How to sign a PDF online for free — no printing, no scanning
Printing a document just to sign it and scan it back is a waste of time and paper. You can sign a PDF in seconds directly in your browser — and the result is just as legally binding for most everyday purposes.
Two types of PDF signatures
Before you start, it helps to understand the difference:
Image signature — You draw or upload a picture of your signature and place it on the page. This is the most common approach for contracts, forms and approval documents. It looks like a real signature and is accepted in most business contexts.
Digital (cryptographic) signature — A signature backed by a digital certificate that proves the document has not been altered after signing. Required for legal filings, regulated industries and official government documents in many countries.
AmorePDF supports both:
- Sign PDF — image-based signature, instant and simple
- Digital Signature — certificate-based, for official documents
How to add an image signature to a PDF
Step 1 — Open the Sign PDF tool
Go to Sign PDF. No account needed.
Step 2 — Load your document
Drag the PDF onto the upload area. The tool shows a preview of the pages.
Step 3 — Add your signature
You have three options:
- Draw — use your mouse or finger to draw your signature directly on screen
- Type — type your name and choose a handwriting-style font
- Upload — upload an image of your signature (PNG with transparent background works best)
Step 4 — Position and download
Drag the signature to the correct position on the page, resize it if needed, then download the signed PDF.
Is a drawn signature legally valid?
In most countries, yes — for everyday business purposes. The EU eIDAS regulation, the US ESIGN Act and similar laws in most jurisdictions recognise electronic signatures as legally binding for the vast majority of contracts and agreements.
Exceptions exist for specific document types (wills, real estate transfers, court filings) where a qualified or handwritten signature may be required. When in doubt, check the requirements of the receiving party.
Protecting a signed document
Once signed, consider protecting your PDF to prevent further edits:
- Protect PDF — add a password so only authorised recipients can open the file
- Flatten PDF — merges the signature layer into the page content, making it impossible to move or delete the signature
Conclusion
Signing a PDF online takes under a minute and does not require printing, scanning, Adobe Acrobat, or any paid service. Your file is processed locally in your browser and never leaves your device.