How to Sign a PDF Electronically (Free, No Adobe)

Someone emails you a PDF and says "sign this and send it back." You don't have Adobe. You don't want to print it, sign it with a pen, scan it, and email it back like it's 2005. Here's the 30-second method.

Sign Any PDF in 3 Steps

1. Open the PDF Signer and upload your document
2. Draw your signature with your mouse/trackpad, or type your name and pick a signature font
3. Click where you want the signature to appear, resize it, and download

Is an Electronic Signature Legally Binding?

In most cases, yes. The ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA make electronic signatures legally valid for most documents in the US. The exceptions are wills, certain real estate deeds, and court orders. For everyday contracts, NDAs, lease agreements, and business documents, an electronic signature is perfectly legal.

That said, for high-stakes legal documents, you might want a dedicated e-signature service like DocuSign that provides an audit trail and certificate of completion.

Tips for a Professional-Looking Signature

Use your mouse or trackpad to draw your actual signature. It looks much more natural than typed text in a script font. If you're on a tablet or phone, use your finger or stylus for the most natural result.

Size the signature to match the signature line. Too big looks sloppy, too small looks like you're hiding something.