How to Sign a PDF for Free (Draw, Type or Upload)

Printing a document just to sign it and scan it back is slow and wasteful. Signing a PDF on screen takes seconds: you add a handwritten-style signature, drop it where it belongs, and download the finished file. This guide shows the three ways to create a signature, how to place it, and how it all stays private in your browser.

TL;DR — Open the free sign PDF tool, create your signature (draw, type or upload), drag it onto the page, and download. It runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Three ways to make a signature

Method	How it works	Best for
Draw	Sign with your mouse, trackpad or finger	A natural handwritten look
Type	Type your name in a signature-style font	Speed and legibility
Upload	Add an image of your real signature	Reusing a scanned signature

For the upload route, a PNG with a transparent background looks cleanest, because the page shows through around the strokes.

Placing your signature

Once your signature is ready, it appears on the page preview:

Drag it to the right spot — over a signature line, in a corner, anywhere.
Resize it with the size slider so it sits naturally.
Page through the document if you need to sign somewhere other than the first page.

What you see on the preview is exactly where it lands in the downloaded PDF.

Step by step: sign a PDF

Open the sign PDF tool.
Add your PDF — the page is shown for placement.
Create your signature — draw, type or upload.
Drag and size it on the page.
Sign & download the finished PDF.

Everything runs on your device, so your document and signature are never uploaded.

Is it legally binding?

This adds a visible, handwritten-style signature — the kind most forms, letters and internal documents need. It is not a cryptographic, certificate-based digital signature. For contracts that specifically require a certified digital ID, use a dedicated e-signature provider.

Where to go next

Password-protect a PDF — lock the document once it’s signed.
Merge PDF files — attach the signed page to the rest of the document.
Compress a PDF — shrink the signed file before sending.

Frequently asked questions

How do I add my signature to a PDF?

Open your PDF, then create a signature by drawing it, typing your name in a signature style, or uploading a signature image. Drag it onto the page, resize it, and download the signed file. It runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Is this a legally binding digital signature?

This adds a visible, handwritten-style signature, which is what most documents need. It is not a certificate-based (digital ID) signature. For agreements that require a certified digital signature, use a dedicated e-signature service.

Do I need to print and scan to sign a PDF?

No. The whole point of this tool is to skip printing and scanning — you sign on screen and download the finished PDF directly.

Can I sign on any page?

Yes. Page through the document and place your signature exactly where it's needed before downloading.