Adding signatures to PDF documents can be done in several ways. The document can be printed, signed, scanned, or used with an app accepting PDF signatures.

Step-by-step guides can streamline the introduction of new software to employees and customers, as they reduce the learning curve and increase adoption. They can include text instructions and visual formats, such as screenshots and videos.

Create a PDF Document

Whether it’s a contract, multipage report, or resume, PDF (portable document format) documents are an increasingly common way to share information. The files are easy to view and read and are compatible with virtually all operating systems, software, and hardware devices.

They’re also easy to attach to email messages or other digital communications, upload to websites, or download from other sites. They’re often more professional-looking than images or other file formats and can be easily printed.

Creating a PDF document is accessible in most programs, including Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages. It’s so easy that most of the time, you don’t even need to think about it. Just open the program, click File, and then select Save As to create a PDF document of your work.

You can also create a PDF from images or other file formats, such as spreadsheets in Excel or Google Sheets. The formatting and fonts will be preserved, and a PDF file is as easy to view on a computer or tablet as on a web browser.

If you want to ensure that your PDF is searchable and more discoverable by others, you can add keywords and a description. This will make the File easier to find in Windows Explorer or Finder on a Mac.

Open the PDF Document

If you’re a business owner or need to sign PDF documents regularly, you’ve used inefficient and time-consuming processes. Printing the paper, signing it, scanning it, and emailing it back are the usual steps in the procedure.

Ever wonder how to add a signature to a PDF without the hassle of printing, signing, and scanning? E-signature software makes it a breeze! Simply upload your document, designate the signature field location, and let anyone sign electronically in just a few clicks. No more messy paper trails, just secure and easily accessible signatures stored in your vault.

Another excellent option for adding a digital signature to PDF documents is uPdf. This free program for Linux can create PDF files with a signature field, which is then saved as an image file (typically a PNG with a transparent background). The user can sign the PDF document by dragging and dropping the image onto the appropriate area.

You can also add a signature to a PDF document on your Mac using an app. When you open a PDF in the Preview app, click Signature in the top menu to create/insert a signature. You can then type, draw, or upload an image of your Signature.

Add Your Signature

A signature is an integral part of any document. It helps validate a person’s identity, adds their approval to an agreement, and makes it easier for both parties to store the signed document in the future.

Businesses often need to send their clients invoices and contracts that require signatures, while schools may ask interviewees to sign nondisclosure agreements or students to sign course materials. Luckily, e-signature software can make the process quick and straightforward.

The Fill & Sign function in the Tools pane on the right side of the screen allows you to sign a PDF document. When you click the Add Signature button, three options will show: Type, Draw, and Image. Type lets you enter your name in cursive text, which you can customize by selecting a style from the dropdown menu.

Draw allows you to create your Signature using a mouse or touchpad, and you can use a stylus if you’re using a touchscreen device. The image lets you select an image file of your Signature. You can drag, resize, and position the Signature inside the PDF document.

Another way to add a signature to a PDF document is by using an online form builder like Jotform Sign, which offers robust e-signature widgets and thousands of customizable form templates. Setting up a signature field on your forms takes just a few minutes and is compatible with all major devices and operating systems.

Save the PDF Document

If you are a business owner, you often need to sign documents. Traditionally, this means printing the document, signing it, scanning it, and sending it back to the person who sent it. This can be ineffective and time-consuming, particularly if you have a lot of paperwork to sign.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make this process much more manageable. One way is to use an app that lets you draw your Signature and save it as a file with a Fill & Sign feature. You can also use apps that allow you to sign up to three documents a month free of charge.

Another option is using the built-in PDF features on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad. If the document you need to sign has a form field, open it in the Preview app, click the Show Form Filling Toolbar button, or use your cursor (or, on a touch screen, your finger) to fill out the form and add a signature.

If you’re using VoiceOver or the built-in screen reader on your Mac, you can also record a description of your Signature so it’s easy to find later.

If you use the Detect Fields feature in the Fill & Sign toolbar, the program automatically scans your document for potential e-sign fields. The feature learns and improves with each use, so the more you use it, the more accurate it will become.