How to Sign a PDF Online for Free (No Printing, No App)
By the FreePDF team ·
Printing a PDF, signing it with a pen, and scanning it back in is a lot of steps for one signature. If you just need your name on a form or a contract, you can place it directly on the page from a browser and skip the printer entirely.
Signing a PDF
- Open the Sign PDF tool and upload your document.
- Draw your signature with a mouse or finger, or upload an image of one you already have.
- Drag it into place on the page, resize it to fit, and download the signed file.
Drawing vs uploading
- Drawing works fine on a touchscreen or trackpad and is quickest for a one-off signature.
- Uploading a PNG of your actual signature (photographed off paper, or exported from another app) gives a more consistent result if you sign documents often.
What this signature is — and isn't
This places a visible image of your signature onto the page, which covers most everyday paperwork: forms, letters, internal sign-offs, simple agreements. It does not add a certificate-based digital signature with cryptographic identity verification, so it isn't a substitute for that where a document specifically requires one — check with the other party if you're not sure which you need.
After signing
If the signed document also needs to stay private in transit, lock it with a password before you send it.
Common questions
Is this legally binding?
It's suitable for most everyday documents, but it's a visible signature image, not a certificate-based digital signature. For documents with strict legal signing requirements, check whether that specific format is required.
Can I reuse the same signature next time?
Save the image you upload (or a screenshot of your drawn one) so you can re-upload it instantly next time, rather than redrawing it from scratch.