How to Sign Documents on Any Device You Have

Signing and emailing PDFs is always tricky, especially if you think you need to print it, sign it, scan it, and email it to someone in a timely manner. But you won’t! By using multiple apps and built-in software, you can save time, money, and find and print the office printer you want.

iOS: Use Markup Tools for Signatures

Previously, adding signatures to documents on iOS required a third-party PDF annotation app. The operating system now has built-in markup tools that allow you to edit images and documents by adding a handwritten signature (in addition to annotations, text, and shapes). Using an iOS device to create your signature will also allow you to keep it in sync across all of your Macs running iCloud Drive.

1. Open your PDF and select the Share tool.
2. Select “Save to Files.”
3. Open the markup tool.
4. Click “+” and select “Signature”.
5. Select Add or Remove Signature and click + to add a signature with your finger.
6. Click Finish to save your signature and then place it in your PDF.

By clicking on your signature, you can drag it around the page and adjust its size. To scroll through the document without leaving stray lines across the entire page, slide across the page with two fingers. If you’re dealing with a PDF in the Apple Mail app, you can sign it and send it back to your contact without opening the files or leaving the app.

macOS: use preview (or trackpad)

Adding a signature from your Mac is pretty straightforward; you can either use the trackpad or import your handwritten signature using your computer’s front camera. You will need to use the Apple Preview app and a piece of paper if you are concerned about accuracy. If you’ve already added a signature to your Mac and turned on iCloud Drive, you’ll be able to use that signature in Apple’s Markup tool on your iOS device.

1. Open the PDF with the Apple Preview app.
2. Click the Toolbox icon, then the Signature icon.
3. Select “Create Signature”.
4. Use the trackpad to select “Click here to get started” and draw your signature. Press any key to finish drawing, then select Done or Clear to save or redo your signature.

OR:

1. Use the front camera to write your signature in black ink on a sheet of white paper.
2. Keep your signature in front of the camera until it recognizes and imports your signature (make sure it’s on or above the blue line). Select done to save the imported signature.
3. Select your signature, then drag and scale it accordingly in the PDF.

Windows 10: Use Acrobat Reader DC

Windows 10 users will need a third-party document signing app. The simplest is Adobe Acrobat Reader DC . You can use the free Fill & Sign feature to add and import signatures to PDFs. (Unlike Apple’s support for multiple signatures, Adobe Acrobat Reader DC only allows one signature and one initial to be stored.)

1. Open the PDF file with Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
2. On the right, select Fill & Sign.
3. Select “Sign in” from the “Fill and Sign” menu.
4. Select Add Signature or Add Initials.
5. You can use a printable version of your signature (you can choose from four handwritten fonts), draw it using the trackpad, or import your signature from a photo. If you’re using a Surface device, you can use the Surface Pen to write your signature in the box.

Android: use the Adobe Fill & Sign app

Android users must download the Adobe Fill & Sign app from the Play Store. In addition to adding signatures, the Fill & Sign app lets you add stored personal information, add text to blank fields in a PDF file, and add checkmarks or crosses to checkboxes.

1. Select your PDF and open it with Adobe Fill & Sign.
2. Click the fountain pen icon to create your signature or initials.
3. Use your finger to draw a signature above the blue line.
4. Tap again with the fountain pen and select your signature.
5. Drag and scale your signature.
6. Click the Share icon to save or share your PDF.

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