How to Sign a PDF Electronically
Add a legally usable signature to a document in your browser — drawn, typed or uploaded — without printing anything.
Table of contents
Print, sign, scan, email, shred is a four-step ritual that survives out of habit. Signing directly in the PDF is faster and produces a cleaner document.
Ways to create a signature
- Draw it. With a finger or stylus on a touchscreen this looks the most natural.
- Type it. Choose a script style — the fastest option and perfectly acceptable for routine forms.
- Upload an image. Photograph your signature on white paper, crop tightly, and reuse it.
Step-by-step: signing in Docsy
- Open the Sign PDF tool.
- Upload the document.
- Create your signature by drawing, typing or uploading.
- Place it on the page, then drag to position and resize. Touch and mouse both work, and your placement is kept as you move between pages.
- Add the date or your initials in any other required fields.
- Apply the signature and download the signed PDF.
Getting it accepted
- Sign in the correct field — many forms reject signatures placed outside the box.
- Complete every field, including dates and printed names.
- Keep the signature large enough to be legible at 100% zoom.
- Save the signed file with a clear name:
contract-signed-2026-02-05.pdf.
Protecting the signed document
Once signed, a document is worth protecting. Add a password if you are emailing it, and keep the unsigned original in case the terms change and you need to reissue.
FAQ
Is an electronic signature legally valid?
In the UK and EU, simple electronic signatures are valid for most everyday agreements. Some documents — certain deeds and property transactions — require witnessing or a qualified signature.
Can I reuse the same signature?
Yes. Create it once, and use the same image or drawing on future documents.
Does signing lock the document?
Applying the signature flattens it onto the page so it cannot simply be dragged away. For stronger control, add a password with editing restrictions.
Can I sign on a phone?
Yes — drawing with a finger on a touchscreen works well, and placement uses touch gestures.
Sign your document
Open the tool, draw your signature once, and stop printing forms you only need to sign.