Signing a PDF online avoids having to print a document, sign it by hand, then scan it back in to return it. The signature is added directly to the digital file, wherever you want it.
What kinds of documents can be signed this way?
This method works for most documents that need a simple signature without third-party certification: quotes, service agreements between individuals, internal forms, or acknowledgments of receipt. For documents requiring a legally qualified electronic signature — certain notarized contracts, for example — a dedicated certified signature service is still necessary.
Steps to sign a PDF
- Open the Sign PDF tool.
- Import the document you want to sign.
- Draw your signature with a mouse or your finger, or type your name in a handwritten style.
- Place the signature where you want it on the page, adjusting the size if needed.
- Download the signed PDF, ready to send back.
Turning a signed quote into an invoice
Once a quote is signed, the next step is often turning that agreement into an invoice. Our Quote Generator and Invoice Generator tools let you prepare both documents quickly, with automatic total calculations.
Making other edits before signing
If the document also needs a text correction, a stamp, or an annotation before signing, the Edit PDF tool lets you add text directly onto the pages. To confirm that two versions of the same contract are identical before signing, Compare PDF highlights the differences between the two files.
After signing
If the signed file needs to be bundled with other documents — an ID, bank details, terms and conditions — use Merge PDF to combine everything into a single document to send.
Drawn or typed: which signature to choose?
A drawn signature is the closest to your handwriting. On a phone or tablet, you can draw it with your finger, and it tends to feel more personal. A typed signature turns your name into a handwritten-style font, which is neat and consistent and easier to reproduce identically on several documents. Neither is better in general: pick the one that looks natural for the kind of document, and use the same one each time so your signature stays recognizable.
Where to place it
Put the signature on or just above the signature line, and make sure it does not cover printed text such as names, amounts, or dates. Check the preview before applying it, and adjust the size if it looks too large or too small. If the document has several pages that need a signature, add it on each page where one is expected.
What this kind of signature is, and what it is not
A drawn or typed signature placed on a PDF is a simple electronic signature: it shows your intent to sign, but it does not include identity verification or a certificate that proves the document was not modified afterwards. That is generally fine for everyday agreements, such as a quote, a delivery note, or an internal approval. For documents where the law or the other party requires an advanced or qualified electronic signature, such as some contracts and official procedures, you will need a service that provides it. When the stakes are high, ask the recipient what type of signature they accept before you sign.
Keep evidence of what you signed
- Save the signed PDF and the unsigned original together in the same folder.
- Keep the email in which you sent or received the document, because it shows the date and the context.
- Use a clear file name that includes the date, for instance quote-2026-014-signed.pdf.
- If the other party also signs, keep the final version containing both signatures.
If two versions of a document are exchanged before signing, the Compare PDF tool can show exactly what changed, which is worth a few minutes before you put your name on the final text.
Frequently asked questions
Does this signature have legal value?+
A drawn or typed signature is fine for a simple agreement between two parties, but it doesn't carry the same legal status as a qualified electronic signature, which is required for certain official acts.
Can I sign on mobile?+
Yes, the signature can be drawn with your finger directly on a smartphone or tablet, just like with a mouse on desktop.
Can I place several signatures on the same document?+
Yes, you can add your signature in several places on the document if multiple pages or fields need to be initialed.
Is the original document changed on my device?+
No, the tool generates a new signed file to download; the imported PDF isn't altered.