Printing a document, signing it by hand, and scanning it back in is still how a surprising number of people sign PDFs — and it's almost never actually necessary anymore.

Two Ways to Add a Signature Digitally

  • Draw it: use your mouse or finger (on a touchscreen) to draw your signature, which gets embedded into the PDF exactly where you place it
  • Type it: type your name and have it rendered in a signature-style script font — faster, though visually less personal

Both methods place a genuine image directly into the PDF's content, not a separate attachment — the signature becomes part of the document itself.

Is a Typed or Drawn Signature Legally Valid?

In most contexts, yes: in the US, the ESIGN Act and UETA, and similar e-signature laws in many other countries, generally treat electronic signatures as legally equivalent to handwritten ones for most everyday documents — as long as both parties intend to sign electronically. The signature itself doesn't need to look like your handwritten one to be valid.

Where a Basic E-Signature Isn't Enough

Some documents specifically require notarization, a witness, or a more rigorous e-signature standard with identity verification and an audit trail (common in real estate closings, certain legal filings, or specific state/country requirements) — for these, a simple drawn or typed signature in a PDF editor isn't sufficient, and you'll need a dedicated e-signature service or an in-person/notarized process instead.

When a Basic Signature Is Perfectly Fine

  • Signing an internal work document or agreement between colleagues
  • Signing a straightforward contract where both parties already agree to the terms
  • Filling out and signing a form for school, a landlord, or a service provider

For the large majority of everyday signing needs, this covers it completely.

Step-by-Step: Sign a PDF

  1. Open your PDF in the editor
  2. Click "Signature," then draw or type your signature
  3. Place and resize it on the page, then download the signed PDF

Try It Yourself

Use our free PDF Editor to sign a PDF — draw or type, no printing required

Open PDF Editor →