PDF
Go to the Sign PDF tool and add the PDF you need to sign.
- 2
Create your signature
Draw it, type your name and pick a handwriting style, or upload a photo. A photo's white background can be removed automatically.
- 3
Place it
Go to the right page, drag the signature into position and resize it. Add the date or initials with one click.
- 4
Download
Save the signed PDF. The signature is drawn into the page so it looks the same in every viewer.
Make the signed document harder to change
After signing, two extra steps help protect the result:
- Flatten PDF burns filled form fields and annotations into the page so they can't be edited.
- Protect PDF adds a password and can block editing before you email the contract.
Is this a legally valid signature?
A drawn or typed signature placed on a PDF is a simple electronic signature. In many countries, including under the EU's eIDAS regulation and the US ESIGN Act, simple electronic signatures are legally recognised for everyday agreements such as rental forms, consent forms and most business contracts. Some documents (for example certain property or court documents) require a qualified or certificate-based digital signature. When in doubt, check with the party asking for your signature.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an account to sign a PDF?
No. Sign PDF works without sign-up and nothing is stored after you close the page.
Can I sign on my phone?
Yes. Signing with your finger on a phone or tablet usually gives the most natural-looking signature.
Is this the same as a certificate-based digital signature?
No. Sign PDF adds a visual electronic signature. It doesn't apply a cryptographic certificate.