Printing, signing, and scanning a form is a hassle you can skip. You can sign a PDF on screen in a minute. Whether that signature is enough depends on what the document is, so it helps to know the different kinds.
Three kinds of PDF signatures
- Image (drawn or typed) signature: an image of your handwritten signature placed on the page. Quick and common for everyday forms, but it isn't cryptographically tied to you or to the document.
- Electronic signature service: a platform that records who signed, when, and from where, and produces an audit trail.
- Digital (cryptographic) signature: uses a certificate to sign the document's contents, so any later change invalidates it. Used where authenticity and integrity are critical.
How to add a drawn signature
- 1Open the PDF in a signing tool that runs in your browser.
- 2Draw your signature with a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen.
- 3Place it on the correct page and line, then resize it so it looks natural.
- 4Download the signed copy and check the placement before sending.
Is it legally valid?
In many countries, electronic signatures are legally recognized for a wide range of agreements (for example under the ESIGN Act in the United States and eIDAS in the European Union). But rules vary, and some documents, such as certain property, court, or government forms, require stricter signatures, witnesses, or notarization. If the stakes are high, check the requirements with the recipient or a professional. This isn't legal advice.
Protect your signature
- Don't share a clean image of your signature publicly; it can be copied.
- Sign a copy, not your only original file.
- Add the date next to the signature if the form requires one.
- Use a tool that processes the file on your device, so the signed document isn't uploaded anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
+Can I sign a PDF for free?
Yes. Browser-based tools let you draw and place a signature at no cost, and many PDF readers include a built-in sign feature too.
+Is a drawn signature on a PDF legally binding?
Often yes for ordinary agreements, since electronic signatures are widely recognized, but requirements differ by country and document type.
+What is a digital signature versus an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is any electronic indication of agreement, such as a drawn image. A digital signature uses cryptography and a certificate to bind the signer to the exact document content.
+Is it safe to upload a document to sign it online?
Only if you trust the service. A tool that works locally in your browser doesn't upload the document at all.
Sign PDF
Free, runs in your browser — nothing you enter is uploaded.