How signing works here
Signing a PDF in this tool takes three steps: make a signature, place it on the page, and save. The signature becomes a transparent PNG image, so only the ink shows and the lines of a form stay visible underneath. When you save, the image is drawn into the PDF at the exact spot you chose, at the size you chose. Dates are written as real text in Helvetica, so they stay crisp and searchable.
Everything happens on your device. Your signature is never uploaded, never stored, and disappears when you close the page.
Three ways to create a signature
| Method | How | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Draw | Sign with a mouse, a finger or a stylus in the white box | The most personal result, especially on a phone or tablet |
| Type | Type your name and pick one of three handwriting-style fonts | A quick, tidy signature on a computer |
| Upload | Choose a photo or scan of your signature on paper | Matching your real pen signature exactly |
When drawing, the tool smooths your strokes with gentle curves so a shaky mouse line still looks natural, and a stylus that reports pressure gets slightly thicker lines where you press harder. For uploads, Remove white or paper background makes the paper transparent and keeps the ink. In every case the image is trimmed to the ink, so it is easy to size.
Placing, moving and resizing
Click or tap anywhere on a page to drop your signature there, centred on the spot. Then:
- Drag the signature to move it.
- Drag the round corner handle to make it bigger or smaller; the proportions stay the same.
- Press the red × to remove it.
- With a keyboard, Tab to a placed item, use the arrow keys to nudge it (hold Shift for bigger steps), + and − to resize, and Delete to remove it.
Switch What a click adds to Date to stamp today’s date in the format you choose, for example next to “Date:” on a form. You can place as many signatures and dates as you need, such as initials on every page of a lease.
Worked example: signing a rental agreement
Your landlord emailed a 7-page agreement that needs your initials on each page and a full signature and date on page 7.
- Choose the PDF. All 7 pages appear in the editor.
- Under Draw, sign your full name and press Use this signature.
- Click the signature line on page 7. Drag the corner handle until it fits the line.
- Switch to Date, choose the format 21 October 2026, and click next to “Date:”.
- For initials, press New signature or initials, draw your initials and press Use this signature. Your full signature stays on page 7, and clicks now place the initials. Click once on each of pages 1–6.
- Click Sign and save PDF and download
agreement-signed.pdf.
Simple electronic signature vs. digital signature
There are two very different things called “signing a PDF”:
- A simple electronic signature, which is what this tool makes, is a visible mark that shows your intent to sign. It is widely accepted for everyday paperwork such as rental agreements, school forms, delivery notes and many business contracts. In the United States the ESIGN Act, and in the European Union the eIDAS regulation, recognise electronic signatures in general.
- A certificate-based digital signature uses cryptography and an identity certificate to prove who signed and to show whether the file changed afterwards. It needs special software and an issued certificate. This tool does not create one.
Some documents, such as wills, powers of attorney, and certain government or court filings, may require a handwritten, notarised or qualified signature. When in doubt, ask whoever requested your signature.
Tips
- Protect the signed copy. Anyone can copy an image from a PDF, so share signed documents only with the people who need them. Add a password with Protect PDF for extra safety.
- Combine paperwork. Put a signed form together with supporting documents using Merge PDF.
- Paper form? Photograph it and convert it with JPG to PDF, then sign it here.
- Password-protected files must be unlocked first with the password you know.
- Not sure an electronic signature is enough? Our guide on how to sign a PDF explains when a simple e-signature is accepted and when you need a certificate-based digital signature.