How to Sign a PDF Online (Without Printing It)

How to sign a PDF, step by step

1. Open Sign PDF and choose your document.
2. Create your signature: draw it with your finger or mouse, type your name and pick a handwriting style, or upload a photo of your signature.
3. Place the signature on the signature line and resize it to fit.
4. Add the date or your initials if the document asks for them.
5. Download the signed PDF and check it before sending.

Signing and initialling a long contract

Leases and employment contracts often ask for initials on every page and a full signature at the end. Create your signature and your initials once, then move through the document placing initials in each page’s corner and the full signature and date on the last page. Before downloading, scroll through once more — a missed initial is the most common reason a contract comes back.

Filling in the rest of the form

Many documents need more than a signature — names, addresses, tick boxes. If the PDF has form fields, Fill PDF Form lets you type straight into them. If it doesn’t, use Edit PDF to add text anywhere on the page.

Is an electronic signature legally valid?

In many countries, including Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and the members of the European Union, electronic signatures are generally accepted for everyday agreements, provided the signer can be identified and has agreed to sign electronically. Some documents — wills, certain property transactions and some government forms — may still need a handwritten or witnessed signature, and the rules differ between countries and states.

If a document is important or legally significant, check with the organisation asking for it or with a qualified adviser. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Electronic signatures vs. digital signatures

• An electronic signature is an image or typed mark showing you agreed — what most people mean when they sign a PDF online.
• A digital signature uses a certificate to prove who signed and that the document hasn’t changed since. It is used for some government, legal and business workflows and needs a certificate from a provider.

Tips for a professional result

• Keep the signature roughly the same size as handwriting on the page — usually 3–5 cm wide.
• Place it on the signature line, not over printed text.
• Use dark blue or black. Other colours can look unofficial and may not copy well.
• Add the date beside your signature if there is a date field.
• Save the signed copy with a clear name, such as “Lease-signed-2026-09-27.pdf”, and keep it for your records.

Protecting a signed document

Once signed, send the document only to the people who need it. For extra safety you can add an open password with Protect PDF and share the password separately.

Signing on a phone or tablet

Drawing a signature with your finger on a touch screen often looks more natural than using a mouse. The tool works in mobile browsers on iPhone and Android, so you can sign an attachment straight from your email.

Privacy

Your signature is personal information. KitWren adds it to the PDF in your browser, and neither the document nor the signature image is uploaded or stored by us.