How do I add a signature to a PDF without Adobe?

Asked by: Luella Funk  |  Last update: June 16, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (23 votes)

You can add a signature to a PDF without Adobe using free online tools like DigiSigner or built-in apps like Preview on Mac or Microsoft Edge on Windows, which let you draw or type your signature and then save the PDF. Alternatively, use your phone's office app (like Microsoft Office) to sign PDFs on the go.

How do I manually add a signature to a PDF?

  1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click on Fill & Sign in the Tools pane on the right.
  2. Click Sign, and then select Add Signature. A popup will open, giving you three options—Type, Draw, and Image. ...
  3. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Reader. ...
  4. Click on Fill & Sign in the Tools pane on the right.

How to insert signature in PDF without Adobe?

How to sign PDF online with DigiSigner

  1. Upload a file. ...
  2. Apply your edits. ...
  3. Sign PDF online. ...
  4. Fill out the document. ...
  5. Download your document for free!

How do I add signature to PDF for free?

For Android users, the Adobe Acrobat Reader app is also available for signing PDFs. Download it from the Google Play Store, sign in, upload your PDF, and use the 'Sign' feature to add your signature.

How to make a PDF signable for free?

FAQs: Making a PDF Signable

Go to eSign PDF on Smallpdf, upload your file, add your signature or signature fields, then download or share the signed PDF.

How To Insert Signature In PDF - Full Guide

18 related questions found

How do I insert a digital signature?

To add a digital signature, open your Microsoft Word document and in the body of the document, click where you'd like to add your signature line. From the Word ribbon selection menu, select the Insert tab and then click Signature Line in the Text group.

Is Google e-signature free?

Yes, Google offers a free eSignature tool built into Google Workspace (Docs & Drive) for eligible users, allowing text-based signatures on simple documents with audit trails; for more advanced needs or personal use without Workspace, third-party apps like SignRequest and CocoSign offer free tiers with limited documents or features, while Google Forms also provides a simple electronic signature option via tools like Esignly.

How do I create a signature in a PDF document?

To create a signature in a PDF, use the "Fill & Sign" tool in Adobe Acrobat Reader (or similar PDF software) to type, draw, or upload an image of your signature, then place it on the document; options include typing your name, drawing with a mouse/stylus, or uploading a scanned signature image.

Is PDF24 completely free?

Yes, PDF24 Creator and its online tools are completely free for all users, including businesses, with no hidden costs, subscriptions, or premium versions required for its full functionality. It offers many features like merging, splitting, converting, and compressing PDFs, operating as a fully featured freeware program, with revenue coming from discreet advertising on its website. 

How to add handwritten signature in PDF free?

Sign a PDF FAQs.

  1. In the Sign panel, select Add signature.
  2. The panel will ask you to click Image, then Select image. You can browse for an image of your handwritten signature. ...
  3. Drag your new digital signature online into a signature field or anywhere on the PDF. ...
  4. You can now download or share your signed document.

How to add digital ID signature in PDF?

Once the document opens, on the menu bar, click Tools, scroll down to the Forms & Signatures group, and then select Certificates. On the Certificates toolbar, click the Digitally sign tool. Read the instructions on the Adobe Acrobat window and click OK.

How to put a signature on a PDF without Adobe?

You can digitally sign PDF files using a digital signature solution like jSign. Just upload the PDF using your jSign account and attach your digital signature. Other alternative methods include printing, signing and scanning your document, or signing a preview image of your PDF using markup tools on an image program.

Can I add a signature for free?

You can use electronic signatures for signing documents online, such as sales invoices, agreements, contracts, memos, and other files. Yes, Canva's signature generator is free to use.

Can I add a signature to a PDF using Google Docs?

Seamless electronic signatures

From Google Docs: Go to Tools > eSignature. From Google Drive: Open your PDF contract in Drive > top-right menu (three vertical dots) > eSignature.

What is the easiest way to add a signature to a PDF?

Select Add signature. Click Image, then Select image to browse for an image of your handwritten signature. You can also create signatures by typing your name or drawing your signature using a mouse or trackpad. Drag your new electronic signature into a signature field or anywhere on the PDF.

Is there a 100% free PDF editor?

Yes, several truly free PDF editors exist, like PDFgear, PDF24 Creator, LibreOffice Draw, Canva, and SimplePDF, offering features such as editing text/images, adding annotations, filling forms, and sometimes advanced AI tools, often without watermarks or subscriptions, though some online tools might have usage limits. 

Is there a free digital signature app?

Free e-signature apps let you sign documents on any device, with popular options like DocuSign (unlimited free signing for recipients, limited sends for senders), SignWell, and Xodo Sign offering limited free plans for occasional use, while RabbitSign and OpenSign provide unlimited free options for basic needs, focusing on ease of use, mobile access, and legal compliance. 

How can I insert a digital signature?

On the File tab, select Info. Protect Presentation. Select Add a Digital Signature. Read the Word, Excel, or PowerPoint message, and then select OK.

Is Google Docusign free?

Yes, Google Workspace offers a free plan for its Docusign integration, allowing unlimited signing and three free sends for requesting signatures, with completed documents saving to Google Drive. While signing is always free, sending documents for signatures has a limit, but you can easily install the add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace to sign up and start using it from Gmail, Docs, or Drive. 

How do you copy and paste a signature into a PDF?

Upload the PDF document you need to work with. Locate the signature field where your digital signature is saved. Select your digital signature and use the 'Copy' option. Click on the desired location in the document to paste your signature.

Is Microsoft eSignature free?

Free for customers with valid Adobe or Docusign licenses, the integration allows customers to seamlessly initiate signature requests within their existing workflows and facilitate secure and automatic storage of signed documents in Microsoft 365 and across their entire business.

How do I create my own electronic signature?

To create an electronic signature, you can draw/type it in an e-signature app (like DocuSign, Canva), upload a scanned image of your handwritten signature (best as a transparent PNG), or use built-in tools in programs like Microsoft Word by drawing or typing and saving it as an image to insert. The easiest methods involve using online generators or creating an image file of your signature to add to documents.
 

What is a free alternative to Docusign?

In conclusion, while Docusign is a well-established electronic signature platform, its limitations and costs have led many to seek alternative options. For users looking for a free alternative, options like SignNow, HelloSign, and Eversign are available.