How to sign a PDF (on any device)

Adobe Acrobat Reader (Windows & macOS)

Adobe Acrobat Reader is free, widely available, and the most reliable PDF signing tool on desktop. It supports signatures, initials, and typed text.

1. 1Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. 2In the right panel, click Fill & Sign. If the panel isn't visible, go to Tools → Fill & Sign.
3. 3Click Sign yourself → Add Signature.
4. 4Choose how to create your signature:
   • Type your name and Acrobat styles it to look handwritten
   • Draw it with your mouse or trackpad
   • Image — upload a photo of your handwritten signature
5. 5Click Apply, then click where the signature should appear.
6. 6Save the file with Ctrl + S (or Cmd + S on macOS).

Preview (macOS — free, built-in)

Preview is installed on every Mac and can sign PDFs without any extra software. It even lets you capture your real signature using the camera or your iPhone.

1. 1Open the PDF in Preview.
2. 2Click the Markup toolbar icon (a pencil tip) to reveal the annotation tools.
3. 3Click the Signature button (it looks like a cursive signature) → Create Signature.
4. 4Choose your input method:
   • Trackpad — draw with your finger
   • Camera — sign on white paper, hold it up to the webcam
   • iPhone — draw on your phone's screen, it syncs instantly
5. 5Click Done, then click where the signature should go.
6. 6Resize and position it, then save with Cmd + S.

Web tools (no install required)

For occasional signing without installing anything, several reputable web tools let you upload, sign, and download a PDF in seconds:

• Smallpdf (smallpdf.com) — upload the PDF, draw or type your signature, download the signed file. Free for occasional use.
• iLovePDF (ilovepdf.com) — same workflow, also handles multi-page documents well.
• Adobe online (acrobat.adobe.com) — free account required, but reliable and from the PDF's creator.

iPhone & iPad

iPhones and iPads can sign PDFs natively using the built-in Markup tool — no app to install.

1. 1Open the PDF in the Files app, in Mail, or in any app that supports Markup.
2. 2Tap the Markup icon (pencil tip).
3. 3Tap the + button → Signature.
4. 4Draw your signature with your finger or Apple Pencil.
5. 5Tap Done, then drag the signature to the right spot.
6. 6Tap Done again to save.

Android

The free Adobe Acrobat app on Android provides the same Fill & Sign experience as the desktop version.

1. 1Install Adobe Acrobat from the Play Store (free).
2. 2Open the PDF in the app.
3. 3Tap the pencil icon → Fill & Sign.
4. 4Tap Sign and draw your signature.
5. 5Tap where the signature should appear, then save the document.

Professional workflows

If you regularly send documents for signature — contracts, NDAs, onboarding forms, quotes — a dedicated e-signature platform is worth considering. They handle multi-party signing, automatic reminders, and legally auditable trails.

• DocuSign — the industry standard, legally binding in most countries. Widely used for real estate, finance, and legal documents.
• Dropbox Sign (formerly HelloSign) — simpler interface, good integration with Google Drive and Dropbox.
• Yousign — French provider, eIDAS-qualified, well-suited for European businesses with compliance requirements.

Electronic vs. digital signature — a quick legal note

It's worth knowing the difference:

• Electronic signature — an image of a signature placed on a PDF. This is what all the methods above produce. It is legally valid for the vast majority of business documents in France and across the EU under the eIDAS regulation.
• Qualified digital signature — a cryptographic signature backed by a certified identity verification. Required for a limited set of legal acts (certain real estate transactions, company registration filings).

Don't have a PDF to sign yet? Learn how to create a PDF from any application.