How to Sign a PDF File: 3 Free Ways and When It Counts
Short answer
To sign a PDF file, open it in a free signing tool such as Adobe Acrobat’s online Fill & Sign, choose Sign, then type, draw or upload an image of your signature. Place it on the signature line, resize it and download the signed copy.
Join the Kwalify waitlist to get documents signed on WhatsApp
How can I electronically sign a PDF file?
Upload the PDF to a free online signer or open it in a PDF reader, pick Sign, create your signature and place it on the page.
The three ways of creating a signature are:
- Type: enter your name and pick a handwriting-style font.
- Draw: use a mouse, trackpad, finger or stylus.
- Upload an image: add a scan or photo of your ink signature.
Some free tools may ask you to create an account before you can download the signed file. Check this before you upload a private document.
How can I add a signature to a PDF document?
Click Sign or the pen icon, create your signature, click Apply, drag it to the signature line, resize it and download the file.
In Adobe Reader, use Fill & Sign, then the Sign button and Add Signature. In Sejda, use the Add Signature option in the online tool.
If you want a signature image to upload, make one with the free signature generator.
How Kwalify helps: Kwalify sends the document to the client on WhatsApp, email or SMS and chases until it is signed. The client signs with a one-time code, and Kwalify records an audit trail of who signed and when, then produces a sealed PDF with a public verify page. It is a standard electronic signature. You can also make a signature image with the free signature generator. Join the waitlist
How do I draw or upload my signature?
You can draw it with a mouse, trackpad, finger or stylus on the Draw option, or upload a photo or scan of your ink signature.
The ECTA does not make the transactions in Schedule 2 valid (section 4(4) and Schedule 2). Check with an attorney before signing one of them electronically, whether you draw, type or insert an image. The Schedule 2 transactions are:
- agreements to sell or transfer land or other immovable property, under the Alienation of Land Act
- leases of land for more than 20 years, under the Alienation of Land Act
- wills and codicils, under the Wills Act
- bills of exchange, under the Bills of Exchange Act
Checklist: before you sign a PDF
Three ways to make your signature
| Method | How it works | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Type your name and pick a handwriting-style font | Quick forms and everyday agreements | Looks generic |
| Draw | Use a mouse, trackpad, finger or stylus | A personal look | Harder to control on a mouse |
| Upload an image | Add a scan or photo of your ink signature, or one made with the free signature generator | Reusing the same signature | Crop the background and keep the file small |
Tick before you sign
- Open the final version of the PDF, not a draft.
- Check that every name, date and amount is correct.
- Check with an attorney before e-signing a land sale, lease over 20 years, will or codicil, or bill of exchange.
- Create your signature (type, draw or upload).
- Place it on the signature line and add the date.
- Download the signed copy and save it with a clear file name, for example “Lease-Nkosi-2026-signed.pdf”.
FAQ
Can I sign a PDF without printing it?
Yes. Open the PDF in a free signing tool, create a typed, drawn or uploaded signature and place it on the page, then download the signed file.
Is it free to sign a PDF online?
Several tools let you sign a PDF for free, but some may ask you to create an account or limit how many documents you can sign. Check this before you upload, especially if the document is private.
How do I create a signature file to use on PDFs?
Make a signature image with a signature generator, or sign a white page and scan or photograph it. Crop the image and save it as a PNG, then upload it whenever a PDF tool asks for a signature image. You can start with the free signature generator.
Is a typed name a valid signature on a PDF?
Under section 13(2) of the ECTA, subject to section 13(1), “an electronic signature is not without legal force and effect merely on the grounds that it is in electronic form.” An attorney can confirm whether a typed name is enough for your document, especially for a Schedule 2 document.
How do I get someone else to sign my PDF?
Send them the file and ask them to sign it with their own tool, or use a service that sends it to them for signing. Kwalify sends documents for signing on WhatsApp, email or SMS and chases until they are signed.