How to sign a PDF online: draw your signature and place it
Printing a document, signing it by hand and scanning it again wastes time. For many everyday forms you can sign the PDF directly on your computer or phone.
What kind of signature this is
There are two broad kinds. A drawn signature is an image of your handwritten signature placed on the page. A digital signature uses a certificate and is tied cryptographically to the document. A drawn signature is enough for many internal forms, permission slips and simple agreements, but some contracts and official procedures require a certified electronic signature. Ask the recipient which they accept, since rules differ between countries and organisations.
How to sign
- Open Sign PDF and choose your document.
- Draw your signature with a mouse, a finger or a stylus.
- Place it on the right page, then move and resize it so it sits on the signature line.
- Download the signed file.
Tips for a clean result
- On a phone or tablet, draw with your finger or a stylus. It looks more natural than a mouse.
- Make the signature about the size of a normal handwritten one, not oversized.
- Keep the original unsigned file and save the signed copy under a new name.
- Check every page that needs a signature or initials before sending.
After signing
If the signed file is too big for email, shrink it with Compress PDF. If it is a multi-part document, combine the pieces with Merge PDF first.
Keep your signature private
Anyone who obtains an image of your signature can try to reuse it, so treat it like a sensitive document. Listok works in your browser, so your file and your signature are not uploaded to our servers.