How to sign a PDF without printing it

Sign a PDF in your browser (any device)

1. Go to Sign PDF and drop in the document.
2. Choose Draw to sign with your mouse, trackpad or finger, Type to use a handwriting-style font, or Upload to use a photo of your signature.
3. Click the page where it should go. Altto highlights places marked “Signature”, “Sign here” or “Date” so you can jump between them.
4. Add initials, the date or any text the form asks for, and tick boxes if needed.
5. Download the signed PDF and send it back.

Because the signing happens in your browser, a contract, tenancy agreement or consent form isn’t uploaded to anyone along the way.

On a Mac: Preview

Open the PDF in Preview, click the Markup (pen) button, then the Sign button. You can sign on the trackpad with your finger, hold a signature on paper up to the camera, or use your iPhone. Click the signature to place it, then save.

On an iPhone or iPad: Markup

Open the PDF in the Files app or from Mail, tap the Markup button, then the + button and Add Signature. Sign with your finger, drag it into place and tap Done. Files saves the change to the PDF.

On Windows and Android

Windows doesn’t include a PDF signing tool, and Android’s built-in viewers vary by phone maker. The simplest free routes are a browser tool like Sign PDF, which works the same on both, or the free Adobe Acrobat Reader app, which has a Fill & Sign option.

Is an electronic signature legally valid in the UK?

For most everyday documents, yes. In 2019 the Law Commission confirmed that an electronic signature can be used to sign a document in England and Wales, including where the law requires a signature, as long as the person intends to sign it and any formalities (such as a witness) are met. Contracts, consent forms, tenancy agreements and job offers are routinely signed this way.

There are exceptions. Wills need a handwritten signature and witnesses, and documents that must be witnessed, such as some deeds, have extra steps. If you’re not sure, check with whoever asked for the signature. This is general information, not legal advice. (Source: Law Commission: Electronic execution of documents.)

Electronic signature or digital signature?

An electronic signature is any signature added electronically, like the drawn or typed signature these methods add. A digital signature is a certificate-based seal that proves who signed and that the file hasn’t changed since; it comes from signing services and paid PDF software. Most everyday paperwork only needs an electronic signature; the person asking will tell you if they need a digital one.

Tips for a signature that looks right

• Sign slowly with a finger or stylus. On a phone you get a smoother line than with a mouse.
• Keep it in proportion. Shrink it to fit the signature line; an oversized signature looks pasted on.
• Lock it in. Altto merges the signature into the page when you download. If the file has form fields, Flatten PDF locks the answers too.
• Several signers? Sign and send your copy to the next person, who adds their signature the same way.

Common questions