How to sign a PDF online in under a minute

Quick answer: To sign a PDF online, upload it to PDFPro, open the Sign menu, choose New signature, then draw, type or upload your signature. Click where it should go, resize it, press Apply changes and download. No account is needed, and the file is deleted after 2 hours.

You do not need to print, sign and scan a document any more. You can sign a PDF directly in your browser on Windows, Mac or Linux. This guide covers the steps, the extras like dates and check marks, and the honest limits of what an image signature means.

How do I sign a PDF online?

1. Open Sign PDF and upload your file. Files up to 50 MB are free.
2. Open the Sign menu and choose New signature.
3. Create the signature using one of the methods below.
4. Click on the page where it should go, then drag the corners to resize.
5. Press Apply changes and download the signed PDF.

Your signature is saved in your own browser for reuse, so next time you can skip step 3.

What are the ways to create a signature?

Method	Best for
Draw	A natural look with a mouse, trackpad or finger
Type	Quick and neat, in a handwriting font
Upload	A photo or scan of your real signature
Camera	Sign on paper, hold it up and capture

For an uploaded or photographed signature, you can keep the original or choose one of two versions with a transparent background, so no white box appears over the document. Tip: sign with a dark pen on plain white paper in good light.

How do I add check marks, crosses and the date?

The same menu has quick marks: a check, a cross, a dot and today’s date. Click once per mark and press Esc when you are finished. This is handy for forms, and the Fill PDF form page explains how to combine these with typed answers. See also How to fill a PDF form.

How do I sign a multi-page document?

Scroll to the page that needs a signature and place it there. You can place the same signature on as many pages as you like, for example on every page of a contract that needs initials. Sign on the last page as well as any page marked for it.

Is an image of my signature legally valid?

It depends. An image of your handwritten signature is a simple electronic signature. Many countries accept electronic signatures for everyday agreements, but rules differ by country and by document type. Some documents, such as certain property or court documents, have stricter requirements.

PDFPro does not create certificate-based digital signatures, which use a cryptographic certificate to prove who signed and whether the file changed afterwards. If the law or the other party requires one, use a certificate-based tool. For legally sensitive documents, check the requirements or ask a legal professional. Digital signatures in PDF are defined in the ISO 32000 standard, and the PDF Association has background reading.

How can I keep a signature neat?

• Resize with the corners so the proportions stay the same.
• Place it on the signature line, not over printed text.
• Zoom in to check the edges and make sure nothing is cut off.
• Use a transparent-background version for scans with coloured paper.
• Add the date with the quick mark so the format is consistent.

What if the PDF needs other changes first?

Fix the content before you sign, because edits after signing are easy to forget to re-check. Use How to edit text in a PDF to correct wording, or the PDF editor to add text and images. A scanned contract can be signed too, since you are adding the signature on top.

Can I sign on my phone?

PDFPro runs in the browser and there is no mobile app. A desktop or laptop browser gives the best result because precise placement matters. A touchscreen laptop works well for drawing your signature with a finger or pen.

Is it free and private?

Yes. Signing is free for files up to 50 MB with no sign up or login. Your PDF is deleted from our servers automatically 2 hours after upload, so download the signed file when you finish. Keep your unsigned original in case you need it.

FAQ

Is signing a PDF here free with no sign up?

Yes. You do not need to register or log in. Your signature is stored in your own browser for reuse, and your PDF is deleted from our servers after 2 hours.

Is this a digital signature certificate?

No. It places an image of your signature on the page, which is an electronic signature. Certificate-based digital signatures are not supported.

Can I sign with a photo of my handwritten signature?

Yes. Upload the image or take a photo with your camera, and choose a transparent-background version so there is no white box.

Can I place my signature on several pages?

Yes. Place the same signature on as many pages as you like before you apply changes.

Related guides

Signing often goes with forms, so read How to fill a PDF form online. Hindi readers can follow PDF me signature kaise kare.