How to Sign a PDF Online — Free Electronic Signature
Printing a PDF, signing it by hand, and scanning it back is a waste of time. With PDFScan Pro, you can sign any PDF document directly in your browser — for free. Draw your signature with a mouse or finger, type it, or upload an image of your handwritten signature. No printing, no scanning, no app to install.
When Do You Need to Sign a PDF?
Electronic signatures on PDFs are common in many situations:
- Contracts and agreements — sign lease agreements, freelance contracts, or NDAs without printing.
- HR documents — sign offer letters, tax forms, or policy acknowledgments remotely.
- School and university forms — permission slips, enrollment forms, and financial aid documents.
- Government and legal forms — many agencies now accept electronic signatures on PDF submissions.
- Business approvals — sign purchase orders, invoices, or internal approvals from anywhere.
How to Sign a PDF in 4 Steps
Step 1: Open the Sign PDF Tool
Navigate to the Sign PDF tool on PDFScan Pro. Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile — so you can sign from anywhere.
Step 2: Upload Your PDF
Drag and drop the document you need to sign, or click to browse your files. The PDF will open in the viewer so you can see exactly where to place your signature.
Step 3: Create and Place Your Signature
You have three options for creating your signature:
- Draw — use your mouse, trackpad, or finger (touchscreen) to draw your signature freehand.
- Type — type your name and choose from several signature-style fonts.
- Upload — upload a photo or scan of your handwritten signature. The tool removes the background automatically.
Once your signature is ready, click on the PDF where you want to place it. You can resize and reposition the signature until it looks right. Need to sign multiple pages? Place signatures on as many pages as needed.
Step 4: Download the Signed PDF
Click "Apply" and download your signed document. The signature is embedded directly into the PDF — it is not a separate layer that can be easily removed.
Are Electronic Signatures Legally Valid?
Yes, in most countries. The US ESIGN Act, the EU eIDAS regulation, and similar laws in Canada, Australia, and many other countries recognize electronic signatures as legally binding for most documents. Exceptions include certain legal instruments like wills, court orders, and some notarized documents, which may require wet-ink signatures.
Tips for Professional Signatures
- Use a stylus on tablet — drawing with a stylus on an iPad or tablet produces the most natural-looking signature.
- Keep it consistent — use the same signature style across all your documents for a professional appearance.
- Add date and initials — for contracts, consider adding the date next to your signature. Use the text tool to type the date.
- Protect after signing — use our Protect PDF tool to password-protect the signed document and prevent further edits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is signing PDFs online free?
Yes, PDFScan Pro lets you sign PDFs for free. There are no hidden charges for basic electronic signatures.
Can I sign on my phone?
Absolutely. The Sign PDF tool is fully responsive and works on iOS and Android devices. Use your finger to draw your signature on the touchscreen.
Can the recipient tell it is an electronic signature?
The signature is embedded directly into the PDF as an image. It looks just like a scanned handwritten signature. If you draw it carefully, most people will not notice any difference from a traditional signature.
Is my signed document secure?
Your PDF is processed in the browser and is not stored on our servers. For additional security, you can password-protect the signed PDF before sharing it.