How to Sign a PDF — Draw, Upload, or Place Signature Free

🕒 8 min read 📅 Updated March 2026 ✓ 100% Free
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Step-by-Step Guide

1
Step 1
Open the Sign PDF tool
2
Step 2
Upload your PDF
3
Step 3
Choose signature mode: Draw, Upload Image, or Text
4
Step 4
Place your signature on the page by clicking the desired position
5
Step 5
Resize and reposition if needed
6
Step 6
Download your signed PDF

Key Benefits

✍️
3 Signature Modes
Draw freehand, upload an image, or type a styled signature.
🔒
Private
Your signature and document stay on your device.
📄
Any Page
Place signature on any page of the PDF.
💸
Free
No subscription, no watermarks on output.

Common Use Cases

▶ Use Case 1
Sign contracts, agreements, and authorisation forms
▶ Use Case 2
Add a director's signature to company documents
▶ Use Case 3
Sign rental agreements, consent forms, or permission letters
▶ Use Case 4
Approve documents with a dated signature stamp

Expert Tips

💡
Draw your signature on a phone or tablet for best results using a stylus
💡
For a professional look, upload a PNG image of your signature with a transparent background
💡
Use the Text signature mode for a typed italic name as a quick digital signature
💡
After signing, protect the PDF with a password to prevent alterations

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a drawn PDF signature legally valid? ▼
In many jurisdictions, electronic signatures (including drawn ones) are legally recognised for most document types. Check your local laws and the requirements of the recipient.
Can I sign multiple pages? ▼
You can place the signature tool on any page. For multi-page signing, place your signature individually on each required page.
Will the signature be removable? ▼
The signature is embedded as an image layer in the PDF — it can't be removed without editing tools, but is not cryptographically sealed like a digital certificate signature.

Visual Signatures vs Cryptographic Digital Signatures

ConvertPDF.Live implements visual signatures — an image of your name or initials placed on the page using pdf-lib. This is what the vast majority of everyday signing needs require. Cryptographic digital signatures (used in regulated financial or government contexts) embed a verifiable certificate in the PDF's file structure — these require a Certificate Authority and specialised software.

Visual signatures are legally valid for most purposes in most jurisdictions (EU eIDAS, US ESIGN Act, India IT Act). For high-stakes contracts requiring certified electronic signatures, consult a legal professional. For contracts, agreements, consent forms, internal approvals, and the vast majority of business documents, a visual signature from ConvertPDF.Live is entirely appropriate and accepted.

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