Part 1. Should We Use Electronic or Digital Signatures?
Electronic signatures (e-signatures) are symbols or text, like a typed name. They are used to show agreement. On the other hand, digital signatures are a more secure type of e-signature. They use encryption to verify the signer’s identity and ensure the document hasn’t been tampered with.
Both signatures are legally recognized. But for sensitive or official documents, digital signatures are the better choice due to their added security and authentication features. If security and integrity are a concern, opt for digital signatures.
Part 2. How to Sign a PDF Contract with Desktop Apps
To sign PDFs on Windows or Mac, several reliable desktop apps make the process quick and secure. For Windows users, tools like SwifDoo PDF provide a seamless experience with intuitive signature features. On Mac, the built-in Preview app includes everything you need without installing extra software.
Whether you're dealing with business contracts or personal documents, these desktop solutions ensure you can sign PDFs efficiently. Let’s take a closer look at how to use these apps to sign a PDF contract with ease.
Sign a Contract Electronically/Digitally with SwifDoo PDF
SwifDoo PDF emerges as a versatile and feature-rich software that caters to all PDF-related tasks. Whether you need to sign a PDF contract, edit, annotate, compress, or convert documents, SwifDoo does it all in one click.
This professional PDF signer enables the addition of electronic and digital signatures to documents. It streamlines the creation of new signatures and the import of existing ones into PDFs or contracts. With this powerful PDF editor, you can add signatures using an existing image, from a camera, drawing freehand, or typing.
How to Sign a Contract Electronically
Step 1: Download and install SwifDoo PDF. Run it and open the contract you wish to sign in the workspace.
Step 2: Move to the Protect tab in the top menu. Click Signature in the secondary menu and select Create New Signature.
Step 3: Pick a signature option and create the signature. You can choose Image, Type, Draw, or Camera to proceed. Once done, click Apply to continue.
Step 4: Place the signature on the contract to electronically sign a PDF and save your document.
How to Sign a Contract Digitally
Step 1: Download and launch the digital signature software, SwifDoo PDF. Open the PDF contract you want to sign.
Step 2: Navigate to Protect in the toolbar. Select "Digital Signature" from the secondary menu. Place your cursor on the area where you wish to sign digitally.
Step 3: Click the New ID option to create a new one. Alternatively, select an existing digital ID.
Step 4: Lastly, click "Sign" to digitally sign your PDF contract.
Use the Preview App
Preview is Mac’s built-in solution for viewing, editing, and signing PDF documents without needing any third-party software. Mac users find it convenient to use the Preview app to insert electronic signatures using a trackpad or an image.
Whether you're filling out a form or signing a contract, Preview offers a quick and secure way to handle PDFs directly on your Mac. This makes it an efficient and handy tool for everyday document tasks.
Check out and learn how to sign a PDF contract using the Preview app on Mac.
Step 1: Launch the Preview app on your Mac computer.
Step 2: Open the contract you want to sign.
Step 3: Click "Show Markup Toolbar" and select the "Sign" button.
Step 4: Create a signature using your trackpad, computer’s built-in camera, or your iPhone/iPad. Alternatively, use an existing signature to add to your contract.
Step 5: Drag the signature to where you wish to place it. Use the handles to adjust the size of your signature.
Part 3. How to Sign a Contract Online
Now, if you want to know how to make it online, there are many options. For example, popular platforms like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and HelloSign are the industry standard for sending and receiving official documents. These services are widely trusted for business and legal use.
Additionally, for simpler needs, user-friendly options like Smallpdf, DigiSigner, Signature, and iLovePDF also make it easy to upload documents and add your signature in just a few clicks. With these tools, signing contracts online is fast, convenient, and legally valid.
Here’s how to sign a contract online free using DocuSign.
Step 1: Launch DocuSign on your web browser and log in with your credentials.
Step 2: Import the contract that you want to sign.
Step 3: Click the Sign tab. And drag and drop your signature from the left-hand navigation panel.
Step 4: Click Finish to complete the process.
Final Wrap Up
Understanding how to sign a contract is a valuable skill in both personal and professional life. Whether you're finalizing an agreement online, using desktop tools, or signing in person, each method offers flexibility tailored to your specific needs.
Digital solutions are particularly useful for their speed, convenience, and remote access capabilities. No matter which method you choose, always review the contract carefully before signing. With the right tools and awareness, you can complete agreements securely and confidently — saving time while protecting your interests.
