PDF Tools guide
How to sign a PDF without uploading it, on a phone or computer
To sign a PDF, open it in a PDF signing tool, fill in any form fields, then draw your signature with a finger or mouse (or type your name, or upload a photo of your signature), place it on the signature line, add the date and download the signed copy. In PDF Tools all of this happens in your browser, so the document never leaves your device. A signature added this way is a simple electronic signature.
How to sign a PDF, step by step
- Open the PDF. In PDF Tools, choose Fill & Sign and pick the file. A PDF with a fillable form shows its fields in blue.
- Fill in the form. Tap a field to type, tick its boxes or choose from its lists. No form? Use Text to type anywhere on the page.
- Make your signature. Press Sign and draw it with a finger, stylus or mouse, type your name in a handwriting-style font, or upload a photo of your signature on white paper.
- Place it. Tap the page where it goes, drag it onto the line and pull the corner to resize it.
- Add the date and initials if the document asks for them. Date, ✓ and ✗ are one tap each.
- Download the signed PDF and send it back to whoever asked for it.
Why it matters where you sign
Most free PDF websites upload your document to their servers, process it there and send it back. The things people sign are often the things they'd least like to hand to a stranger: tenancy agreements, employment contracts, medical and school forms, bank and mortgage paperwork.
PDF Tools works differently. The page includes everything it needs to read and edit PDFs (the open-source pdf-lib and PDF.js libraries), and it runs on your own phone or computer. The file goes from your device into the browser tab and the signed copy is saved straight back. You can check: load the page, turn off Wi-Fi, and it still works.
Is an electronic signature legally binding?
For many everyday documents, yes. In the UK, the EU and the US, the law accepts electronic signatures for most contracts, and a signature you draw or type onto a PDF is a simple electronic signature. It suits things like permission slips, tenancy and rental forms, freelance agreements and many workplace forms.
Some documents need more. Wills, deeds that must be witnessed, some property transactions and certain official forms can require a wet-ink signature, a witness or a certified ("qualified" or "advanced") electronic signature from a trust service provider.
Signing on a phone, a tablet or a computer
| Device | Best way to sign |
|---|---|
| Phone | Draw with your finger, holding the phone sideways for more room. Open the PDF from Files or your email's attachment download. |
| Tablet with a stylus | Draw with the pen: the closest thing to paper. |
| Computer | A mouse signature looks shaky. Type your name in the handwriting font, or upload a photo of your signature. |
To upload a signature, sign a sheet of plain white paper in dark ink, photograph it in good light, and crop close to the signature.
Other things you can do with the same PDF
PDF Tools also does the other jobs people usually upload to a website for, on your device:
- Merge several PDFs, drag pages into order and download one file.
- Rotate, delete or extract pages, one at a time or a selection.
- Split a document into one file per page or by page ranges, as a ZIP.
- Compress a scanned or photo-heavy PDF. Pages are redrawn as images, so text in the result can't be selected or searched.
- Turn photos into a PDF, or scan pages with the camera.
All of this is free. Yuzool Plus adds extras to Fill & Sign: several saved signatures, flattening the form, signing every page at once and signing many PDFs in one go.
Common mistakes
- Uploading private documents to random websites. Use a tool that works on your device.
- Signing before reading. Check every page, including the small print, before you sign.
- Forgetting the date or initials. Many forms need initials on each page and a date beside the signature.
- A tiny or huge signature. Resize it to fit the line, as you would on paper.
- A dark photo for an uploaded signature. Use white paper, dark ink and good light.
- Assuming every document can be e-signed. Wills and witnessed deeds usually can't. Ask if unsure.
Questions
How do I sign a PDF on my iPhone?
Open PDF Tools in Safari, choose Fill & Sign, pick the PDF from Files, then press Sign and draw your signature with your finger. Place it, then download the signed PDF back to Files.
Can I sign a PDF without printing it?
Yes. Draw, type or upload your signature, place it on the page and download the signed copy. No printer or scanner is needed.
Is it safe to sign a PDF online?
It depends where the file goes. Many sites upload it to their servers. PDF Tools runs in your browser and never uploads the document.
Is a typed signature valid?
In many countries a typed or drawn signature counts as a simple electronic signature for everyday documents. Some documents need a witnessed or certified signature, so check with the sender if unsure.
Can I fill in a PDF form that isn't fillable?
Yes. Use Text to type anywhere on the page, and Date, ✓ and ✗ for the rest.
Is PDF Tools free?
Yes. Filling, signing, merging, splitting and compressing are free with no account. Yuzool Plus adds extra signing features such as several saved signatures and signing many PDFs at once.