Visual signature or digital signature?
“Signing a PDF” covers two quite different things. Know which one you need before you start:
| Visual signature (this tool) | Digital signature | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | An image or typed name placed on the page | A certificate-based signature stored in the file |
| Identity check | None: anyone can copy the image | Linked to the signer’s certificate |
| Detects later changes | No | Yes, the file shows if it was altered |
| Typical use | Forms, acknowledgements, internal approvals, drafts | Contracts and regulated documents that require it |
If a recipient only wants “a signature on the document”, a visual one is often accepted. If they ask for a digital, qualified or certificate-based signature, use a service that provides one, and ask what they will accept first.
Sign a PDF in five steps
- Open Sign PDF and add the document.
- Choose how to create the signature: Type it, Draw it or Upload image.
- Choose where it goes and how big it is (see below).
- Choose Add Visual Signature and download the signed copy.
- Open the copy and check that the signature sits where you want on the pages.
The three ways to make a signature
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Type it | Enter a name or initials and set the font size. It is set in a plain italic typeface, not a handwriting font. | Initials, quick approvals, names in any script |
| Draw it | Draw on the signature pad with a mouse, trackpad or finger, and clear it to start over. | A personal look without a scanner |
| Upload image | Upload a PNG or JPG of your signature and set its width as a percentage of the page. | A scanned or photographed signature |
For an uploaded image, sign on white paper, photograph it in even light and crop tightly. A transparent PNG avoids a white box around the signature. The image is not enlarged beyond its own size, so start with a sharp one.
Where the signature goes
Pick one of nine positions: top, centre or bottom, crossed with left, centre or right, each set a little in from the page edge. The signature is drawn on top of the page, so choose a spot that is clear of text, or leave room for it before you start.
It signs every page
The signature is added to every page of the PDF; there is no page picker. That suits initials on each page of an agreement, but not a single signature line at the end. To sign only one page:
- Use Split PDF to pull that page out as its own file.
- Sign that single-page file.
- Use Merge PDF to put the pages back in order. Merging keeps bookmarks and form fields; check the page order afterwards.
The splitting guide shows how to choose the page.
Before you send it
- Check the signature is legible and not covering text on any page.
- Keep the unsigned original; a signed copy is a new file.
- Need it locked against changes or opened only with a password? Protect it after signing, and share the password separately as described in the protection guide.
Privacy
Signing runs locally in your browser tab, so the document and your signature image stay on your device. That matters because a signature image is easy to reuse if it leaks.
People also ask
Common questions
Is a typed or drawn signature legally valid?
It depends on the document, the recipient and the country. FreePDFKit adds a visual signature only, which is not a certificate-based digital signature. For contracts that require a binding e-signature, use a certified e-signature service or ask the recipient what they accept. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I sign just one page?
The signature is added to every page. To sign one page, split it out with Split PDF, sign that single page, then put it back with Merge PDF in the right position.
Can I sign a PDF on my phone?
Yes. It works in modern mobile browsers, and you can draw your signature with your finger. Very large files may be limited by the phone’s memory.
Can I use a photo of my handwritten signature?
Yes. Upload a PNG or JPG. A transparent PNG looks best because no white box appears around the signature on the page.
Does signing change the original file?
No. The original stays untouched and a new signed copy is created.
What is the difference between a visual and a digital signature?
A visual signature is how a signature looks on the page. A digital signature is created with a certificate, ties the signer to the exact contents of the file and shows if it was changed afterwards.
Is my signature uploaded anywhere?
No. The PDF and your signature are processed in your browser, so they stay on your device.