How to Add an Electronic Signature to a PDF
Learn how to add an electronic signature to a PDF without printing and scanning the document. Draw your signature with a mouse or finger, type your name, or upload an image.
When This Method Works Well
- •Adding electronic signatures to routine agreements, contracts, and lease forms
- •Filling out job offers, rental agreements, and vendor invoices
- •Transactions where both parties agree to electronic signing
When It Doesn’t Work or Has Limits
- •Specific statutory transactions where applicable law strictly requires a physical wet-ink signature or notarization
Key Principles & Takeaways
- Learn how to add an electronic signature to a PDF without printing and scanning the document
- Draw, type, or upload an image of your signature directly onto the document
- Because the supported workflow runs locally in the browser, the files do not need to be uploaded to our server
- Always review the executed document before sending it to the other party
Step-by-Step Instructions
Upload Your Contract
Select the document requiring your signature in the online signing tool.
Create Your Signature
Draw your signature using your finger, stylus, or mouse, or upload a scanned signature snippet.
Position on Signature Line
Drag your signature onto the signature block and adjust its dimensions.
Download Signed Document
Download your executed document, ready to return immediately via email.
Understanding Electronic Signatures
An electronic signature is a digital representation of a signer’s intent to agree to a document’s terms. Common examples include drawing your signature on a touchscreen or placing a signature graphic on a signature line.
Whether an electronic signature is accepted depends on applicable jurisdiction, party consent, authentication standards, and document category. Many standard commercial contracts accept electronic signatures under acts like the US ESIGN Act and European eIDAS regulation.
Ready to work on your file? Try our Sign PDF tool
Client-side processing: For supported tools, your files are processed locally in your browser and are not uploaded to our server. Fast, free, and accessible on any device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electronic signature legally binding?
In the United States, European Union, UK, and many other jurisdictions, electronic signatures are legally valid for most commercial contracts under the US ESIGN Act and EU eIDAS regulations.