How to Sign a PDF Online: Handwritten, Electronic and Digital Signatures

You receive a lease, a school permission slip or a quote you need to accept. Printing it, signing by hand, scanning it and sending it back takes time and requires a printer and a scanner. Today you can sign the PDF directly from your computer or phone in a couple of minutes.

Types of PDF Signatures

Type	How it’s created	Typical validity
Digitized handwritten signature	You draw your signature or insert an image of it	Suitable for everyday documents and informal agreements
Simple electronic signature	Any electronic data that identifies the signer	Valid in many contexts, with varying evidentiary weight
Certificate-based digital signature	Based on a certificate issued by a trusted authority	Higher security and legal weight; required for some procedures

Legal validity depends on the country and type of document. For official procedures, high-value contracts or documents that explicitly require it, check which type of signature is needed.

How to Sign a PDF With PDFcrea

1. Open the Sign PDF tool.
2. Upload your document.
3. Create your signature: draw it with the mouse or your finger, type it in a handwriting font or upload an image of it.
4. Place it in the right spot and adjust its size.
5. If needed, add the date or your initials on other pages.
6. Click Sign and download the signed document.

Tip: for a professional-looking scanned signature, sign with a black pen on white paper, photograph it in good light and use a PNG with a transparent background.

Before Signing: Review the Document

• Read the entire document, including the last pages and appendices.
• Check the details: names, dates, amounts and addresses.
• Fill in the required fields with Edit PDF if the document has no interactive fields.
• Sign the final version: if someone changes the document afterwards, your signature no longer reflects what you agreed to.

After Signing

• Keep a copy of the signed document somewhere safe.
• Don’t edit it again: any later change can invalidate a digital signature.
• Send it protected if it contains sensitive data, using Protect PDF.
• Convert to PDF/A before signing if you need to archive it long term.

Documents You Can Sign Online

• Leases, service or employment contracts.
• Accepted quotes and purchase orders.
• School permission slips and consent forms.
• Delivery notes and handover reports.
• Non-disclosure agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a drawn signature on a PDF legal?

In many countries, a simple electronic signature is valid for numerous private agreements. Its evidentiary weight depends on the context. For procedures that require a certificate-based signature, use a qualified digital signature.

Can I sign on my phone?

Yes. You can draw your signature with your finger directly on your phone or tablet screen.

Can several people sign the same PDF?

Yes. Each person can add their signature in turn on the same document before sending it to the next signer.

Conclusion

Signing a PDF online saves paper, time and trips. Choose the right type of signature for each document, review it before signing and always keep a copy. Sign your documents with PDFcrea Sign PDF.