How to Digitally Sign a PDF Document

Digital signatures add an extra layer of security and professionalism to your documents. Whether you are a business or an individual, digitally signing a PDF can enhance the legitimacy and integrity of your documents. In this guide, we will explore different methods to digitally sign a PDF using free and premium tools, ensuring both efficiency and security.

Step-by-Step Guide to Digitally Sign a PDF with BoldSign

One of the easiest ways to digitally sign a PDF is through the user-friendly BoldSign. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Log In

Open BoldSign and log in to your account.

2. Upload Document

Click on the Upload Document button and select the PDF you want to sign.

3. Add Signers

Enter the email addresses of the signatories who will be adding their signatures.

4. Add Signature Fields

Drag and drop the signature fields onto the document where required. This step ensures the signature is placed in the correct spot and adds a secure timestamp.

5. Send

Click the Send button to send the document for signing. The process is simple and user-friendly, making it easy to manage the signing process smoothly.

BoldSign offers a secure and user-friendly way to manage digital signatures. However, for those seeking more advanced and customizable options, there are other tools available.

Adding Signature Fields to PDFs Using Online Tools

Method 1: Add Signature Fields Online Using PDFgear PDF Online Editor

PDFgear PDF Online Editor is a free, web-based tool that allows you to add signature fields to PDFs with ease. Follow these steps:

Visit the PDFgear Website

Go to PDFgear official website to access the PDF Editor Online.

Upload Your PDF

Click on Upload PDF file and either enter the file path or drag and drop your file into the designated area.

Add a Signature Field

Once your PDF is uploaded, click on “Add and Edit Form Fields” located in the upper-right corner of the menu bar. From the drop-down options, select “Signature” or “Initial” to add a signature box.

Position the Signature Box

Move your mouse to the desired location on the PDF and click to place the box. You can then double-click the signature box to open the signature properties window where you can customize settings.

Save the Edited PDF

Click the Download icon in the upper-right corner to save the edited file to your device. The tool also supports form filling, file annotations, and drawing, making it a versatile option for PDF management.

Method 2: Add Signature Fields with Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Acrobat Pro is a more robust solution for detailed PDF editing, including adding advanced signatures. It offers advanced features such as typed, handwritten, and scanned signatures. Follow these steps:

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro

Launch the software and open the PDF you want to edit. From the top menu bar, click on “Tools” and select “Prepare Form” to enter the form editing mode.

Select the Signature Field Tool

From the tool ribbon, select the “Add Signature Field” icon. Move your mouse to the appropriate spot on the document and click to insert the signature field.

Adjust Signature Properties

Click on “All Properties” to open the signature properties window. Configure the signature box’s settings such as appearance and validation properties. Once done, click “Close” to save your adjustments.

Save the PDF

Click the “Save” icon in the upper-left corner to save your changes to the document. However, note that Adobe Acrobat Pro comes with a monthly subscription fee, which might be a drawback for some users.

Alternative Methods Using Microsoft Word and Preview

Method 3: Using Microsoft Word on Windows 10/11

If you have a Windows 10/11 system, you can add a signature to a PDF using Microsoft Word.

Steps

Drag the PDF into Word, which will convert it to an editable document. Go to the Sign the Document section and either sign directly or type the name to create a stylized signature. Save the document as a PDF by going to File Save As PDF.

Method 4: Using Mac Preview on macOS

For Mac users, Preview is a straightforward tool for signing PDFs.

Steps

Double-click your PDF file to open it in Preview. Click on the Markup tool and select the pencil icon. Create a signature using your trackpad or upload one from an image file. Drag the signature to the appropriate spot in the PDF and save the document.

These alternative methods provide different levels of functionality and security, catering to various user preferences and needs. Whether you are using a free online tool or a more advanced premium software, adding digital signatures to your PDFs can significantly enhance the professionalism and security of your documents.