How to Digitally Sign A PDF Online for Free

Signatures have existed within the official and legal system for decades. People have been using the process of signing documents for approving and ratifying the text within it. However, as time progressed, technological advancements led to the introduction of contemporary methods. These methods promoted the concept of comfort and efficiency across all forms of procedures.

The use of electronic signatures had been one extraordinary example of this advancement. Multiple tools have been introduced, allowing users to effectively eSign their documents. CocoDoc is a monumental example of such a tool that allows users to sign their documents electronically.

Part 1: How to Sign a PDF Document Online

There are multiple versions of solutions that provide a direction to sign a PDF. Nevertheless, it is important to realize which method can provide users with an adequate result. CocoDoc, an online PDF editing tool, is recognized as a very proficient method to electronically sign PDF. To understand its operation, it is significant to follow a step-by-step guide explaining how to digitally sign a PDF with its eSign tool.

Step 1: The users need to upload the PDF file onto the platform through their computer. They can also upload the file through different cloud platforms such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Along with this, they can share the URL of their PDF file directly.

Step 2: Once the file has been uploaded, proceed to sign the document with the toolbar available on the top of the platform. The user can perform three different functions after tapping the 'Sign' button across the toolbar. They can either 'Type,' 'Draw,' or 'Upload' the signature across the document.

Step 3: After the user is done with the process, they can tap on 'Download' to directly save the signed file across the computer.

Part 2: How to Add Signature to PDF on Windows

Being a Windows user, you can always look towards different solutions to add a signature to PDF. Adobe Acrobat Reader provides its consumers with the option of adding signatures across their documents with ease. Its proficient interface makes it one of the effective options for signing a PDF file easily. However, it requires users to follow a specific procedure. For this, you need to follow the steps explained as follows.

Step 1: Initially, open a PDF file across the Adobe Acrobat Reader by importing it from your computer.

Step 2: Tap on the option of 'Fill & Sign' available across the 'Tools' pane present on the right side of the platform. Proceed on tapping the 'Sign' button. Select 'Add Signature' from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: A pop-up appears on the screen. You can select 'Type,' 'Draw,' and 'Image' out of the options available on the screen as per your convenience.

Step 4: After designing an eSign for your document, the platform allows you to drag, resize and position the signature across the PDF with ease.

Part 3: How to Create an Electronic Signature on Mac

macOS is another operating system that is being utilized by millions of users around the globe. People who utilize macOS have the option of editing their PDF documents with the help of Preview, a built-in PDF editor. This PDF editor allows them to sign a PDF through multiple approaches. Signing a document digitally with Preview is quite simple; however, it follows a procedure that should be known to the users.

The following guide explains the method of how to sign a PDF document using two different approaches of trackpad and camera.

Trackpad Solution

1. You need to import the PDF file across Preview and tap on the 'Markup' icon.
2. Proceed on tapping the 'Signature' icon to initiate the process.
3. To add the signature, tap on 'Create Signature' and 'Click Here to Begin.' Draw the signature across the trackpad and tap any key to finish the drawing. Tap 'Done' and click the signature to add it within the PDF.

Camera Solution

1. Open the document across Preview, tap on the 'Markup' icon followed by the 'Signature' icon to start adding the signature.
2. Select 'Create Signature' followed by 'Camera' to take a picture of the pre-written camera across a document. A virtual signature shall be drawn by the software.
3. Tap 'Done' and click on the signature to insert it within the PDF file. Move or resize the signature at your convenience.

Part 4: Electronic Signature V.S. Traditional Signing

Traditional signing has been within the existing system for quite a while; however, there are several challenges that are associated while using this approach. The challenges that are involved in this traditional approach involve the turnaround time in covering the complete process. Furthermore, the cost of signing a document traditionally is also quite expensive.

CocoDoc offers users an electronic solution to eSign PDF. Its proficient tool allows the users to cover this complete process within minutes. With no considerable turnaround time associated, the user can send this document to the recipient immediately. There are no time lags associated with the process. This makes CocoDoc a very effective solution for electronic signatures.

Conclusion

Electronic signatures have changed the dynamics of signing documents and have provided users with an effective solution in enhancing their work. This article has introduced multiple solutions to sign a PDF. However, users are recommended to consider tools such as CocoDoc for understanding how to sign a PDF with ease. This shall allow them to save time, money, and assorted turnaround times in signing and approving documents.