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How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Signing digital documents by hand is tedious. Print, sign, scan, right? Fortunately, electronic signatures Is your electronic signature legal all over the world? Is your electronic signature legal worldwide? Are electronic signatures valid and legal throughout the world? Are they more preferable to the printed handwritten signature in a paperless world? We look at what the law says globally. Read More

Maybe you want to add a signature to a PDF contract or registration form. We'll show you how to electronically sign a PDF. Here is a selection of free and paid tools to sign PDF documents from your PC or phone.

1. PDF Buddy

This tool allows you to sign or edit up to three PDF files each month for free. It's a smart solution if you work with PDF files only occasionally. It's also a browser-based tool Best Free PDF Tools for Offices Running Windows or Mac Best Free PDF Tools for Offices Running Windows or Mac You can assemble a free set of advanced PDF tools for editing, signing, merging, and splitting PDF. We'll show you the best PDF apps for Windows and Mac. Read More

To start, look for the orange. Choose PDF to edit right button. Click it and select a PDF file EasyPDFCloud:Easily convert documents to PDF, Word, and image formats EasyPDFCloud:Easily convert documents to PDF, Word, and image formats Read More

Once the PDF appears on your screen, you will see a menu option on the left. Choose the Signature button him. (You'll need to sign up for a free account if you haven't already.)

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Then select an option from the pop-up box. You can select a signature image file from your computer or draw a signature for the PDF. Previous signatures for files signed with PDF Buddy are displayed at the bottom of that option box.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

If you decide to draw your signature, the tool will display a box on the screen. Use the mouse cursor to write your name. After making your signature choice, click Use , which will allow you to move and position it as needed in the document.

When you're done, click Save Changes (just to be sure) and then Download your signed PDF.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

This free tool is easy to use and requires no software download. However, it is not suitable if you want to sign PDF files on a mobile device.

Use: PDF Buddy (Free)

2. HelloSign

HelloSign offers bank-grade security for signed PDF documents. Works in the cloud HelloSign:E-Signature Documents [Web &iOS] HelloSign:E-Signature Documents [Web &iOS] Read More

Integrations with popular apps like Google Docs, Dropbox, and OneNote add ease of use. HelloSign allows in-person signing on mobile devices, but it also works in browsers.

After registering or logging in, look at the menu on the left. Find the Sign documents Header and choose who is signing the document. If it's just you, select Only me .

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Then click the icon that looks like the bottom of a down arrow. It's to the right of your email address in the upper-right corner. Select Create a signature .

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Then choose one of the options in the box. When you're done, click the Select button at the bottom right.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Next, upload the PDF file that needs a signature. Once uploaded, you will see an option to Fill &Sign . Click that button.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

When the document opens, click Signature button at the top left. Choose the desired signature, then click Insert button. You can drag the signature across the document to position it as needed.

After editing the PDF file, click the Continue button at the top right. Doing so saves the file to your HelloSign account.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

If you're using a mobile device, select that you want to open a PDF file with the HelloSign app. Then look for the signature option at the bottom of your screen.

Whether you sign on a computer or mobile device, the prompts to sign a document are easy. It's also easy to find signed materials by signing in to your HelloSign account.

Download: HelloSign for iOS | Android (Free up to 3 docs/month, Premium starting at $13/month)

3. Smallpdf eSign Feature

Smallpdf offers many PDF editing tools, but the one applicable in this case is the eSign option.

Once you see the purple box on the screen, drag your PDF onto it or click the Choose file link. Notice the options to the right that integrate with Dropbox and Google Drive as well.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Smallpdf provides 256-bit SSL encryption during file transfers. Also, all files are automatically deleted from Smallpdf servers after one hour.

After choosing your PDF, Smallpdf will ask you to create your signature. Use your mouse or trackpad to draw it in the field provided. Don't worry, if your handwriting is bad (like mine), Smallpdf automatically cleans up your signature a bit to make it look smoother and more fluid.

Click Save when you're happy(ish) with your signature.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

You will then be redirected to the PDF you uploaded earlier. Available signatures appear in a window on your screen. Choose one by clicking on it and clicking on the Signature place button. You can change the size and position of the signature if you wish.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Drag the signature to its desired place on the document. When it's exactly how you want it, click Apply in the background in the right corner.

You can then download your signed PDF!

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Just like PDF Buddy, this tool works in your browser and has simple functionality. You will have a signed PDF in less than a minute. However, also similar to PDF Buddy, this tool does not have an equivalent mobile app. However, it does have a desktop app that you can download for a free trial.

Use: SmallPDF eSign (Free)

4. Adobe Acrobat ProDC

Far from being just a PDF signing tool, this Adobe product is for advanced PDF users. It allows you to create and edit PDF files and change the order of the pages. It's even possible to password protect PDF How to Password Protect a PDF:Free and Paid Options How to Password Protect a PDF:Free and Paid Options Yes, you can password protect your PDF! It is a great way to protect PDF files. We show you free and professional tools to add a password to your PDF. Read more you upload here.

For our purposes, however, we will focus on the Fill &Sign program. capabilities.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a paid solution. It costs $14.99 per month Adobe Acrobat Pro DC mini guide to managing PDF files Adobe Acrobat Pro DC mini guide to managing PDF files Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a comprehensive solution for managing PDF files. This article covers the key features you need to know to create and edit PDF files like a pro. Read More Before starting the trial period, you must provide the payment details. You won't be billed until the trial ends.

You can use this program on PC, Mac, and its companion mobile apps.

Locate the Forms and Signatures header and choose the Fill and sign option below it. Doing so brings up a small toolbar. Select Sign of that.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

You can import a signature image or draw a signature.

After saving your signature, it appears on the screen after clicking Sign . Then move the signature around the document as needed.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

Adobe's fill and signature features are quick and simple. However, if you need to sign only one PDF, the cost may not be worth it.

Download: Adobe Acrobat Pro DC ($14.99/month)
Download: Adobe Acrobat Reader for iOS | Android (free with access to Adobe Acrobat Pro DC)

5. JotNotSignature

JotNot Signature is an iOS application that allows the signing of PDF files. It also allows you to make basic annotations.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

One potential benefit is that it enables password protection for individual files. You can also lock the app with a password, limiting access to authorized users.

As you can see on the screenshot, it is possible to access saved signatures or make new ones. The app allows you to share signed documents via email or upload them to iCloud, too.

This app is ideal if you occasionally want to do more than just sign PDFs. Whether it's adding a signature or doing something else, it's a hassle-free and reliable option.

Download: JotNot Signature for iOS ($4.99)

6. SignNow

SignNow works in your browser or on a mobile device.

To start signing, click or tap the signature field in a PDF. After doing that, a popup box appears. It allows you to write or draw a signature, or upload a relevant image. Select your preferred method by clicking one of the tabs at the top of the box.

How to sign a PDF The best tools for electronic signatures

All SignNow signatures are legally valid. If you choose to type your signature, choose one of several font options. When drawing your signature, use your mouse or your finger.

Be sure to click the Make this my signature checkbox before pressing the Add button.

The names of the available tool options vary slightly on mobile devices, but are self explanatory.

SignNow offers reasonable prices for personal use. However, you pay for the service annually after the free trial ends. The annual pricing structure may not be your preference for occasional use. But SignNow isn't hard to use and offers desktop or mobile options.

With those things in mind, you may decide it's worth the cost.

Download: SignNow for iOS | Android ($5/month)

Sign PDFs:Free or Paid?

This list demonstrates that you have numerous options for signing PDF files. That's true regardless of whether you're willing to download paid software or want a browser-based tool. Is a free PDF editor good enough? Adobe Acrobat Pro DC vs. PDFescape Is a Free PDF Editor Good Enough? Adobe Acrobat Pro DC vs. PDFescape Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is Adobe's newest PDF editor. But does a free alternative like PDFescape offer all the features you need? We'll find out. Read more.

When making your choice, it's a good idea to consider the intended tasks and frequency of use. A paid solution may not be feasible to use a few times a month. However, if you work with PDF files frequently, a free tool may not have enough features.