How to Sign a PDF Online for Free

Most PDFs that need a signature don't need a full e-signature platform with audit trails and multi-party workflows — they just need your signature to appear on the page before you send it back. For that, a lightweight signing tool is faster and doesn't require an account.

The three ways to sign a PDF

• Draw it: use your mouse or touchscreen to draw your signature directly, closest to a pen-and-paper signature.
• Type it: type your name and have it rendered in a signature-style font — fastest option, still visually distinct from typed body text.
• Upload an image: if you already have a photo or scan of your signature on white paper, upload it and place it wherever it's needed.

How to sign a PDF

• Open the Sign PDF tool.
• Upload the document, choose draw, type, or upload for your signature.
• Drag it into position on the page and download the signed file.

Is a drawn or typed signature legally valid?

In most jurisdictions, electronic signatures are legally binding for the vast majority of everyday documents (leases, NDAs, internal approvals) — what matters legally is generally intent to sign, not the specific pixel pattern of the signature. That said, some document types (certain notarized, court, or government filings) have stricter requirements, so check the specific requirement for high-stakes documents rather than assuming.

One tip before sending

Zoom in on the signed page before sending — check that the signature didn't accidentally overlap text underneath it, especially if the document has narrow margins.