How to Sign a PDF Electronically
Upload your PDF, choose "Draw," "Type," or "Upload" for your signature, place it on the page, and click "Sign." Download the signed PDF.
Introduction
Sign PDF is a free online tool that lets you add electronic signatures to PDF documents. Whether you need to sign contracts, approve forms, or authorize agreements, electronic signatures save time by eliminating the need to print, sign, and scan documents. PDFly offers three signature methods: Draw (draw with mouse or trackpad), Type (type your name in a cursive font), and Upload (upload a scanned image of your signature). Electronic signatures created with PDFly are legally binding in most jurisdictions, including the US (ESIGN Act) and EU (eIDAS Regulation). Unlike other signing tools that upload your documents to remote servers, PDFly processes everything in your browser — your documents never leave your device. There are no file size limits, no daily usage caps, no watermarks, and no account required. This tutorial covers every signing option, with legal best practices, troubleshooting, and FAQs.
Step-by-Step Guide
Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop your PDF onto the signing workspace, or click to browse and select it.
Create Your Signature
Choose "Draw" to draw with mouse/trackpad, "Type" to type your name in cursive font, or "Upload" to upload an image.
Place and Resize
Drag the signature to the desired position. Use corner handles to resize. Adjust opacity if needed.
Sign and Download
Click "Sign" to embed the signature into the PDF. The signed document downloads instantly.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
Save your signature for reuse — the tool can store it locally.
For legal documents, add a date stamp next to your signature.
Use "Upload" for the most authentic signature — scan your actual signature.
Multiple signatures can be added by repeating the process.
Common Use Cases
Sign Contracts
Sign business contracts and agreements without printing, signing, and scanning.
Approve Documents
Sign approval forms and authorization documents electronically.
Legal Documents
Sign legal documents and forms with legally binding electronic signatures.
Key Features
Three Signature Methods
Draw, type, or upload your signature.
Drag & Drop Placement
Place the signature anywhere on the page.
Resizable & Adjustable
Resize and adjust opacity of your signature.
100% Private
All signing happens in your browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding in most jurisdictions, including the US (ESIGN Act) and EU (eIDAS Regulation).
Yes. After placing the first signature, repeat the process to add additional signatures.
An electronic signature is a visual representation. A digital signature uses cryptographic certificates. This tool creates electronic signatures.
Common Issues & Solutions
Signature looks pixelated or low quality
For the best quality, use the Upload method with a high-resolution scanned signature image (300 DPI PNG with transparent background). Drawn signatures may look pixelated on high-DPI displays.
Can't place signature on the right page
Use page navigation to go to the correct page before placing your signature. The signature is placed on the currently displayed page.
Signature is too small or too large
Use the corner handles to resize the signature after placing it. Drag the corners to scale proportionally. Adjust opacity if the signature is too prominent.
Need multiple signatures on one document
After placing the first signature, repeat the process to add additional signatures. You can mix different signature methods (e.g., one drawn and one uploaded) on the same document.
Ready to Try Sign PDF?
Put this tutorial into practice right now. Sign PDF is free, browser-based, and requires no signup.
Open Sign PDF