How to Sign a PDF on Any Phone or Computer (Free)

Someone has sent you a PDF to sign and return. You don’t have a printer, and you don’t want to sign up for yet another service. Here’s how to sign it in a couple of minutes on any device, for free.

The quick way (any device)

1. Open the free Sign PDF tool in your browser.
2. Drop the PDF onto the page, or tap Choose file and pick it from your downloads, email attachments or files app.
3. Tap Signature. Draw your signature with your finger, mouse or trackpad — or type your name and pick a handwriting style.
4. Your signature appears on the page you’re viewing. Drag it onto the signature line and resize it with the corner handle.
5. Add Date, Initials or Text wherever the form asks.
6. Tap Finish & download PDF, then send the signed file back.

The PDF never leaves your device, and there’s no watermark on the result.

On an iPhone or iPad

• If the PDF arrived by email, tap the attachment, then the share icon, and choose Save to Files.
• In Safari, open the Sign PDF tool, tap Choose file, then Browse to find it in Files.
• Draw your signature with your finger, or an Apple Pencil for a more natural result — pencil pressure makes the line thicker and thinner like real ink.
• After downloading, the signed PDF is in Files → Downloads. Attach it to your reply from there.

Tip: rotate to landscape when drawing your signature for more room.

On Android

• Save the attachment to your device (it usually goes to Downloads).
• In Chrome, open the tool and tap Choose file.
• After you tap download, Chrome shows a notification; the file is in your Downloads folder.

On Windows, Mac or Chromebook

Drag the PDF from your desktop or downloads folder straight onto the drop zone. A trackpad works well for drawing; if your signature looks shaky, try the Type tab and choose a handwriting style, or Upload a photo of your real signature.

Using your real signature

For the most authentic result, sign your name on a plain white sheet of paper with a dark pen, take a photo in good light, and use the Upload tab. The tool removes the white paper automatically so only the ink remains. Crop the photo close to the signature first for the cleanest edges.

Tick Remember on this device to reuse it next time — it’s stored only in your browser. On a shared computer, leave it unticked.

Filling in the rest of the form

Many documents need more than a signature:

• Dates: tap Date to add today’s date, then edit it if a specific format is required.
• Initials on every page: add initials once, then use Duplicate and the page selector to place copies on other pages.
• Checkboxes: use Mark to place an “X”.
• Names and addresses: use Text, then type in the box in the side panel. Change the size so it fits the form.

Before you send it back

• Zoom in to check everything sits on the right lines.
• Make sure you’ve signed every place required — look for “Signature”, “Sign here” and “Initial” on every page.
• Keep a copy of the signed PDF and the email you send it with.

Is it legally binding?

For most everyday agreements, yes: electronic signatures are recognised in the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, India and many other countries. Some documents — such as wills, some property documents and anything requiring a witness or notary — have special rules. If in doubt, ask the person who sent you the document what kind of signature they need.