How to Sign a PDF Document Online

Sign documents electronically from computer, tablet or phone and streamline workflows. Fast, easy, and completely free.

Follow these simple steps to learn how to eSign a PDF file online:

  • Sign up for a free account on Sign.Plus.

  • Go to the Sign section, upload the PDF documents you wish to sign electronically, and click on Sign Myself.

  • Select the fields you would like to add to your document.

  • eSign PDF file right away.

Step-by-step Guide on How to Online Sign PDF Document

1

Upload document(s)

upload documents

From your Sign.Plus dashboard, find the Sign tool. Scan (mobile only) or upload your document(s). Select who needs to sign the document(s). If you selected Request Signature instead of Sign Myself, you will be prompted to add the recipient name, email, and designated signing step here.

2

Edit and eSign

edit sign documents

Select from a variety of placements ranging from signature, text, and initials to date and checkboxes. Edit the document(s) by dragging placements freely, and by roaming through font and color options. If you selected Sign Myself on Step #1, you will be prompted to sign at this step.

3

Send your document

send documents online

Well done! Your document is ready. Please follow the prompts for sending out your document. Otherwise, click on Download to access your finished document right away.

7 Different Methods to Sign a PDF document

If you need help with inserting an online signature to a PDF, take a look at our detailed guide below:

How to Sign a PDF Document Electronically?

1. Upload your PDF

If you’re looking for how to sign a PDF document electronically, start by logging into your Sign.Plus account. In your Dashboard, head over to the Sign section. To add your file, either select the grey box labeled “Click here to upload” or simply drag and drop your PDF. Arrange multiple files in the desired sequence—remember, the top file becomes the first page of your signed PDF.

2. Click on Request Signature.

After you’ve uploaded your file and are ready to digitally sign PDF documents, click on the Request Signature button.

3. Add Receiver Name and Email Address and click Next

In the Add Recipients phase, provide the signer(s) details for how to e sign a PDF:

  • Add Recipient: Input each signer’s name and email address. These individuals will need to add electronic signatures to PDF files or simply acknowledge receipt.

  • Add Signing Step: Define the order in which each signer will get the document. 

  • When finished, hit Next.

4. Add Signature Field to PDF

In the Add Fields section, choose each signer and assign where they must sign or initial. If you’re unsure how to insert a  signature in PDF documents, just follow these steps:

  • Under Recipient, use the dropdown to pick the correct individual who must sign your PDF.

  • Under Add Fields, place a signature, initials, date fields, checkboxes, or text fields onto the document.

  • If you need to switch the assigned signer for a particular field, simply click on that field and select a different signer in the right-hand editor.

This is how you can seamlessly add an electronic signature to a PDF and know how to sign on PDF files without hassle.

5. Customize your PDF Signature Request

Ready to finalize how to electronically sign a PDF for free? After placing all required fields, select Next to enter the Review section. Here, personalize your request to improve the signing experience:

  • Email Subject

  • Email Message

  • Document Name

  • Reminders

  • Document Expiry

Once done, click Send. Your recipients will be notified via email or push notification, making it simple for them to figure out how to sign on PDF documents.

6. Finish Signing and Track the Progress

Curious about the status or how do you sign a PDF document through Sign.Plus? In the Documents area of your Dashboard, locate the file you sent and click on Status to monitor who has signed and what remains pending. This helps you stay updated on every step, ensuring you know exactly how to sign in PDF and track each document’s progress.

Sign a PDF by Typing Your Signature

Typing your signature is quick and straightforward. Tools like Sign.Plus stylize your typed name to resemble a handwritten signature.

  • Log in to Sign.Plus. If you don't have an account, you can create one for free.

  • Click on "Sign" and upload your document.

  • Select either "Sign Myself" or "Request Signature."

  • Add a signature field. It will contain your default typed signature.

  • Send your document for signature or sign it yourself.

Note: If you want to choose your typed signature style, it's very easy with Sign.Plus. Simply go to Settings > Set Signature, click on "Change," and then choose your preferred style

Drawing Your Signature

For a more personalized touch, draw your signature directly using your mouse, touchscreen, or stylus.

  • Log in to Sign.Plus. If you don't have an account, you can create one for free.

  • Go to setting, on the set signature, click on change.

  • Go the Draw tab and use your mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, or stylus to draw your signature. Once you are done with your signature click on Confirm

  • Click on "Sign" and upload your document.

  • Select either "Sign Myself" or "Request Signature."

  • Add a signature field. It will contain your handwritten dawn signature.

  • Send your document for signature or sign it yourself.

Alternative: Visit Sign.Plus Draw Signature Generator to create a custom handwritten signature which then you can upload to Sign.Plus, simply go to Settings > Set Signature, click on "Change," and then click "Upload" and choose "Upload Image."

Uploading an Image of Your Signature

Uploading your handwritten signature image is ideal if you prefer an authentic look.

  • Sign your name clearly on a white piece of paper.

  • Scan the paper or take a clear photograph with your smartphone.

  • Log in to Sign.Plus. If you don't have an account, you can create one for free.

  • Go to setting, on the set signature, click on change.

  • Go the Upload tab and Upload the image of your signature. Adjust brightness and crop your signature until you are happy with the result.

  • Click on "Sign" and upload your document.

  • Select either "Sign Myself" or "Request Signature."

  • Add a signature field. It will contain your signature as an image.

  • Send your document for signature or sign it yourself.

Using a Digital Certificate (Digital Signature)

Digital signatures provide security and validation, using digital certificates issued by trusted authorities.

  • Obtain a digital certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA).

  • Open your PDF in software supporting digital certificates, like Adobe Acrobat.

  • Select "Certificates" and choose "Digitally Sign."

  • Select your digital certificate.

  • Place the digital signature in your PDF and finalize the process.

Screenshot-and-Paste Method

This simple method involves taking a screenshot of your signature and pasting it into your PDF.

  • Write your signature clearly on paper.

  • Take a clear photo or screenshot of the signature.

  • Open your PDF document.

  • Insert your image and upload the screenshot, and position it appropriately.

Writing Directly on the PDF

If you have a steady hand, you can directly sign your PDF using annotation tools.

  • Open your PDF document on a PDF annotation tool.

  • Select the "Draw" or "Annotate" tool.

  • Use your mouse or stylus to manually sign directly onto the PDF.

  • Save the changes to secure your signature in the document.

Use Sign.Plus to Sign PDF Documents Online

Eco-friendly Signing Solution

Sign.Plus helps businesses and individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the environment by enabling users to send and sign PDF documents electronically, reducing the need for printing and physical document handling.

Save Time and Maximize Productivity

With Sign.Plus, users can streamline their PDF document signing processes. Without the need to print and scan, everything can be done online in an efficient and time-saving manner. This improves user workflow productivity and effectively saves valuable time.

Security and Compliance

Sign.Plus complies with industry regulations, such as eIDAS, ESIGN, and ZertES, ensuring that businesses can maintain their legal and regulatory obligations while using the platform. Offering some of the strongest security and privacy protections to safeguard user data, Sign.Plus uses data encryption in transit and at rest, automated and manual application security audits, two-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and more.

Boost Your Productivity with More Features

Sign.Plus offers a range of features designed to elevate user productivity when it comes to esigning PDF document online. Request signatures from multiple recipients and define their roles and signing steps with ease, ensuring a seamless and organized workflow. You can set automatic reminders, expiration dates for transactions, and even specify whether recipients should sign the document or simply receive a copy. These intuitive tools make the entire signature process quicker and more efficient, allowing you to focus on what really matters.

FAQs

How do I add a signature to a PDF online?
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You can use an electronic signature service like Sign.Plus, which allow you to sign documents electronically and securely. To add a signature to a PDF online and eSign PDF docs, you just need to type, draw, or scan your signature and use the Sign.Plus app on web or mobile to add the eSignature.
Can you add a handwritten signature to a PDF?
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Yes, it's possible to add a handwritten signature to a PDF file online. You can use Sign.Plus, the legally-binding electronic signature solution to esign PDF files online and add a handwritten signature to a PDF.
How do I add a signature to a PDF without Adobe?
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You can use an electronic signature service like Sign.Plus to add a signature to a PDF without Adobe. Sign.Plus allows you to easily and securely eSign PDF files online from computer or mobile.
Can I sign PDFs online for free?
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Yes, there are several free online tools that allow you to sign PDFs online, such as Sign.Plus. You need to simply create an account for free to be able to use their online signing tool and electronically sign a PDF online right away.

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