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Guide ·

How to sign a PDF online

To sign a PDF you don't need to print it, sign it and scan it back in. With Sign PDF you create your signature once and place it wherever the document asks for it.

Sign PDF

Draw, type or upload a signature and place it on the page.

Step by step

  1. 01

    Open Sign PDF and add the document

    Drop the PDF you've been asked to sign.

  2. 02

    Create your signature

    Draw it with a mouse, finger or stylus; type your name and pick one of three handwriting styles; or upload a photo or scan of your signature.

  3. 03

    Place it

    Click the page where it belongs, then drag and resize it. Click again to place it on other pages, for example to initial each page.

  4. 04

    Sign and download

    Select Sign PDF and download the signed copy.

Electronic signatures vs digital signatures

Sign PDF adds an electronic signature: a picture of your signature placed on the page. That is what many everyday documents ask for, such as forms, permission slips and simple agreements.

A certificate-based digital signature is different. It uses a certificate issued to the signer to prove who signed and to show whether the file changed afterwards. PocketPDF doesn't create certificate-based signatures. If the person or organisation asking for your signature needs one, use a service that issues signing certificates. Whether an electronic signature is acceptable depends on the document and where you are, so check with whoever asked you to sign. Electronic vs digital signatures explains the difference in more detail.

Fill in the form before you sign

If the document has form fields, complete them with Fill PDF form first, then sign the filled copy. For a flat form without fields, type your answers with Add text in Edit PDF.

Tips for a clean signature

  • For an uploaded signature, sign on plain white paper with a dark pen and photograph it in good light.
  • Draw slowly; a larger signature scaled down looks smoother than a small one.
  • After signing, you can add a password with Protect PDF before you send the file.

Questions

Is my signature saved?
It's part of the signed document and the signature image used to place it. If you don't sign in, both are deleted after an hour; once you sign in to download, they stay in Documents until you delete them.
Can someone else sign the same PDF?
Yes. Send them the signed copy and they can add their own signature to it the same way.