Published 2021-08-20 by TechNet New England
You do not need to print a PDF to sign it. Every major platform has built-in tools for adding a signature. ## Mac: Preview 1. Open the PDF in **Preview** (the default PDF viewer on Mac). 2. Click the **Markup toolbar** button (the pen icon) or go to **Tools > Annotate > Signature > Manage Signatures**. 3. Click **Create Signature**. You have three options: **Trackpad:** Use your finger to draw your signature on the trackpad. **Camera:** Write your signature on white paper and hold it up to the camera. Preview captures it. **iPhone:** If your iPhone is nearby, draw your signature on the iPhone screen. 4. Click **Done** to save the signature. 5. Click on the signature line in the PDF. 6. Click the **Signature** tool and select your saved signature. 7. Resize and position it. 8. Save the PDF (Command + S). Your signature is saved and can be reused on future PDFs. ## Windows: Microsoft Edge 1. Open the PDF in **Microsoft Edge** (right-click the PDF > Open with > Microsoft Edge). 2. Click the **Draw** icon in the PDF toolbar. 3. Draw your signature with your mouse or stylus. 4. Click **Save** or **Save As**. For a cleaner approach, use the free **Adobe Acrobat Reader DC**: 1. Open the PDF in Adobe Reader. 2. Click **Fill and Sign** in the right panel. 3. Click **Sign yourself > Add signature**. 4. Type, draw, or upload an image of your signature. 5. Click **Apply**, then click where you want to place it. 6. Save the PDF. ## iPhone and iPad 1. Open the PDF in **Files** or **Mail**. 2. Tap the **Markup** icon (pen tip icon). 3. Tap the **"+"** button > **Signature**. 4. Draw your signature and tap **Done**. 5. Position and resize it on the PDF. 6. Tap **Done** and save or share the signed PDF. ## Android 1. Open the PDF in **Google Drive** or download **Adobe Acrobat Reader**. 2. In Adobe Reader, tap **Fill and Sign**. 3. Create and place your signature. 4. Save the file. ## Is This Legally Binding? For most business purposes, a digital signature on a PDF is legally accepted. The ESIGN Act and UETA (in the US) recognize electronic signatures as equivalent to handwritten signatures for most transactions. For formal contracts or situations where verified digital signatures are required (with encryption and certificate verification), use a dedicated e-signature platform like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or PandaDoc. ## Tips Create your signature once and reuse it. Both Mac Preview and Adobe Reader save your signature for future use. Use a stylus or Apple Pencil for a more natural-looking signature on tablets. After signing, flatten the PDF (print to PDF) if you want to prevent the signature from being moved or removed.