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Sign PDF - Add Signature to PDF Free

Note: This tool creates a visual signature overlay on the PDF. It is not a legally binding electronic signature under laws such as eIDAS or ESIGN. For legally enforceable signatures, use a qualified e-signature service.

Step 1 - Upload PDF

Upload PDF or drag and drop

PDF files only

Step 2 - Create signature

Need to sign a contract, NDA, or agreement without printing, scanning, or paying for DocuSign? This free tool lets you draw your signature with your mouse or finger, type your name in a cursive style, then drag the signature onto exactly the right spot on any page of your PDF. Download the signed document instantly. Runs entirely in your browser - your document and signature are never uploaded anywhere.

No signupRuns in your browserFormula explained belowGeneral information only
This tool creates a visual signature image overlaid on the PDF. It is not a qualified electronic signature under laws such as eIDAS (EU), ESIGN (USA), or equivalent national legislation. For legally binding electronic signatures, use a qualified e-signature service such as DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or a national trust-service provider.

How to use this tool

  1. 1Upload the PDF you need to sign.
  2. 2Choose 'Draw' to sign with your mouse or finger on a digital pad, or 'Type name' to generate a cursive-style signature from your name.
  3. 3Click 'Use this signature' to confirm your signature. If using 'Draw', click 'Clear' to start again.
  4. 4Use the page navigation (if the PDF has multiple pages) to go to the page where the signature is needed.
  5. 5Drag on the PDF page to draw a rectangle where you want the signature to appear. The signature preview is shown in position. Click 'Download signed PDF' to save the document.

Example

Signing a freelance contract

A client sends a 3-page services agreement PDF. Upload it. Draw a signature on the pad. Navigate to page 3 (signature block). Drag to place the signature in the signature box. Download. The signed PDF is ready to email back in under 2 minutes.

NDA with a typed name signature

An NDA requires a signature and printed name. Select 'Type name', enter 'Sarah Johnson'. The name appears in cursive italic. Place it in the signature field on page 2. Download. Some NDAs accept typed name signatures as valid - confirm with the other party.

Common use cases

  • Freelancers and contractors signing client contracts, NDAs, and service agreements
  • Employees signing acknowledgement forms, HR documents, and policy acceptance forms
  • Landlords and tenants signing tenancy agreements and addendums without printing
  • Business owners signing supplier agreements, quotes, and purchase orders
  • Anyone who receives a PDF form requiring a signature and wants to avoid printing and scanning

Common mistakes

  • Placing the signature in the wrong position - always navigate to the exact page and check that your drag covers only the signature field area. Drag too large and the signature overlaps other text.
  • Assuming this creates a legally binding electronic signature - this tool creates a visual overlay. Legal validity depends on your jurisdiction and the document type. For high-stakes agreements, use a certified e-signature service.
  • Drawing a signature that is too small or too faint - draw slowly with smooth strokes on the pad. A well-drawn signature is more credible and easier to read than a rushed one.
  • Not checking the final PDF before sending - open the downloaded file and check the signature appears correctly before sharing it.

Frequently asked questions

Is this legally binding?

This tool creates a visual signature image embedded in the PDF. Whether it is legally binding depends on your jurisdiction, the document type, and the agreement between parties. In many countries, a scanned handwritten signature has equivalent standing to a typed one for everyday contracts. For high-value or regulated documents, use a qualified e-signature platform.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. Everything runs in your browser. Your PDF is processed by pdfjs-dist (for rendering) and pdf-lib (for embedding the signature). Your document and signature are never sent to any server.

Can I sign multiple pages?

Currently the tool places one signature on one page per download. To sign multiple pages, download after placing the first signature, re-upload the downloaded file, and repeat. Each signature is permanently embedded.

Can this open password-protected PDFs?

No. Remove the password using a PDF application before uploading.

What is the difference between 'Draw' and 'Type name'?

Draw lets you create a freehand signature using your mouse or touchscreen. Type name generates a cursive-style text signature from your name. A drawn signature is generally considered more personal and may be more credible for formal contracts. Typed name signatures are accepted in many digital document workflows.

Will the original PDF content be changed?

No. The signature is added as a new content layer on top of the existing page content. Text, images, and layout in the original PDF are not modified.

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