Adding an electronic signature to a PDF is a two-minute task in 2026 — but the "right" method depends on whether you're signing for yourself, sending the document to someone else, or need the result to hold up in court. Here are the four ways to add an electronic signature to a PDF, with the tradeoffs of each.

Method 1: A browser-based e-signature tool

The fastest and most flexible option. Works on any device with a browser — no install, no account required.

  1. Open eSign Services and drop your PDF into the upload area.
  2. Click where you want the signature. A signature panel opens.
  3. Type your name in a signature-style font, or draw with your mouse, trackpad, or finger.
  4. Add any additional fields (date, initials, second signature), then download the signed PDF.

The downloaded PDF includes an embedded audit certificate — a timestamped record of when and how the signature was applied, which is what makes it enforceable under ESIGN and UETA.

Method 2: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)

Adobe's free Reader has a Fill & Sign tool that runs entirely on your computer.

  1. Install Adobe Acrobat Reader and open your PDF.
  2. Click Fill & Sign in the right pane.
  3. Click Sign yourself and choose type, draw, or upload an image.
  4. Place the signature and save.

Good for occasional offline signing on a single machine. Bad for sending a document to someone else — Reader can't email a signing link, and the recipient would need their own copy of Reader.

Method 3: Preview on Mac

  1. Open the PDF in Preview.
  2. Click the Markup icon, then the signature icon.
  3. Create a signature using the trackpad, camera, or your iPhone (via Continuity).
  4. Drag the signature onto the page and save.

Fast, free, Mac-only. Same limitation as Adobe Reader — self-signing only.

Method 4: Word or Google Docs

Both can insert an image of a signature and then export to PDF. This works for informal use — an internal approval, a personal letter — but the image is easy to lift and re-use, and there is no audit trail. Not appropriate for contracts.

Which method to pick

MethodCostBest forAudit trailSend to others
Browser (eSign Services)Free to startAnythingYesYes
Adobe ReaderFreeOffline self-signingNoNo
Mac PreviewFreeMac users, quick signNoNo
Word / Docs imageFreeInformal use onlyNoNo

How to create an electronic signature in a PDF

If you don't have a signature image, use a signature generator to create one from your typed name — the result is a transparent PNG you can drop into any of the four methods above. Or skip the intermediate step and let the browser tool render your signature directly onto the page.

The bottom line

For anything that matters — contracts, NDAs, tax forms, leases — use a tool that produces an audit certificate. That's a browser e-signature service, not an image pasted into Word. For everything else, use whatever's closest to hand.

Add an electronic signature to your PDF now — no account required to start.