How to sign a PDF online and when such a signature is enough
Print, sign, scan, send? It can be done more simply. It is worth knowing, though, what kind of signature a given matter requires.
Three ways to sign a PDF
- Drawn: you draw your signature with the mouse, your finger or a stylus and place it on the page.
- Typed: your name written in a font that resembles handwriting.
- From an image: a scanned or photographed signature on white paper, inserted as a graphic.
In the PDFowo editor you can also save your signature to your account (once signed in) and insert it into further documents in one click, without drawing it again.
How to sign a document
- Open the Sign PDF tool or the editor and load the document.
- Prepare your signature (draw it, type it or add an image).
- Drag it to the right place, adjust the size and save the file.
The document is processed in your browser, so it doesn’t end up on someone else’s server.
What an electronic signature is in legal terms
EU law (the eIDAS Regulation) distinguishes several levels of electronic signature. The simplest is a simple electronic signature: any data in electronic form that identifies the signatory. An image of your handwritten signature inserted into a PDF is exactly that. It is convenient and enough for many everyday matters, e.g. consent forms, delivery confirmations or internal company documents, as long as the parties agree to it.
A higher level is the qualified electronic signature, which has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature and requires a certificate issued by an authorised provider. Government services often use their own e-ID or e-signature schemes as well. If a contract or an institution requires one of these, a simple image of a signature is not enough, and you need the proper tool.
This is only a general explanation, not legal advice. For important matters (a loan agreement, a lease, official business) ask the recipient what kind of signature they accept.
How to make your signature trustworthy
- Sign the final version of the document. Changes after signing weaken trust.
- Consider adding the date next to your signature (e.g. with a stamp showing today’s date).
- Don’t share a file with an image of your signature with third parties: it is easy to copy.
- Keep a copy of the signed document yourself.
Free, no sign-up. Your files stay on your device.
Open the Sign PDF tool →How to sign a document on your phone
The tool works on touch screens too. Open the document in your phone’s browser, choose Sign PDF, draw your signature with your finger and drag it to the right place. It is worth turning the phone sideways to have more room for drawing. Once the signature is placed, zoom in and check that it doesn’t cover any text.
If you sign documents often, draw your signature once and save it to your account. After that you insert it in one click, on any device where you are signed in.
Frequently asked questions
Is a signature inserted as an image legally valid?
It is a simple electronic signature. It is enough for many everyday matters, but it does not replace a qualified signature or an official e-ID where an authority or a contract requires one. For important matters, ask the recipient.
Can I sign a document on my phone?
Yes. You can draw the signature with your finger or a stylus on the touch screen.
Is my signature stored anywhere?
Only if you want it to. Once signed in, you can save up to five signatures to your account and insert them in one click.
How do I sign several pages?
In the editor, insert the signature on one page, then copy it (Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V, or Ctrl+D) and place it on the other pages.