Sign a PDF online (visual signature)

Signing a PDF document without having to print it, sign it by hand, then rescan it is one of the most concrete time savers a PDF tool provides. This page lets you add a visual signature to a document — but it's essential to understand what that means legally before using it for a binding document.

A visual signature, not a legally qualified electronic signature

This is a visual signature, not a legally qualified electronic signature. Technically, the tool overlays an image (your drawn stroke, text in a handwriting-style font, or an imported image) onto the document, exactly as a handwritten signature applied to a printed page then rescanned would. It is not a qualified electronic signature under the eIDAS regulation (in Europe) or equivalents in other jurisdictions, which rely on an electronic certificate issued by a trusted third party and a cryptographic verification chain. For a major commercial contract, a notarised deed, or any document where the signature's evidentiary value could be challenged, use a dedicated qualified electronic signature service. For most everyday uses — approving an internal form, acknowledging receipt of a document, signing an expense report — a visual signature is amply sufficient.

Three ways to create your signature

Draw your signature directly with a mouse or finger on a touchpad: the stroke is smoothed for a natural look, closer to a real handwritten signature than a plain pixelated line. You can also type your name, displayed in a handwriting-style font from several available choices — handy if you'd rather not draw with a mouse. Finally, if you've already signed on paper and scanned or photographed the result, you can import that image directly as your signature.

Positioning and date

Once created, your signature appears on a preview of the page where you can drag it to the exact spot you want and adjust its size. An option lets you automatically add today's date next to the signature — useful for visually timestamping the document without having to type it manually every time.

Frequently asked questions

Does this signature carry the same legal weight as a qualified electronic signature?
No. This tool adds a VISUAL signature — an image of your signature overlaid on the document — not a legally qualified electronic signature (eIDAS in Europe, for example), which relies on an electronic certificate and a third-party verification infrastructure. For a contract needing strong evidentiary value, use a dedicated qualified electronic signature service.
What are the ways to create my signature?
Three methods: draw it directly with a mouse or finger on a touchpad (with stroke smoothing for a natural look), type your name in a handwriting-style font, or import an image of your signature already scanned or photographed on paper.
Can I resize or reposition my signature before confirming?
Yes: once created, the signature appears on a preview of the page where you can drag it to the position you want and adjust its size before applying it to the document for good.
Can I add the date next to my signature?
Yes, an option lets you automatically insert today's date next to the signature, in a customizable format.
Is my drawn signature sent or stored anywhere?
No: like the other tools in this family, the signature and the document stay entirely in your browser. Nothing is sent to a server or kept after the page closes.
Can I sign in several places in the same document (several signatories)?
Yes, you can add your signature to several pages or several spots in the same document by repeating the operation before generating the final file.

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