how to get pdf digital signature

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3 Ways to Electronically Sign PDFs

Last Updated: May 3, 2024 Fact Checked

Electronic Signatures or Digital Signatures

Using adobe fill & sign on mobile.

• Using Adobe on a Computer

Using Preview on Mac

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Darlene Antonelli, MA . Darlene Antonelli is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. Darlene has experience teaching college courses, writing technology-related articles, and working hands-on in the technology field. She earned an MA in Writing from Rowan University in 2012 and wrote her thesis on online communities and the personalities curated in such communities. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 246,595 times. Learn more...

Do you want to add your signature to a document, but don't want to print it out, then sign it, then scan it again? Luckily, you can add your signature digitally! But let's be clear: This is not a digital signature, which is also called a certificate-based signature, and is encrypted for extra security. However, you can add your signature to documents with electronic signatures practically anywhere! You can do this using the Adobe Reader program on both Windows and Mac computers, or you can use a Mac computer's built-in Preview app. If you want to sign a PDF on an iPhone or Android, Adobe's Fill & Sign app is a good choice. This wikiHow article teaches you how to add an electronic signature to a PDF document.

Things To Know

• If you're on a smartphone or tablet, open "Adobe Fill & Sign," then go to "Fill & Sign > Create" and add your signature to a PDF.
• If you're using a Windows or Mac computer, open Adobe Reader or Acrobat, then go to "Tools > Fill & Sign > Sign" and add your signature.
• While you can electornically add a signature to any PDF, a digital signature requires a certificate to meet standards of security and authenticity.

• On Android, tap From PDF File in this menu.

• Skip this step on Android.

• You may first have to tap somewhere off of the tutorial window to close the tutorial.

• For example, if you wanted to send your PDF in an email, you would tap Share , tap your preferred email app, enter a recipient's email address, subject, and message, and tap Send .

• On Android, you'll just tap the "Back" button in the top-left corner of the screen to save your signature. [3] X Research source

Using Adobe Reader or Acrobat on Windows or Mac

• Go to https://get.adobe.com/reader/ in your computer's web browser.
• Uncheck any of the software in the "Optional offer" column.
• Click Install now or Download .
• Double-click the downloaded setup file.
• Follow the installation prompts.
• If you have Adobe Acrobat, you can use that application instead and follow the same steps to add your signature.

• Windows — Right-click the PDF you want to sign, select Open with , and click Adobe Acrobat Reader/Acrobat DC .
• Mac — Click the PDF you want to sign, click File , select Open With , and click Adobe Acrobat Reader/Acrobat DC .

• Click the PDF to select it.
• Click File in the menu bar.
• Select Open With in the File drop-down menu.
• Click Preview in the pop-out menu.

• If you're using an iMac, you'll instead select the Camera tab.
• If you have existing signatures, first click Create Signature at the bottom of the drop-down menu to make a new one (or select your signature and then skip the next two steps).

• If you're using the webcam on an iMac, you'll write your signature on a blank piece of paper and then take a picture of it using the camera.

Expert Q&A

• If you want to add a digital signature, or certificate-based signature, with Acrobat or Reader, you'll need to get a digital ID. Many times, if you're signing a document from a government agency or a corporation, you'll be provided with a digital ID to use. If you aren't offered one, get in touch with that corporation or government agency for one, or buy one from Adobe. You can add your signature to the document using your certificate-based signature in the same way you add a normal signature. [6] X Research source Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• You can also sign with MS Word or using an iPhone ! Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
• You can also sign online for free. For example, if you're using a Chromebook, those applications won't work for you. There are services like DocuSign and HelloSign that work in a web browser so you can sign a limited number of PDFs for free! Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.entrust.com/resources/faq/digital-signature-vs-electronic-signature
• ↑ https://www.digicert.com/faq/signature-trust/what-is-the-difference-between-an-electronic-signature-and-digital-signature
• ↑ https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/mobile/fill-sign-pdfs.html
• ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/signing-pdfs.html
• ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/reader/using/sign-pdfs.html
• ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/certificate-based-signatures.html

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• How To eSign PDF

How to Create a Digital Signature Online

May 15, 2023 by Hung Nguyen

With Smallpdf eSign, you can freely create, sign, and request digital signatures in just a few clicks.

Have you been asked to sign a document with a digital signature? If you’re wondering how to do so, check out our newest electronic signature tool over at Sign.com . It’s really easy to use, and you’ll have that document signed in seconds.

Go to Sign.com .

Upload the document that needs signing.

Click “Signature field” to create a new signature.

Afterward, drag your signature onto your document.

Hit “Finish” and download your document.

Create a digital signature with Sign.com, in less than a few seconds

How Do Digital Signatures Work with Smallpdf?

When you sign your PDF as a Pro user, we create what’s called an “advanced electronic signature”—the technical name for digital signatures. With it comes an LTV-enabled timestamp, which you can validate using a PDF reader such as Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Sign.

When validating the signature, you’ll see Smallpdf as the signee. You’ll also see a timestamp documenting the time the signature was created. And last, but most certainly not least, you’ll be able to see that the document hasn’t been changed since the time of signing. Because of this, don’t update or alter the content of your legal documents once you sign them so as not to invalidate the signature. Converting a document, for example, from PDF to Word, after digitally signing it will also break the digital signature seal.

If you are a free user, electronic signing is available for limited free use, although you won’t be able to validate the signature. Think of it as a plain image without a digital fingerprint. Depending on your local legislation and the purpose of your document, you may or may not need to create a digital signature. For more information on digital signatures, check out our blog article, “ Digital Signatures Explained .”

Other Things You Could Do

After uploading your PDF into eSign, you can add text or a date field to the document, in case you want to add the time and place next to the signature field. If you need to request signatures, the “invite signees” functionality lets you invite others to sign your document using a digital signature. You just add their name and email address, and we’ll send them a request to sign your document.

If you have a Pro account, signees will also have access to digital sealing when signing PDFs with our service. As long as one party is a Smallpdf Pro member, you’ll get a digital signature instead of an electronic one.

If you’re still in the draft phase of your contract, you can also take advantage of our 20+ tools to prepare your PDF any way you’d like before you upload it to the eSign tool. For instance, you can compress a large contract before signing it so that it’s email-ready. You can also merge multiple documents into one instead of requesting multiple signatures, which can get tiresome.

As you can’t change the document once it is signed, remember to carry out all modifications before creating a digital signature and signing the PDF.

And finally, our ultimate goal is to make document management so smooth you hardly think about it. Our newest e-signing tool at Sign.com gets us closer to that goal. So have a look at that, and keep checking back for the latest updates on all things PDF.

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How to Sign a PDF Electronically

Need to quickly add your electronic signature to a contract, offer letter or non disclosure agreement in a PDF? It’s easy to digitally sign a PDF in just a few clicks. Electronic signatures create a contract that is widely accepted and more secure than traditional paper-based signatures.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to add your electronic signature to a PDF. 

How to sign a PDF

Here’s the easiest and fastest way to add your signature to a PDF:

• Log in to your free Docusign eSignature account. If you don’t have one yet, you can create one with a Docusign free trial ; this is where you’ll add your signature
• Upload the PDF you’d like to sign
• Click “Sign”
• Drag and drop your signature from the left-hand navigation panel. 
• Click “Finish”

Watch this short video to see these quick steps in action:

After you’ve signed the document, you’re also able to share the signed PDF using Docusign. In this simple process, you can customize the email and track when the recipient has opened your signed document. The recipient doesn't need a Docusign account to view the signed document.

Create a signature to use on PDFs

When it comes to creating a custom signature , you have a few different options. There’s no difference in the validity of your e-signature, so choose whichever option you prefer. To create an electronic signature in Docusign, you may either:

• Type your name and select a font
• Draw your signature using your mouse or trackpad, or
• Upload an image with your signature. 

How to request an electronic signature on a PDF

If you’re requesting a signature or multiple signatures on a PDF document, you’ll want to remove all the unnecessary roadblocks for your signers so that you can have the fully executed version in hand as quickly as possible. Requesting a signature on a PDF is easy and fast for you and for the signers. Just follow these steps:

• Upload the PDF documents that you’d like to have signed.
• Drag and drop the fields for your signer to complete. These fields frequently include: name, address, date, initials, and signature, but can be customized to suit your needs.
• Add an email address for your signer.
• Click “Send” and the form will be delivered to your signer, ready for their electronic signature to be added to your PDF.

You can even send PDFs for signature from the Docusign mobile app . 

Benefits of using an electronic signature for PDFs

Using an electronic signature on PDFs is faster and easier than using paper and email attachments. But there are other key benefits of using Docusign for your electronic signatures:

• Sign your PDF remotely. Using an electronic signature to sign a PDF or fill out a PDF form allows you to sign remotely, on any device. If you work in a hybrid environment, are on the go, or even knocking out a few tasks while you’re waiting for your team to join a meeting, being able to sign your PDFs from any location or device can lend a huge boost in efficiency for any signer.
• Sign with confidence and security. Using electronic signatures in Docusign is a more secure method of signing than paper and email attachments. One less thing to worry about.
• Scale with your business. As your business grows, you may find yourself needing to sign more documents, and requiring more signatures yourself. Using electronic signatures on your PDFs and other documents allows for the efficiency that your business requires, whether you’re signing one document or one hundred.
• Integrated to common applications. Using Docusign for your electronic signatures not only allows you to easily and quickly sign PDFs, but also to connect with other applications like Google, Salesforce, Microsoft, and Workday.

Fill out and sign a PDF 

Adding an electronic signature to any PDF is made easy with Docusign.

To get started signing securely, sign up for a 30-day free trial here .

Work smarter with the Docusign eSignature mobile app

• Download now
• Product Features
• Electronic Signature

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Adobe acrobat reader dc may be your best free bet.

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These days, more and more official papers are being turned into PDF documents. (PDF stands for Portable Document Format; it is a standard created by Adobe in the early 1990s that allows paper documents to be turned into exact digital copies.) In fact, hard copy paperwork is fast becoming the exception rather than the rule. However, even digital documents have to be signed. You can do it the long way — print those documents out, sign them, and then scan them back into your computer — or you can create a digital signature and place it directly on the PDF.

Windows doesn’t offer a built-in PDF signing feature the way a Mac does . However, you can use Windows’ built-in browser, Microsoft Edge, to sign a PDF document. There are also third-party apps you can download that will give you the same ability.

In this article, I’ll first go over how to use Edge to add a signature, and then I’ll do the same using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, which is Adobe’s free PDF reader.

Use Microsoft Edge to create a signature

• Find your PDF file in the file manager. Right-click on the file and open it using Microsoft Edge.
• The file will open in Edge’s PDF reader. Click on the Draw icon (it looks like a pencil facing downward).
• If you’ve got a touch screen, it will automatically enable the Draw with Touch option (the icon looks like a hand)
• Use your cursor (or, if you’ve got a touch screen, your finger) to sign the PDF, and then save the document.

While this is a good, quick way to sign a PDF document, it means you have to go through the same process every time. It would be a lot simpler if you could simply pop your signature into the document.

One way to do this is to write a signature, photograph it, and download it as a PDF or graphic file.

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader DC to create a signature

• Download Adobe Acrobat Reader DC . Adobe has the unfortunate tendency to encourage people to download excess apps, so make sure you uncheck all the additional installations that may pop up on the page: in my case, it was two McAfee apps and Acrobat’s Chrome extension. (You can install this last one later if you think it might be useful.)
• After you click on “Download Adobe Reader,” you can start the install by clicking on the downloaded .EXE file.

Once it’s installed, Acrobat Reader will open. There will be a list of any PDFs you may have recently opened. If the file you want to use is among them, highlight the file. On the right, there should now be a column with a thumbnail of the document, along with several functions, one of which will be Fill & Sign . Select that, and your document will open within the Fill & Sign feature.

• If the file is not there, go to the left-hand menu and click on My Computer to find the PDF file you want to sign, and double-click it to move it into Acrobat’s editing window.
• Look to see if there is a small “Ab” next to your cursor. If not, find the Fill & Sign icon on the lower right (it looks like a pencil) and make sure it is highlighted.
• Once activated, click where you want the signature to appear; you’ll see a small box that will let you sign by typing your name into your form. (if there is a line for a signature anywhere in the document and you click near it, the box will automatically align with the line.
• If you want to sign by actually drawing your signature or save a typed or drawn signature, tap on Sign yourself just above the main screen.

• You will have the option to Add Signature or Add Initials . For now, click on Add Signature .
• A pop-up window will give you three ways to sign your document: type your name (Adobe supplies you with several handwritten-looking fonts), draw your signature (either using your touchpad or directly on a touchscreen), or upload an image of your signature. Make sure Save signature is checked if you don’t want to have to write it again.

• Once you’ve hit Apply , your PDF document will be back. Place your new signature where you want it on the document and left-click. You can then change the size or placement of the signature if you wish.

And you’re done! Now, if you want to add your signature to a PDF, just open your document using Adobe Acrobat Reader and click on the Sign yourself icon. You can then select your saved signature and place it where you need it on your PDF document. (The Add Initials option works just the same but gives you less space, so you can only add initials.) If you want to change your signature, just click the minus sign next to the signature and try again.

Adobe has also made available an online app that allows you to fill and sign a PDF. Bring it up in your browser and either drag and drop a PDF into the window or click on the Select a file button. At that point, you will be asked to either sign in or register with an Adobe, Facebook, Apple, or Google account. You can then either type in or sign your document the same way as you would the desktop app.

Other options

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC is not the only app that you can use to read and / or edit a PDF document for free, although there are fewer alternatives out there than there used to be. For example, SignWell lets you sign up to three documents a month free of charge. Adobe Reader doesn’t have any limitations on your ability to sign documents, but if you want to create a PDF or export it to another format, you’ll have to get the Pro version.

• How to create a signature for PDF documents on a Mac
• How to create a PDF file

Update May 9th, 11:40AM ET:  This article was originally published on March 11th, 2021. On November 3rd, 2021, directions on how to sign a PDF using Microsoft Edge were added. More recently, some of the directions of the Adobe app have changed, several free alternatives have disappeared, and a description of the online Adobe app has been added.

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Your tool to eSign documents. Sign a document yourself or send a signature request to others.

• Simple Signature
• Digital Signature Premium

Signing document...

Who will sign this document?

Set your signature details.

• Company Stamp

Draw from your mobile device

Upload signature

or drop file here

Accepted formats: PNG , JPG and SVG

Upload initials

Upload company stamp

Create your signature request

Who will receive your document?

Select this option to set a signing order. A signer won't receive a request until the previous person has completed their document.

The document will expire in 15 days .

This option will allow each signer to receive a unique and separate request to sign individually.

You will receive an email notification when a receiver has completed their request.

Send a reminder to the participants every 1 days.

A signed Certified Hash and a Qualified Timestamp is embedded to the signed documents, ensuring the future integrity of the document and signature. Certified signatures are eIDAS, ESIGN & UETA compliant.

Notifications will be sent in English English .

Edit the text you want to appear in the subject and body of the signature request email.

Show the Unique Signer Identifier code that appears below the signatures to help validate the signature on the Audit Trail. It is recommended that you keep this activated , otherwise it lowers the legal weight of the end document.

Digitally verify the integrity of the printed document using a QR code and a unique password that are provided in the Audit Trail.

Highly recommended

Include the company name and logo in the signature request email. Both are required to apply your settings.

Upload logo

Recommended size 300x150 px.

Multiple requests

This option is for signers only. If your receiver list contains "validator" and "witness", selecting this option will remove them from the list.

It will also remove all current fields from the document.

Selecting this option will remove all fields currently placed on the document.

Do you want to activate "Multiple Requests"?

Do you want to deactivate "multiple requests", custom certificate name.

Provide a contact email. We will contact you soon to create a unique certificate for your company/entity.

Lorem ipsum and bla bla bla

Select fields

Assign a signer for this field, select signers.

Current document:

Remove linked copies

While Attached to other clones, any changes to this block will be automatically applied to them.

Detach this block to make individual changes.

Input field

Use this field to request the signer to manually input information on the document.

Save request as a template

Update request template.

Saving a request template allows you to use it as a preset layout for future requests.

Clicking "Save" will modify the current version of the template:

Document protected

Insert the password to unlock the document and sign it.

If you don't know the password contact your requester.

Ask for document password

Document passwords are provided by private ways. Write to your requester to contact and communicate you the password.

Your password request has been sent to the signature requester. Please wait until he/she contacts you.

First steps

Fill in the information of each receiver.

1. Protect document with password

2. Lock signature with SMS code

3. Set up the rubric format

Drag and drop the signature fields onto the document The signers will need to fill these fields.

Move a field to another page or copy it to several pages. Copies will be linked and any change will affect them all.

This is a linked field. Any change will apply to all its copies.

You can unlink a field by clicking into link icon.

Tool shortcuts

Here are the list of available key shortcuts for this tool

Date format

Select the date format:

Trust level

Electronic Signatures are valid and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings within Europe, the United States, and most countries which have established specific e-signature laws. Add the following features to the signing process for stronger legal evidence:

Your receiver’s email address is validated by sending them a unique link that gives them access to the document.

Your document is converted to PDF/A for long term archiving to ensure that its readability is the same in the future.

Once the document signing process has been completed, an Audit Trail is generated. This document registers the receiver's data and activity during the signing process.

Get your documents signed using Digital Signatures. This type of electronic signature is elDAS certified and includes a Timestamp embedded in the document. The signature is revoked if the document is tampered with after signing.

A password is set by the requester for each signer, which is communicated directly to them and is needed in order to open the document.

A code is automatically generated and sent to the signer via text message. In case of a legal dispute, the mobile service provider might be able to provide information concerning the signer’s location at the time of signing. Activating this option will turn this signature into an eIDAS Advanced Signature .

Strengthen the validity of your agreement by adding an Unique Signer Identifier code which appears below the signatures.

Check the identity of your signers by asking them to scan their government-issued ID and complete a liveness check before signing the document. Activating this option will turn this signature into an eIDAS Advanced Signature .

Strengthen the validity of your agreement by adding a QR code to the Audit Trail. By scanning the QR code, you can access the original digitally signed document to verify the details, even if it is printed.

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Understanding Digital Signatures: A Quick Guide to More Secure Transactions

5/13/24 10:00 AM

Digital signatures are a powerhouse tool for businesses. They enhance speed, slash costs, boost document accuracy, and elevate security—all while being incredibly user-friendly.

However, grasping how digital signatures function might seem daunting unless you're deeply immersed in the tech world. Distinguishing between electronic signatures and digital signatures can be especially tricky with terms like "public key infrastructure," "digital certificate," and "certification authority" floating around.

Let's simplify it! 

Digital signatures are a secure and legally verifiable type of electronic signature that embeds the legal evidence of a signature directly into a signed PDF. This means users don’t need to rely on a vendor to access the proof of a signature’s legality and validity.

Here’s how it works:

• Upload and Prepare: A document is uploaded through a browser-based wizard. Signature and text fields are then added to the document for each signer.  These tasks can be automated via the SIGNiX API.
• Notification: The system sends an email to the signer(s) with a link to review and sign the document.
• Authentication: Signers verify their identities, which might involve logging into their email, providing answers to security questions, entering a one-time passcode received via text message, entering a passcode sent via SMS, or other high assurance methods including validating identity documents and facial biometrics.

Where the Magic Happens

• The signer sets a Signing Password and either chooses a signature style, draws their signature using a mouse, or their finger, or uploads their handwritten signature.
• Behind the scenes, SIGNiX swiftly generates a public/private key pair for the signer, creating a secure digital identity.
• Upon signing, the document's unique "fingerprint," or hash, is encrypted with the SIGNiX private key. This hash, the signer's digital certificate, a trusted timestamp, and other data, are all permanently embedded into the document.

Seamless Yet Secure

The entire process is lightning-fast and simple for the user, but beneath the surface, it’s fortified with layers of security. The document’s journey—from creation, through sending, signing, and finalizing—is meticulously recorded in an audit trail. You know a digital signature is valid when you spot a green checkmark in the PDF in applications like Acrobat. Any tampering after signing changes this mark to a yellow or red icon, signaling a potential issue.

This easy, secure technology stands as a bulwark against disputes over document authenticity or legal and compliance inquiries, making digital signatures the gold standard for businesses in regulated industries to execute financially or legally important transactions.

Interested in bolstering your digital signature security? Dive deeper by scheduling a personal demo with a SIGNiX expert today.

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Adobe Acrobat Sign

What’s a digital signature?

A digital signature is an e-signature that is backed by a digital certificate. Digital signatures comply with regulations around the world and provide the highest level of identity assurance when dealing with digital documents..

Learn all about digital signatures. Watch video

What are the benefits of digital signatures?

Trusted and compliant.

Digital signatures backed by digital certificates issued by third-party providers help you comply with regulations around the world.

Your digital signature and the signed PDF electronic document are cryptographically bound and secured with a tamper-evident seal.

Unique to you.

Use your unique digital identity to easily validate your credentials and authorize your signature when you digitally sign.

Easy to validate.

Digital signature validation requires renewal -the signed document and digital signature are designed to be revalidated for at least 10 years.

Why are digital signatures secure?

A digital signature is a specific type of signature that is backed by a digital certificate, providing proof of your identity. Digital signatures are recognized as being a more secure type of e-signature because they’re cryptographically bound to the signed document and can be verified. When you use a digital certificate obtained from a trusted third party to e-sign, the resulting digital signature is virtually impossible to spoof. It also provides powerful evidence of signer identity, that the signed document was not altered, and that the signatures are valid.

What is a digital identity?

A digital identity (or digital ID) is like an electronic passport. It provides strong evidence that you are who you say you are when e-signing a document. Each digital ID is issued by a trusted third party, such as a bank or government, after thoroughly verifying your identity.

Using a digital ID to authenticate your identity when e-signing a document strongly affirms that you have agreed to the terms and have authorized your e-signature on a specific document.

Try Adobe Acrobat Sign and grow your business with e-signatures.

See how easy it is for you, your customers, and co-workers to send and sign documents electronically — from any device or browser, from within just about any popular application. With Acrobat Sign, you can get important documents signed and delivered in minutes, not days.

Acrobat Sign: The Global e-signature solution for worldwide business

Compliant, legal e-signatures.

Whether you need a qualified electronic signature (QES) in the European Union, Switzerland, or the United Kingdom, or an e-KYC compliant signature in India, Acrobat Sign helps you create enforceable e-signatures around the world.

A broad ecosystem of trusted identity experts.

Acrobat Sign is backed by a global network of local trusted services. You can choose from hundreds of certificate authorities, timestamp providers, and trust service providers (TSPs) — all available on the Adobe Approved Trust List (AATL) and the EU Trust List (EUTL) — to create legal, trusted e-signatures.

A flexible, standards-based solution.

You can select the right type of e-signature for any use case and every signer — from simple e-signatures to e-signatures with strong identification, to highly secure and regulated digital signatures in the cloud. Based on open standards and backed by local, trusted identity verification, Acrobat Sign gives you maximum flexibility in a single global solution.

Visit the Adobe Trust Center  to see a list of all Adobe compliance certifications, standards, and regulations.

Secure, flexible digital signatures in the cloud.

Flexibility meets security with our cloud signatures — the first digital signature in the cloud that’s based on the Cloud Signature Consortium global open standard. Using a cloud signature, you can apply a highly secure digital signature backed by identification from a trusted third party, directly from your mobile phone.

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Whether you need some basic information about our solutions or you’d like a customized quote for your unique business needs, we’re here to help you get your questions answered.

Acrobat Sign electronic signature FAQ

Yes. An electronic signature is a broad term for any electronic process that indicates acceptance of an agreement or a record. A digital signature refers to a more secure electronic signature that is generated using a digital certificate and cryptographically bound to the document using public key infrastructure (PKI).

A cloud signature is a digital signature where the signer’s digital certificate is managed by a trust service provider (TSP) in the cloud. Cloud signatures rely on the global open standard created by the Cloud Signature Consortium (CSC). Compared to a traditional digital signature applied using a physical smart card or USB token, a cloud signature makes it easy to apply trusted digital signatures directly from a mobile device or a Web browser. For more information, please see the digital identity solution providers page in the Adobe Trust Center . 

An electronic seal or e-seal is used by a legal entity such as a business or organization to certify the origin, authenticity, and integrity of documents. Electronic seals may provide strong legal evidence that the document has not been altered and originated from the entity identified by the digital sealing certificate.

Yes. E-signatures are legal in many countries around the world. For more information, please see our Global e-signature laws pages from the Adobe Trust Center .

The Adobe Acrobat Sign security overview provides information on security for Adobe Acrobat Sign Solutions. To learn more about how Adobe protects your documents, data, and personal information, please visit the  Adobe Sign Trust Center .

For information on Adobe Acrobat Sign compliance, please see the Adobe Compliance Certifications, Standards, and Regulations list in the Adobe Trust Center . 

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Acrobat Pro e-signature capabilities do not offer the same level of compliance as Acrobat Sign Solutions.

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Frequently asked questions

Acrobat Pro is the all-in-one solution to electronically sign documents, convert, and edit PDFs. This trial includes full access to Acrobat Pro software, Acrobat Reader, and Acrobat online services to work seamlessly across desktop and mobile devices.

After clicking “Get started” from this web page, you will be asked to provide your email address. If you already have an Adobe ID you’ll be asked to sign in. Otherwise follow steps to start your free trial.

The free trial period begins on the day you sign up. At the end of the free trial period, your payment method will be charged unless you cancel. Cancel before your free trial ends and you won't be charged. On the 8th day, payment will be collected unless you cancel prior. When the free trial expires, you can still use Acrobat to view PDFs, comment and fill forms. To access all the features again, you will need to purchase Acrobat.

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How to Insert Signatures in Word [For Students]

I too was once a student, and signing contracts and dealing with paperwork often left me frustrated. The endless assignments and tight deadlines truly take a toll on your mental health. If I'd had the tools available now, life would have been much easier. If you're in a similar situation, consider yourself lucky because I'm about to share some of the best tools so you can easily learn how to insert signatures in Word for students . These tools can save you time, reduce stress, and ensure your documents are signed securely without the hassle.

Common Issues with Inserting Signatures in Word

Students (and many others!) frequently use signatures in documents like contracts and commitment letters. But inserting signatures in Microsoft Word can be frustrating due to a few common problems:

Compatibility Issues : This arises when documents are shared between different operating systems (Windows/Mac) or Word versions.  For instance, a signature created in Word 2016 on Windows might not display correctly when opened in Word 2011 for Mac.

Digital Signature Verification Errors : These errors occur when trying to verify digitally signed documents.  They can be caused by incorrect certificate installation or software incompatibility.  For example, you might see an error message about an "untrusted root certificate" when trying to verify a signature created earlier in Word.

Read-Only Mode : If a document is marked as "read-only" (often indicated by being labeled "FINAL"), you won't be able to add your signature. The document owner will need to remove the read-only restriction for you to sign it.

How to Insert Signatures in Word

Students engaged in document preparation, whether for assignments, projects, or contracts, often find themselves in need of adding their signatures digitally. This method proves invaluable in scenarios where physical signatures are impractical, offering a seamless solution for signing documents electronically. Whether it's finalizing research papers or submitting agreements, learning how to insert or add handwritten signatures in Word provides students with a convenient and efficient way to authenticate their work and agreements.

Step 1 : Launch Microsoft Word and open the document where you want to insert your signature.

Step 2 : Locate the "Draw" tab on the ribbon and navigate to the "Drawing Tools" group.

Step 3 : Click the "Pen" icon within the Drawing group.  A selection of pen colors and thicknesses will appear.  Choose the "Black Pen" or a color that suits your needs.

Step 4 : Scroll down to the desired location in your document where you want to place your signature.  Use your mouse or touchpad to draw your signature freely within the document.

Step 5 : If you make a mistake while drawing your signature, don't worry!  Click the "Eraser" icon in the Drawing ribbon to erase any unwanted marks.

Step 6 : For a more customized look, you can adjust the pen thickness. Click the small arrow at the bottom of the Pen icon to access additional options, allowing you to modify the thickness or color of your pen.

Step 7 : After adding your signature, click on the "Cursor" icon and then click on your signature to set its position with the text in the document.

Adding your signature directly to electronic documents offers significant advantages, especially for students.  Gone are the days of printing physical forms solely for signing and submission. The digital age embraces e-signatures, streamlining workflows for students and professionals alike.

While Microsoft Word provides a functional solution, other options exist. For instance, WPS Writer offers a dedicated signature tool, along with a convenient mobile application that allows for on-the-go signing. This additional functionality, coupled with its free availability, makes WPS Writer my preferred choice.

Enhance Your Documents With WPS AI Assistance

Being a student isn't just about hitting the books; it often involves drafting business proposals, finalizing research papers, or preparing legal contracts. Thankfully, WPS AI, integrated within WPS Office, has made students' lives exponentially easier by providing intelligent features that enhance the quality and sophistication of your work.

One of the key features is AI-Powered Proofreading. This goes beyond traditional spell-checking by identifying grammatical errors and suggesting appropriate corrections, ensuring your documents are polished and professional.

Another major feature is the attention WPS AI gives to Digital Signatures. It helps ensure that digital signatures are placed correctly in your document, maintaining a professional appearance. Plus, WPS AI checks that the format of your digital signature complies with legal requirements for electronic signatures, reducing the risk of your documents being rejected for non-compliance.

With these tools, WPS AI can help you create high-quality, professionally formatted documents that meet academic and legal standards, taking some stress out of student life.

Converting Your Documents to PDF without losing Format

Students can turn their papers into PDFs with WPS Writer, here is what you need to do:

Step 1 : Open your paper in WPS Writer.

Step 2 : Click the Menu button, then choose "Export to PDF".

Step 3 : In the pop-up, pick "Common PDF" and click "Export to PDF" to change your Word document to PDF .

FAQs about Inserting Signatures in Word

Q1. how can i remove the background from a scanned signature in word.

You can utilize the Corrections feature to remove the background from a scanned signature in Microsoft Word. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Corrections feature:

Step 1 : Select the picture you want to edit.

Step 2 : Click on Corrections in the Picture Format tab.

Step 3 : Select any one of the transparent options from the given options to remove the background.

Q2. How can I Create Electronic and Digital signatures and Sign PDF and Word documents online?

You can sign PDF and Word documents online using WPS's free PDF tools.

Step 1 : Open your browser and go to WPS PDF tools .

Step 2 : Select the "Signing PDF" tool.

Step 3 : Upload your PDF by clicking "Upload PDF" and selecting the file.

Step 4 : Once uploaded, click anywhere in the document and choose "New Signature”.

Step 5 : Enter your signature using Draw, Text, or upload an image, then click "Save”.

Step 6 : Your signature will be added. Click "Finish" and the PDF will be processed.

Step 7 : Finally, click "Download" to get your signed PDF.

Q3. How can I create a Digital Signature in PDF With Mobile?

You can add digital signatures to PDFs using WPS PDF Mobile, available for both Android and iOS users.

Step 1 : Open the PDF in WPS Mobile.

Step 2 : Tap on the "Menu" option at the bottom left.

Step 3 : In the tab section, tap on "Mark."

Step 4 : Under the "Mark" tab, tap on "PDF Signature."

Step 5 : Tap on the "+" icon to create a new signature.

Step 6 : Add your signature by typing, drawing, or uploading an image. Once done, tap "Done".

Step 7 : Select the signature and tap "Insert to Document".

Step 8 : Position the signature in your document.

Step 9 : To save the signed PDF, tap on "Done”.

Discover Ease With WPS Office Signature Tools

With the luxury of relaxation that WPS Office has provided, students today are truly blessed with updated tools that automate much of their tedious work, allowing them to focus on what really matters. Knowing how to insert signatures in Word is a crucial skill for students, as they are often required to fill out forms, apply for internships, scholarships, jobs, and more. WPS Office makes it easier for them to insert digital signatures without hassle, ensuring a smooth process for their academic and professional pursuits. If you want to streamline your workload and make your life easier, WPS Office is a tool you should download too.

• 1. How to Insert Check Mark in Word [For Students]
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• 4. How to Do Hanging Indent in Word for Your Essay? [For Students]
• 5. How to Convert Word to PDF [For Students]
• 6. How to Check Word Count for Your Essays in Word [For Students]

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.

PDFelement: PDF Editor, Viewer 4+

Edit pdf, reader, cam scanner, wondershare technology (hunan) co.,ltd., designed for ipad.

• 4.6 • 6.6K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

Discover the ultimate PDF solution with PDFelement – your all-in-one app for seamless editing, scanning, converting, signing, form-filling, and annotating documents. Effortlessly edit text, images, and pages, add watermarks, merge or split PDFs, and convert files to various formats. Elevate your document experience by annotating and commenting using intuitive markup tools. Boost your productivity on the go with our free PDF editor, reader, and scanner app. Simplify paperwork tasks effortlessly and enhance your work efficiency. Install now! AI Functions • AI Summarize, Explain,Translate • AI Chat Bar, AI Prompt Edit PDFs • Mobile-Exclusive Editing: Edit text and images directly for ultimate convenience. • Typo-Free Precision: Fix typos, add paragraphs effortlessly with our PDF editor. • Visual Customization: Add, delete, or rotate any image with intuitive PDF editing. • Creative Cloud Fonts: Import unique fonts for a professional touch. • OCR Magic: Edit scanned PDFs, make scanned text editable. Markup and Annotate • Enhance with personalized sticky notes, comments, and text highlights. • Directly write and draw on PDFs. • Collaborate seamlessly: share files, collect comments in a centralized space. PDF Converter: Merge & Organize with Ease • Combine or split files into one PDF effortlessly using our PDF converter. • Utilize the PDF editor for page manipulation: insert, delete, rotate, crop, and reorder seamlessly. Create, Convert & Export PDFs • Transform PDF to Word, Excel, PPT, Pages, PNG, JPEG, TIFF, GIF, and more. • Merge multiple PDFs into a single image for effortless viewing and sharing. • Unique Blank Templates: Blank, Lined, Grid, Dotted, Graph, and Music paper options. • Customize PDFs with landscape or portrait orientation in A3-A5, B5, Letter, or Legal sizes. Cloud Service & Wi-Fi Transfer • Seamlessly import files from iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, WebDAV, FTP, and SFTP through Wi-Fi transfer. • Register now for 1GB of Wondershare Document Cloud space. Professional Read Mode • Effortless full-text search, scroll, and zoom functionalities. • Opt for single or double-page mode for personalized reading experience. • Choose vertical or horizontal scroll mode at your convenience. • View diverse format files like Excel, PPT, Word, images, and more. • Activate dark mode to customize the app's background color. Fill Out & Sign Forms • Effortlessly complete PDF forms with the form filler feature. • Sign documents seamlessly using your finger or a stylus with the document signer. • Obtain CA certification Work With Scanned Documents • Scan anything into a high-definition PDF, automatically eliminating cluttered backgrounds. • Easily convert multiple pages into PDFs, ensuring paper receipts are never lost. OCR (Text Recognition) • Extract text, images, and symbols from printed materials with seamless scanning. • On-the-go processing of multipage documents for efficiency. • Edit, annotate, convert, and sign recognized PDF files effortlessly. • Recognizes text in 18 different languages. Bookmarks & Comment • Navigate PDFs intuitively with Bookmarks for a seamless reading experience. • Easily add, delete, modify, search, and edit your bookmarks and comments. In-App Purchase Details: Payment will be charged to your iTunes account upon confirmation of purchase. Subscriptions automatically renew unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24 hours before the current period ends. Manage your subscriptions for a seamless experience. Terms of Use: https://www.wondershare.com/company/terms_conditions.html Privacy Policy: https://www.wondershare.com/privacy.html Need HELP? Contact our customer service team at [email protected] or visit our Support Center: https://support.wondershare.com

Version 4.10.8

Added tablet shortcut operations Added SSO entrance Bug fixes and performance improvements

Ratings and Reviews

6.6K Ratings

One minor issue

Love the app. One minor issue, but important for me: I’m having issues with adding an image to the pdf. I’m wanting to add a .png file with a blank background to the pdf, but whenever I insert it, a white background is automatically added and the white background cannot be edited out, despite it not being present in the original .png file. The same issue of the white background being there is present when importing a stamp as well. Another workaround to this, for me at least, may be to insert a signature, but I’m unable to upload a signature; the only option to add a signature is to draw it on my phone. Any help would be appreciated. Great app overall though!!

COMPLETE RIP-OFF!

This app seemed promising to begin with... and it really could be, if only they were not trying to rip-off their customers into purchasing more advanced plans (or plans they don't need!) They do this I believe by once you made you purchase (example I purchased the year subscription, through my Apple account), I believe once an update happened, you will attempt to print or save a document without the watermark, and upon doing so it will request you purchase a new plan! You can select the refresh button, it will say refresh complete and then still demand a purchase of a NEW (MORE EXPENSIVE PLAN). If you try to select the plan you currently have (example, the yearly plan) it will say "you have already been enrolled in this plan." The truth is, if you have faults in your app, that take money from customers and give them ZERO product in return, that is STEALING! If this is an "app malfunction" then you should not have your app on the store with products / plans for sale. BUYER BEWARE.

Developer Response ,

Hi there, we are truly sorry to hear that you experienced issues while using PDFelement. Please update to the latest version1.2.4 of the PDFelement app as we recently released new features and bug fixes which should help resolve the issues you experienced. (Please don't uninstall the old version just update!!!)In case you are still having difficulty, please send us an email at [email protected] for your support!

No customer support

I loved the app and purchased it. I had in mind to get a corporate license if they have one. I’m on day six and three emails sent to support. I have not received any sort of acknowledgment. The original problem stemmed from not being able to login on a second device. It says I have the wrong password. I do not have the wrong password. I use all of the same passwords for every app I use for business. However,I wouldn’t know if I accidentally entered in the wrong password because it only required me to enter the password once. There was not an option to confirm the password on the initial account setup. Trying to set a new password is impossible because I do not get the emails the app says it’s sending. Now, after being on the phone for 20 minutes waiting on a customer care rep, an automated voice came back and said no customer care rep is available at this time. I’m demanding a refund and do not recommend this program.

We're extremely sorry that you had to face such difficulties problems in customer service are not something we are known for. We may not be able to change the past but if you give us a chance, we will completely make it up to you. You may reach us anytime at [email protected]. We hope to resolve this to your benefit and earn you back.

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The developer, Wondershare Technology (Hunan) Co.,Ltd. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Electronic Signature Laws & Regulations - United States

Electronic signatures facilitate faster and more secure document signing, with the flexibility to choose the option that is most efficient for each organization, department, or project. The U.S. Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce ( ESIGN ) Act in 2000 legislated that electronic signatures are legal in every state and U.S. territory where federal law applies. Where federal law does not apply, most U.S. states have adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which was published by the Uniform Law Commission in 1999. ESIGN is the default federal law that applies to transactions regarding interstate or international commerce in states that have not adopted UETA or another statute providing alternative procedures for the use of electronic signatures consistent with ESIGN. ESIGN was passed to resolve disputes between different state laws and standardizes the approach to electronic records and signatures in interstate and international commerce. UETA, which has been adopted in most jurisdictions, has substantively similar rules and applies in many transactional situations which ESIGN does not cover. The net effect of these laws is that every jurisdiction in the United States has substantially the same rules for the use of electronic signatures.

In the United States, there are two primary types of electronic signatures:

• Electronic signature (e-signature) refers to any electronic process that indicates acceptance of an agreement or record. Most electronic signature solutions in the United States fall into this broad category. Electronic signatures use a wide variety of common electronic authentication methods to verify signer identity, such as email, corporate ID, password protection, or a PIN sent to a mobile phone. Proof of signing is demonstrated via a secured process that often includes an audit trail and a final tamper-evident digital certificate embedded into the completed signed document.
• Digital signature uses a digital certificate from a trust service provider (TSP), such as a certificate authority (CA), to authenticate a signer’s identity. The digital certificates demonstrate proof of signing by binding the digital certificate associated with each signature to the document using encryption.

The information provided in this guide is intended to assist in understanding the legal framework of electronic signatures for U.S. states and territories. Laws pertaining to electronic signatures are constantly evolving, so this guide should not serve as a substitute for professional legal advice.

Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act.

The ESIGN Act grants electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten signatures throughout the United States, greatly simplifying and expediting how organizations gather, track, and manage signatures and approvals on agreements and documents of all kinds. In the ESIGN Act, an electronic signature is defined as “an electronic sound, symbol, or process, attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record.” In simple terms, electronic signatures are legally recognized as a viable method to indicate agreement to a contract.

The ESIGN Act:

• Provides that any law with a requirement for a signature may be satisfied by an electronic signature
• Allows electronically executed agreements to be presented as evidence in court
• Prevents denial of legal effect, validity, or enforceability of an electronically signed document solely because it is in electronic form

ESIGN only applies to transactions that are part of interstate or international commerce, and specifically excludes any contract or record governed by the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), or any transactions subject to laws governing wills, codicils, testamentary trusts, adoption, divorce, or other family law matters.

For an electronic signature to be legally binding under the ESIGN Act, it is recommended that all electronic signature workflows include the following five elements:

1. Intent to sign. |As with a handwritten signature, a signer must show clear intent to sign an agreement electronically. For example, signers can show intention by using a mouse to draw their signature, typing their name, or clicking an “Accept” button that is clearly labeled.

2. Consent to do business electronically. Most electronic signature laws also require some form of consent to do business electronically. This consent must be provided in a way that proves that the user has the technology required to electronically sign. Many enterprise electronic signature solutions ask signers to “click to accept” a standard consent clause or provide an option to customize a consent clause such as:

The parties agree that this agreement may be electronically signed. The parties agree that the electronic signatures appearing on this agreement are the same as handwritten signatures for the purposes of validity, enforceability, and admissibility.

3. Opt-out clause. If a signer elects to opt out of signing an agreement electronically, clear instructions on how to sign an agreement manually should be easily accessible as part of the signature workflow.

4. Signed copies. All signers should receive a fully executed copy of the agreement. Many electronic signature solutions automatically provide executed copies of agreements to signers as part of the approval workflow.

5. Record retention. Record retention requirements are addressed via the ESIGN Act, which legitimized the validity of electronic records as long as they accurately reflect the agreement and can be reproduced as required. Often this requirement is met by providing a fully executed copy to the signer or permitting the signer to download a copy of the agreement.

Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).

In 1999, the Uniform Law Commission drafted the model UETA to provide a legal framework for the use of electronic signatures in each state. UETA applies to electronic records and signatures relating to a transaction. UETA has since been adopted by 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, one state—New York—has not adopted UETA, but instead has implemented its own statute pertaining to electronic signatures. For more information regarding New York’s Electronic Signature and Records Act (ESRA), please see below.

The following fundamental principles are outlined in UETA:

• A record or signature can’t be denied legal effect or enforceability simply because it’s in electronic form.
• A contract can’t be denied legal effect or enforceability simply because an electronic record was used in its formation.
• If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record satisfies the law.
• If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law.

In all states that have adopted UETA, the law generally does not apply to birth, wedding, or death certificates, and wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts are also often exempt.

As noted above, the State of New York has not adopted UETA. However, since 2000, electronic signatures have been legally binding in New York under the Electronic Signatures and Records Act (ESRA) . This law broadly established the legal equivalence of electronic and handwritten signatures. ESRA also created the role of the “electronic facilitator” within the New York Office of Information Technology Services. This department oversees all technology used to promote government efficiency and effectiveness, including electronic signatures, and publishes a comprehensive best practices guide for those wishing to implement electronic signatures under ESRA.

In New York, electronic signatures have the same legal validity as handwritten signatures. They are admissible in a court of law as long as they comply with the rules of evidence. However, just as with all other electronic signature laws, no government organization or citizen is required to use electronic records or signatures. Additionally, ESRA does not apply to any document that provides for the disposition of an individual’s person or property upon death or incompetence, or to any document that appoints a fiduciary of an individual’s person or property. This includes wills, trusts, and “do not resuscitate” orders as well as powers of attorney and health care proxies.

Documents that cannot be electronically signed.

ESIGN narrowly applies to documents that are subject to federal law, and the applicability of UETA (and ESRA) varies from state to state. However, as a general rule, the following types of documents typically cannot be signed using an e-signature:

• Marriage, birth, and death certificates.
• Wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts.

Other documents that may require a “wet” signature, depending on the state, include “do not resuscitate” orders, powers of attorney, health care proxies, adoption papers, divorce documents, and other family law documents.

Related developments.

Nearly two decades after adopting UETA, a handful of states, including Arizona, Nevada, and Tennessee, have amended their respective UETAs to address the emergence and adoption of newer technologies, particularly blockchain. For example, Arizona amended its Arizona Electronic Transaction Act (AETA) to include Arizona Revised Statute § 44-7061, which ensures that electronic signatures and smart contract terms secured through blockchain technology fall under the scope of AETA. Blockchain distributed ledger technology was defined by the state to mean a decentralized ledger technology that is protected with cryptography. Specifically, the Arizona amendment deems:

• A “signature secured through blockchain technology” to be an electronic signature
• A “record or contract secured through blockchain technology” to be an electronic form or record; and
• A “smart contract” to be legally valid and enforceable

To learn more, refer to the following resources:

• Stephen Mason, Electronic Signatures in Law (4th edition, Cambridge University Press, 2016)
• Stephen Errol Blythe, Ph.D., J.D., Ph.D., E-Commerce Law Around the World: A Concise Handbook (Xlibris, Corp., February 24, 2011), available on Amazon and Google Books
• Electronic Signature & Records Association
• Digital Evidence and Electronic Signature Law Review
• What are the differences between the E-Sign Act vs. UETA?

For more information.

https://acrobat.adobe.com/us/en/sign/business.html

Adobe is pleased to provide information that can help businesses understand the legal framework of electronic signatures. However, Adobe cannot provide legal advice. Any information in this paper is not intended as legal advice and should not serve as a substitute for professional advice. You should consult an attorney regarding your specific legal questions.

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