How to E-Sign a PDF Online (and Why It's Legal)

E-signatures are now the norm for everything from rental agreements to multi-million dollar contracts. Here's how to sign a PDF online and what makes a signature legally binding.

Three ways to sign

1. Draw it — sign with your finger or a mouse.
2. Type it — pick a handwritten-style font.
3. Upload an image — a photo or scan of your real signature.

Open Sign PDF to use any of these methods.

Are e-signatures legal?

In most jurisdictions, yes. Major frameworks include:

• United States — the ESIGN Act and UETA grant e-signatures the same legal weight as handwritten ones.
• European Union — eIDAS recognizes simple, advanced and qualified electronic signatures.
• UK — the Electronic Communications Act 2000.

Some specific documents (wills, certain real estate transactions in some regions) still require wet signatures. When in doubt, check with a lawyer.

Tips for a clean signature

• Use a stylus or trackpad for a natural-looking drawn signature.
• Date your signature near it.
• Save a clean PNG of your scanned signature on a transparent background — you can reuse it across documents.

Combine with protection

After signing, run Protect PDF to add a password — and never compress a signed PDF afterwards, as that can invalidate the signature.