How to sign a PDF
Being asked to ‘sign and return’ a PDF no longer means finding a printer, a pen and a scanner. You can add a signature directly to the document and send it back in a couple of minutes, and it looks far cleaner than a photographed page.
Three ways to make a signature
You can create a signature three ways: draw it with a mouse, trackpad or finger for something close to your real hand; type your name and have it rendered in a handwriting-style font; or upload a photo or scan of your actual signature, which gives the most authentic result. Any of the three can then be placed on the document.
Once you have a signature, position it on the signature line, resize it so it sits naturally, and add the date or your initials if the form needs them. When you download, the signature becomes part of the finished PDF.
Keeping it private
A signature and the document it goes on are sensitive by nature, so where the signing happens matters. A browser-based tool applies the signature on your own device, meaning the contract and your signature are never uploaded to a server. That is exactly the property you want for anything legal or financial.
For everyday agreements, consent forms and approvals, this kind of electronic signature is widely accepted. For high-stakes contracts, check whether the other party requires a specific certified e-signature standard.