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How to Add Signature Field to PDF: The Complete Guide

  • By Lena
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  • Updated on October 17, 2025
Introduction:
Enabling signing usually requires you to add signature field to PDF files. Whether you're preparing a contract or a form, it's a crucial step. This SwifDoo PDF guide reveals two easy methods for adding a signature field to your PDF, along with a bonus tip for fast signing.
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Method 1. How to Add a Signature Field with Adobe Acrobat

For those who regularly create and edit PDFs, the paid Adobe Acrobat Pro software is the most powerful tool for creating signable forms. With its advanced features, adding a signature field to your document is a quick and easy process.

Adobe also makes it easy to sign multiple pages in a PDF at once. This feature works best for detailed forms or documents requiring input from multiple signers. However, you must upgrade to a paid subscription as the free version (Adobe Acrobat Reader) doesn’t support adding a signature field.

Steps on how to add signature field to PDF using Adobe Acrobat.

Step 1: Open your desired PDF file with Adobe Acrobat.

Step 2: Select "Tools" from the upper left side of the screen.

Step 3: In the Forms & Signature section, select "Prepare Form." Then, select Start.

Prepare Form

Step 4: Select the Add a Signature block icon from the Tools ribbon.

Add a Signature

Step 5: Move your cursor to the desired location and click.

Place Signature

Step 6: Tap outside the new signature block. Then save and close the document.

Method 2. Add Signature Field via Online E-Signature Platforms

Online e-signature platforms are the most popular and user-friendly way to request signatures on a PDF and make a PDF signable. They are designed for this exact purpose and handle the entire process securely.

DocuSign is one of many such platforms that let you add signature field to PDF for someone else to sign. Adding signature fields with DocuSign is a simple process. It enables you to analyze agreements with AI, electronically sign, and manage all your agreements for free.

Steps on how to add signature field to PDF online for free using DocuSign.

Step 1: Open DocuSign on your web browser and log in to your account.

DocuSign

Step 2: Upload the required document.

Step 3: Select the signature field option and drag it into the desired location on the document.  

Note: If your document requires multiple signers, you can assign each signature field to a specific signer.

Step 4: Add any additional common fields as needed.  

Add Signature

Step 5 (optional): If your document requires signatures from multiple parties, specify the order in which they should sign. More info: Send PDF for signature.

Bonus Tip: How to Sign on a PDF Easily

You have seen how to add a signature field to a PDF for free and using the paid methods. If you're looking to sign a PDF on Windows, SwifDoo PDF stands out as a lightweight yet capable solution.

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With this versatile software, you can add electronic and digital signatures to your PDF documents without a fuss.

  • SwifDoo PDF allows you to electronically add a signature image to a PDF or handwrite and draw by entering a name in the input field. You can also capture a signature photo directly from the camera. 
  • The digital signature ensures the integrity of your file, and it displays detailed signature information. You can easily see the signature, date, issuer, and validity details. Plus, you can verify if the file has been tampered with.

Quick steps to sign a PDF with SwifDoo PDF. You can get the software and follow us.

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Step 1: Launch SwifDoo PDF and choose the PDF file you wish to open.

Step 2: Click the Protect button in the top menu bar.

Step 3: Add an electronic or digital signature.

To add an electronic signature, click Signature > Create New Signature and add an e-signature to the PDF.

Create New Signature

To add a digital signature, click the Digital Signature button.

Digital Signature

Step 4: Position your signature at the intended place on the document.

Once done, save your document. Or click OK to embed the signature. SwifDoo PDF makes it easy to send the signed document back to the sender without switching apps.

Quick Wrap Up

Adding a signature field to PDF documents is essential for streamlining approvals and ensuring document authenticity. From free utilities to professional solutions, it is now simpler to add signature field to PDF files. By following the methods shared in this guide, you can efficiently prepare PDFs for signing. Be sure to check out the bonus tip for a fast and hassle-free way to sign your documents.

FAQs

  • Q:How to add signature field in PDF for free?
    With tools like PDFgear, Sejda, and pdfFiller, you can add a signature field to any PDF without paying a cent. At the same time, Adobe Acrobat Reader's "Fill & Sign" feature can also come in handy. In most tools, you upload the PDF, find the "signature field" or "add signature" option, and then place the field where you want it to appear in the document.
  • Q:How do I add signature fields for two different people?
    You can send a document out for signature to multiple signers and control the order in which they sign. To add signature fields for two different people, use a document signing service or a PDF editor to first add both recipients and their email addresses. Next, drag the signature fields onto the document and assign each field to the appropriate recipient before sending it out for signatures. We have discussed the detailed steps in the sections above.
  • Q:Is a PDF with an added signature field legally binding?
    As long as it adheres to the legal and technical requirements of the relevant jurisdiction, a PDF featuring a signature field is legally recognized. This includes those outlined in the Information Technology Act, 2000, in India, or the E-Sign Act in the US. For a signature to be valid, the identity of the signer must be verifiable, the signature must have a secure audit trail, and the document must be stored correctly.

Lena has been in the editing industry for 8 years. She is familiar with a variety of products that can make things easier, such as PDF tools, video recording software, iOS location changer, etc. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with users to help them solve problems in their work and life. In her spare time, she likes to play with her cat.

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