How to sign a PDF on your phone or computer
You’ve been sent a form, letter or agreement to sign and return. You don’t need to print it, sign it, and scan it back. You can sign it directly on your phone in about a minute.
Sign a PDF in 4 steps
- Open our Sign a PDF tool and choose the document.
- Make your signature in one of three ways:
- Draw it with your finger or mouse.
- Type your name and pick a handwriting style.
- Upload a photo of your real signature on white paper — the paper is removed automatically.
- Tap the page where it should go. Drag it to move it, and use “Bigger” or “Smaller” to resize. Add today’s date with one tap. Use the arrows to sign other pages.
- Press “Save signed PDF”, check the preview, and download.
Tip: tick “Remember my signature on this device” to reuse it next time. Don’t tick it on a shared or public computer.
Need to fill in the form too?
Use Fill a PDF form first. It lets you type into form boxes, tick checkboxes, and type anywhere on forms that have no boxes. It also has Date and Signature buttons, so you can complete the whole form in one place.
Electronic vs digital signature
| Electronic signature | Digital (certificate) signature |
|---|---|
| An image of your signature added to the document | A coded signature linked to a verified identity certificate |
| Fine for most everyday papers: forms, letters, school slips, many agreements | Needed for some official, legal or government filings |
| Free and instant | Usually needs an account with a certified provider |
DocAura adds an electronic signature. If an organisation needs a certificate-based or government e-signature, it will say so in its instructions. When in doubt, ask them which type they accept.
Tips for a clean signature
- Drawing on a phone? Turn it sideways for more space and sign slowly.
- Uploading a photo? Use a dark pen, plain white paper and good light, and take the photo from straight above.
- Keep the signature a sensible size — about as big as it would be on paper.
Is it private?
Yes. Your document and your signature never leave your device. Nothing is uploaded to a server.