How to Sign a PDF
Learn how to electronically sign PDF documents in minutes. Free and paid methods for desktop, mobile, and browser.
Quick Answer
To sign a PDF electronically, upload the document to an eSignature platform (like TurboSign, Adobe Acrobat, or DocuSign), create your signature by typing, drawing, or uploading an image, position it on the document, and save the signed PDF. Most tools are free and take less than 2 minutes. The signed PDF is legally binding and can be sent via email.
2 minutes
Free
Legally binding
Why Sign PDFs Electronically?
Electronic PDF signatures eliminate the need to print, sign with pen, scan, and email documents—a process that can take hours or days. With eSignatures, you can sign contracts, agreements, and forms in seconds from any device. Electronic signatures are legally binding in 180+ countries under laws like the U.S. ESIGN Act.
Benefits of Electronic PDF Signatures:
5 Ways to Sign a PDF
TurboSign (Free, Recommended)
Best for business contracts, NDAs, and multi-party signatures
TurboSign is an eSignature platform designed for fast PDF signing with full legal validity. It includes audit trails, authentication, and unlimited signatures for $20/month—plus 5 free signatures to get started.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Go to TurboSign
Visit turbodocx.com/demo and sign up for free (no credit card)
Upload Your PDF
Click "Upload Document" and select your PDF from your computer or drag-and-drop
Add Your Signature
Choose to type your name, draw with mouse/touchscreen, or upload an image of your signature
Position and Sign
Drag your signature to the signature field on the PDF and click "Apply"
Download or Email
Download the signed PDF or send it directly via email from TurboSign
✅ Why Use TurboSign?
- • Unlimited signatures for $20/month
- • Full audit trail and legal compliance (ESIGN Act)
- • Send documents to multiple signers (workflows)
- • Works on desktop, mobile, and tablet
- • No watermarks or branding on signed PDFs
Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free Tier)
Good for simple one-time signatures without workflows
Adobe Acrobat Reader (the free version) allows you to add simple signatures to PDFs. It's built into most computers and is easy to use for basic signing.
How to Sign a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader:
- 1.Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader (download free at adobe.com/reader)
- 2.Click the "Fill & Sign" tool in the right sidebar
- 3.Click "Sign" and choose "Add Signature"
- 4.Type, draw, or upload an image of your signature
- 5.Click on the PDF where you want to place your signature
- 6.Save the signed PDF (File → Save As)
⚠️ Limitations
- • No audit trail or authentication
- • Can't send documents to others for signature (need Adobe Sign subscription)
- • Limited security features compared to dedicated eSignature platforms
Preview (Mac Only)
Built-in Mac app for quick personal signatures
Mac users can use the built-in Preview app to sign PDFs using the trackpad or camera to capture a handwritten signature.
Steps for Mac Preview:
- 1.Open the PDF in Preview (right-click PDF → Open With → Preview)
- 2.Click the Markup Toolbar icon (pen tip in a circle)
- 3.Click the Signature button and choose "Create Signature"
- 4.Sign on the trackpad or hold a signature up to the camera
- 5.Drag the signature to the correct location on the PDF
- 6.Save the PDF (File → Save or Command+S)
Note: Preview is great for personal use but lacks business features like multi-party signing, audit trails, and legal compliance documentation.
Mobile Apps (iPhone, Android)
Sign PDFs on the go from your smartphone
You can sign PDFs directly from your phone using mobile apps. This is perfect when you need to sign documents while traveling or away from your computer.
Best Mobile PDF Signing Apps:
TurboSign Mobile
Free, works on any mobile browser or download the app. Full eSignature features with audit trails.
Recommended for business use
Adobe Acrobat Reader Mobile
Free app with basic signing features. Available on iOS and Android.
Apple Files (iPhone/iPad)
Built-in iOS feature. Open PDF in Files app, tap Markup icon, add signature.
How to Sign a PDF on iPhone:
- 1. Open the PDF in the Files app or Mail attachment
- 2. Tap the Markup icon (pen tip)
- 3. Tap the "+" button and select "Signature"
- 4. Sign with your finger on the screen
- 5. Position and resize the signature, then tap "Done"
- 6. Save or share the signed PDF
Free Online PDF Editors
Browser-based tools for quick, one-off signatures
Several free online tools let you upload a PDF, add a signature, and download the signed document—no account required.
Free Online Options:
- • Smallpdf: Free with limited monthly usage, simple interface
- • PDF.co: Free tier available, basic signing features
- • PDFescape: Free online PDF editor with signature tool
- • Sejda: Free for up to 3 PDFs per day
⚠️ Security Warning
When using free online PDF editors, your document is uploaded to a third-party server. Avoid using these tools for sensitive documents containing personal information, financial data, or confidential business terms. For secure signing, use a trusted eSignature platform like TurboSign.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Method | Best For | Cost | Audit Trail |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboSign | Business contracts, multi-party signing, legal documents | Free | ✓ Yes |
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Simple personal signatures, one-time use | Free | ✗ No |
| Preview (Mac) | Mac users, personal documents | Free | ✗ No |
| Mobile Apps | Signing on the go, smartphone/tablet | Free | Varies |
| Online PDF Editors | Quick, one-off signatures (non-sensitive documents) | Free | ✗ No |
💡 Recommendation
For business use, we recommend TurboSign. It's free, provides full legal compliance with audit trails, supports multi-party workflows, and works on all devices. For personal, non-business documents, Adobe Acrobat Reader or Preview (Mac) are fine alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is signing a PDF electronically legally binding?
Yes. Electronic signatures on PDFs are legally binding in the United States under the ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA. They carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures for most contracts and agreements. Learn more about electronic signature legality.
Can I sign a PDF for free?
Yes. Many tools offer free PDF signing, including TurboSign (5 free signatures to start), Adobe Acrobat Reader, Preview on Mac, and various online PDF editors. For unlimited business use, TurboSign offers unlimited signatures for $20/month with full audit trails and legal compliance.
How do I sign a PDF without printing it?
Use an electronic signature tool like TurboSign, Adobe Acrobat, or Preview (Mac). Upload the PDF, create your signature digitally (by typing, drawing, or uploading an image), position it on the document, and save the signed PDF. No printing, scanning, or physical signatures required.
Can I sign a PDF on my phone?
Yes. You can sign PDFs on iPhone using the Files app or TurboSign mobile. On Android, use the TurboSign app or Adobe Acrobat Reader mobile. Most eSignature platforms are mobile-responsive and work in mobile browsers.
What's the difference between signing a PDF and digitally signing a PDF?
Signing a PDF typically refers to adding any type of electronic signature (typed name, drawn signature, image). Digitally signing a PDF specifically means using cryptographic certificates (PKI) for higher security. For most business purposes, a standard electronic signature is sufficient. Read our detailed comparison.
Can multiple people sign the same PDF?
Yes. Use an eSignature platform like TurboSign that supports multi-party workflows. You upload the PDF, add signature fields for each signer, and the platform sends the document to each person in sequence (or parallel). Everyone signs electronically, and the final signed PDF includes all signatures.
Related Resources
Are Electronic Signatures Legal?
Learn about the legal validity of electronic signatures under the ESIGN Act and UETA, plus legal requirements worldwide.
Electronic vs Digital Signatures
Understand the key differences between electronic signatures and digital signatures to choose the right solution.
TurboSign E-Signature Platform
Professional e-signature platform with unlimited signatures for $20/month, audit trails, and multi-party workflows.
Get Unlimited PDF Signatures
TurboSign provides unlimited PDF signatures for $20/month with full legal compliance, audit trails, and multi-party workflows. Start with 5 free signatures.