You don't always need to print a PDF just to sign it. In many cases, you can add your signature directly to a document using a computer, phone, or browser.
In this updated guide, you'll learn how to sign a PDF for free on Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android. We'll cover built-in tools, free software, and browser-based signing.
You'll also learn how to check your signature, avoid common mistakes, and save the finished PDF.
On Windows, use Chrome's PDF drawing tools. On Mac, use Preview's signature feature. On iPhone, use Markup or Preview. On Android, use Adobe Acrobat Reader. Place your signature on the correct line, save the signed copy, and reopen it to check the result.
Can You Sign a PDF for Free?
Yes. Free or built-in tools allow you to add a visible signature to many PDFs.
This can be useful for permission forms, applications, routine approvals, and documents you need to return by email.
Add a signature to forms that accept electronic signatures.
Confirm information or provide a simple written approval.
Return signed files without printing or scanning.
A drawn signature is not automatically the same as a certificate-based digital signature. If a document requires identity verification or a particular signing process, follow the recipient's rules.
Best Free PDF Signing Method by Device
| Device | Recommended Tool | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Google Chrome | Drawing a signature with a mouse or trackpad |
| Mac | Apple Preview | Creating and reusing a signature |
| iPhone / iPad | Markup / Preview | Signing with a finger or Apple Pencil |
| Android | Adobe Acrobat Reader | Filling forms and placing signatures |
| Browser | Adobe Acrobat online | Signing a PDF using a web service |
How to Sign a PDF on Windows for Free
Sign a PDF Using Google Chrome
Chrome's built-in PDF viewer supports drawing annotations, including signatures, on supported documents.
Drag your PDF into a Chrome window, or open the file with Chrome.
If the annotation controls aren't visible, open the PDF in a new tab. Select Draw.
Select a pen color and line thickness.
Use your mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen to write your signature in the required area.
Select Done, then download the PDF with your changes.
Open the downloaded PDF to make sure the signature appears.
If Chrome offers a choice between downloading the original PDF and downloading the PDF with your changes, choose the version that contains your signature.
Official instructions: Google Chrome PDF Help .
How to Sign a PDF Online With Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat on the web offers Fill & Sign features for supported PDFs. It can be useful when you prefer a browser-based tool over a desktop app.
Go to Acrobat on the web and find E-Sign or Fill & Sign.
Choose the document you want to sign.
Use the available signature options to draw, type, or select a signature.
Place your signature on the required line and adjust its size.
Follow the available save or download options. Sign-in requirements may vary.
Zoom in before placing your signature. A signature that looks correctly placed at a small zoom level can appear misaligned when printed.
Online signing may involve uploading the document to a service. Check your privacy requirements before uploading sensitive personal or business files.
How to Sign a PDF on Mac With Preview
Apple Preview includes a built-in signature tool. You can create a signature using a trackpad, camera, or supported nearby iPhone or iPad.
Use Finder to open the PDF with Preview.
Click the Markup toolbar button.
Click the signature tool to create or choose a signature.
Choose a trackpad, camera, or supported nearby Apple device.
Select the signature, move it onto the PDF, and drag the handles to adjust its size.
Save your signed PDF and reopen it before sending.
Three Ways to Create a Signature on Mac
| Method | How It Works | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Trackpad | Draw your name with a finger. | Quick signatures without paper. |
| Camera | Capture a handwritten signature from paper. | Using your usual handwriting. |
| iPhone / iPad | Sign on a supported nearby device. | Finger or Apple Pencil input. |
Official instructions: Apple Preview PDF Signing .
How to Sign a PDF on iPhone or iPad
You can sign supported PDFs using Apple's built-in Markup features without printing the document.
Open the file in Preview or another supported app with Markup tools.
Tap the Markup icon to show the annotation toolbar.
Use the Add or plus button, then select Signature.
Draw your signature and confirm it.
Position the signature where the recipient expects it.
Save your changes and review the final document.
The exact Markup controls may vary depending on your iOS or iPadOS version and the app used to open the PDF.
Official help: Apple iPhone User Guide .
How to Sign a PDF on Android
Adobe Acrobat Reader provides Fill & Sign tools for supported PDF files on Android.
Use the Acrobat Reader mobile app on your Android phone.
Select the file you need to sign.
Open the editing and signing tools.
Select the signature tool, then draw or otherwise create your signature.
Tap the page where the signature belongs and adjust the placement.
Save your signed document and check the final result.
Some Acrobat signing workflows flatten a PDF when saved, making the signature difficult or impossible to change afterward. Keep an unsigned original.
Official help: Adobe Acrobat for Android — Signing Documents .
Check the Signed PDF Before Sending It
A signature can be added successfully and still appear in the wrong place. Always reopen the saved PDF before emailing it.
✓ The signature appears on the correct page.
✓ The signature is positioned on the intended line.
✓ The signature is large enough to read.
✓ No important text or form fields are covered.
✓ All required information is completed.
✓ The recipient accepts this signing method.
Why Can't I Sign a PDF?
If your signing tool doesn't work, there may be a problem with the file or its permissions.
1. The PDF Is Restricted
Some protected PDFs prevent annotations or other changes. Request an appropriate editable copy from the owner.
2. The Signing Tool Is Missing
Check your app and browser version. Some tools are available only in supported versions or PDF viewing modes.
3. The Signature Disappears
You may have saved the original file rather than the modified version. Download the PDF with your changes and open that copy.
4. The PDF Won't Save
Check file permissions, available storage, and whether the destination allows saving. Try saving a separate copy.
5. The Document Needs a Different Type of Signature
Some documents require a certificate-based digital signature or an approved electronic signing service. A visible handwritten signature may not be enough.
Electronic Signature vs. Digital Signature
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can describe different technologies.
| Type | Typical Purpose |
|---|---|
| Electronic signature | A broad category of electronic methods used to indicate agreement or approval. |
| Certificate-based digital signature | Uses cryptographic technology to support signer verification and document integrity. |
The appropriate method depends on the document, the recipient's requirements, and applicable laws.
Signing Your Own PDF vs. Requesting a Signature
| Situation | Workflow |
|---|---|
| You need to sign a document yourself | Use a compatible signing or Fill & Sign tool. |
| You need someone else to sign | Use an electronic signature-request workflow if required. |
Some signature-request services charge a fee or require an account. Check the provider's current terms before starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Open the document using a signing tool, create or draw a signature, place it on the page, and save the updated PDF.
Yes. Chrome supports drawing signatures on compatible PDFs.
Open the PDF in Preview, select Markup and Sign, create your signature, place it, and save.
Yes. Supported Apple Markup and Preview tools allow you to add a signature.
Yes. Adobe Acrobat Reader supports adding signatures to compatible PDFs.
Yes. Preview can retain signatures for later use.
You may have downloaded an unchanged copy. Save the PDF with your annotations and check it again.
Yes. Keeping the original makes it easier to correct a mistake or start again.
Acceptance depends on the applicable laws, document type, and recipient requirements. Some documents require a specific signing workflow.
More Helpful Guides From Egglover Desk
Adding a signature to a PDF is often straightforward. The important part is choosing a compatible tool and checking the final document carefully. Make sure the signature appears on the correct page, at a readable size, without covering important text.
Egglover Desk · Updated October 2026