Two Methods to Electronically Sign a PDF [Online & Desktop]

Traditional singing process is time-wasting and inefficient, and sometimes a simple mistake will result in re-signing the document. As a result, electronic signature gradually takes the place of wet signature to simply and streamline the suffering signing process.

 

What Is an Electronic Signature?

It refers to a signature in electronic form, which is originally created to provide a secure authentication of a digital file with a recognizable mark. With e-signatures, we can save a lot of time and  substantially enhance working efficiency. Now, let’s take a close look at how to add e-signatures to PDF files.

How Do I Create an E-signature?

First things first, the premise of this article is to have your own signature. So, how do we make a universal e-signature?

There are generally four methods:

• Typing a signature with the keyboard (not recommended);
• Using your cursor to draw your e-signature (not recommended);
• Uploading an image of your signature from local computer (recommended);
• Drawing a signature with a touchscreen.

Notes: Typing and drawing are not suggested simply because they cannot help create an ideal signature.

If you decide to upload a signature from a local folder, you may need a scanner beforehand. Otherwise, you will need to ask for a designer’s help. Fortunately, the prevalence of the Internet enables us to approach free online signature makers, such as Signaturely.com and Docsketch.com.

How Do I Electronically Sign a PDF Document on PC?

Now you have created a satisfactory personal e-signature, it’s time to insert it into a document. This article covers all your needs and provides corresponding solutions of E-signing PDF files to multi-device users.

 

Electronically Sign a PDF on Windows 10/8/7

Desktop PDF Software (Free)

While SwifDoo PDF software is not the biggest name in this industry, its lightweight and easy-to-use feature has earned it millions of active users globally.

To digitally sign a document with e-signature, follow the steps below:

Step.1  Launch SwifDoo PDF and open a PDF within the software.

Step.2  Click the “Advanced” button in the menu bar and choose “Signature”.

Step.3  Choose the “Create New Signature” to insert an e-signature.

Once you have obtained a signature, you need to upload it  to the clipboard. Click the “OK” button to finalize the uploading process. The next step is to position your e-signature where you need it. Don’t forget to save the changes made on the current document.  

                                                               

                                                                Free Download

How to Electronically Sign a PDF on Mac

From another perspective, Mac users are lucky enough. That’s because they can electronically add a PDF document with a built-in Preview application. What’s more, the Preview with macOS has incorporated signing features.

To digitally sign a PDF document, you can utilize your trackpad, the built-in camera on Mac, and iPhone, or iPad. Follow the instructions to learn how to create and add an e-signature to a PDF on a Mac device:

Using trackpad:

Step.1 Click Trackpad,

Step.2 Click the text as instructed,

Step.3.Sign your name on the trackpad using hand,

Step.4 Press and key, then click “Done”.

Note: If your Mac has been equipped with a Force Touch trackpad, you can optionally press your finger firmly on the pad to create a heavier and darker signature;

 

Using built-in camera: Write your signature on a piece of paper. Hold the paper to face the camera. Please make sure your signature is within the box in the window. When your signature shows up in the window, click “Done” to finish the process;

Using iPhone or iPad: Click iPhone and iPad. Sign your name with your finger or Apple Pencil on the screen. Hit the “Done” button when your see signature within the window.

After you have already created your own personal signature, open the PDF document in the Preview app  on your Mac, if the “Markup” toolbar isn’t showing, click the “Show Markup Toolbar” button , then click the Sign button .

The signing process is relatively easy: choose the signature you want to add, drag it to where it needs, and then use the handle to adjust its size. For more information, please visit this website.

 

How Do I Electronically Sign a PDF Online

If you find it troublesome to download a desktop PDF application, there are other PDF tool options available online, such as SmallPDF and AltoSignPDF.

 

iLovePDF

Go type ilovepdf.com on your search bar. When you are redirected to the official site, click “Sign PDF”. Then you are required to upload a PDF document via Google Drive, Dropbox, or local folders. After uploading the file, you are allowed to customize your signature by changing color and font.

When you finish designing your own mark, click “Apply” to insert the signature to the place you want. The whole process only requires several minutes, but this platform only allows you to make ANY changes on a document or process two tasks twice a day.

Tips: iLovePDF provides two different signatures: simple signature and digital signature. The latter, digital signature, actually differs from an electronic signature. However, for a non-paid user, you only have two free tasks per day. For more information, please click here.

 

AltoSignPDF

This online platform is a completely free signature solution provider. If you are bothered by how to digitally sign a PDF with a CAC card, you might as well try this program. It works with all the operating systems and is also available on personal computers and mobiles. For more information about how to electronically sign a PDF file with a CAC, this article may be helpful. 

Conclusion

Whatever software or methods you choose to digitally sign a PDF, the ultimate purpose is to simplify traditional signing workflow and improve efficiency, and that’s why we embrace electronic signature.  

 

FAQs about Electronically Signing a PDF

Q: Is it legal to sign documents electronically?

A:Digitally signed PDF documents enjoy the same legally binding as those with traditional wet signatures. Legislation such as the E-SIGN ACT and UETA Act provide legal protections for e-signature.

Q: How can i add my e-signature to a PDF for free?

A: Many PDF software enable you to insert e-signatures to PDF documents for free, such as Adobe, Wondershare PDFelement, Nitro PDF, and Soda PDF. These mentioned professional desktop PDF tools, can help you add e-signatures to digital files for free.

Q: Is it legal to copy and paste a signature of others?

A: A copy or pasted e-signature is NOT a legally valid substitute for the original handwritten signature. In certain cases, this would be a fraudulent signature and would be considered a criminal offense.

Q: How do i electronically sign a PDF with Adobe Reader?

A: Adobe Reader allows you to sign PDFs and add the sigature to the file.

1. Open a PDF document and click the "Sign" button;
2. Click "Fill and sign" when the panel is displayed;
3. Move your cursor over an automatically detected form field;
4. Select "Sign" and choose "Add Signature" or "Add Initials".

Adobe Reader has three methods to help you add an e-signature to a PDF: type your name in the field; draw your signature into the field; upload an image of your signature. Visit this website for more information.

 

Q: How do i electronically sign a password protected PDF?

A: If you don't know the password for a protected PDF document which needs an e-signature, there are usually two feasible methods:

1. Remove the password with the help of free professional password removal software, such as SysTools PDF Unlocker and PDF Password Remover Tool;

2. Elctronically sign on the protected PDF with programs like SignEasy. Once you download and install the software, launch the program and open a password protected PDF, and directly sign your name on this document.