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How to Sign a PDF Online

No printer. No scanner. No fax. Sign any PDF directly in your browser in under a minute — for free.

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Why Sign Online Instead of Printing?

Printing, signing by hand, scanning, and emailing back a document takes 10–15 minutes — and requires a printer and scanner. An online signature takes 30 seconds and produces a cleaner result with no scan artifacts.

Online (electronic) signatures are legally recognized in the US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia, and most other countries for the vast majority of business contracts, NDAs, offer letters, and agreements. (Exceptions include wills, some real estate deeds, and court documents in certain jurisdictions.)

How to Sign a PDF Online (Step by Step)

1

Open the eSign tool

Go to pdf.it.com/esign. No account needed for your first 3 signatures. Create a free account for 10 signatures per day.

2

Upload your PDF

Drag and drop your PDF or click to upload. Any PDF works — contracts, offer letters, forms, leases, NDAs.

3

Create your signature

Choose how you want to sign: Draw (use your mouse or finger on touchscreen), Type (typed name in a signature font), or Upload (use an image of your existing signature).

4

Place the signature

Click where you want your signature to appear on the document. Drag to reposition, resize handles to adjust the size.

5

Download the signed PDF

Click Apply Signature, then download your signed PDF. The signature is embedded — it will display correctly in any PDF viewer.

Three Ways to Sign

Draw Your Signature

Use your mouse on desktop, or your finger on a phone or tablet. This creates the most personal-looking signature. On a touchscreen, a drawn signature looks nearly identical to pen on paper.

Type Your Name

Type your name and choose a signature-style font. Fast and clean — ideal for formal business documents where a handwritten look isn't required.

Upload an Image

Have an existing PNG or JPG of your signature? Upload it directly. Best for people who have already scanned their signature once and want to reuse it.

Is an Online Signature Legally Binding?

For most documents, yes. Here's the short version:

  • Contracts and agreements — legally binding in US, EU, UK, Canada, Australia
  • NDAs and offer letters — widely accepted and enforceable
  • Lease agreements — most jurisdictions accept e-signatures
  • Wills and trusts — usually require wet signatures
  • Some government forms — check specific requirements

When in doubt, consult a lawyer about the specific document type in your jurisdiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is signing a PDF online legally valid?

In most countries, electronic signatures are legally binding for most business documents. The US ESIGN Act (2000) and EU eIDAS regulation both give electronic signatures the same legal weight as handwritten signatures.

Can I sign a PDF for free?

Yes. PDF.it lets you sign PDFs with 10 free conversions per day. Draw, type, or upload your signature and apply it to any position on the document.

Do I need to print and scan the document to sign it?

No. PDF.it's eSign tool lets you add your signature directly to the PDF on screen — no printing or scanning needed.

Can I sign a PDF on my phone?

Yes. PDF.it works in any mobile browser. You can draw your signature directly on the touchscreen for a natural-looking signature.

Is my signature stored by PDF.it?

No. PDF.it's eSign tool is privacy-first — signatures are session-only and never stored on our servers.