How to sign a PDF on Windows

Sign in Microsoft Edge

Edge has a built-in PDF reader. Its ink tool is meant for quick notes, filling forms and signing. Toolbar labels have changed a little between Edge versions, so look for the pen icon if a name doesn't match.

1. 1

   Open the PDF in Edge

   Right-click the PDF, choose Open with, then Microsoft Edge. Or drag the file into an Edge window.

2. 2

   Fill in the fields

   Click into each blank field and type. If the fields don't respond, select Edit in the toolbar first. Use the toolbar's text tool to add text where there's no field.

3. 3

   Draw your signature

   Select Draw in the PDF toolbar, pick a color and thickness, and sign with your mouse, touchpad or pen. Use Erase to remove a stroke and try again.

4. 4

   Save

   Select Save in the toolbar. Your signature is saved into the file, and it prints with it.

A mouse signature rarely looks like your real one. A touchscreen or a pen does much better.

Sign in Adobe Acrobat Reader

1. 1

   Open the PDF in Acrobat Reader

   Acrobat Reader is free from Adobe. Open the PDF in it.

2. 2

   Open Fill & Sign

   Select the Sign icon in the toolbar, or choose Fill & Sign from the tools. Click into fields to type.

3. 3

   Create your signature

   Choose to add a signature (or initials). Type your name and pick a style, Draw it, or use an Image of your signature. Select Apply.

4. 4

   Place it and save

   Click where the signature goes, adjust its size, then save the file.

When a drawn signature isn't enough

Edge and Acrobat Reader's Fill & Sign put a picture of your signature on the page. That suits a form you sign and send back. It's not enough when:

• Someone else has to sign. Getting a customer or vendor to install software and send the file back takes days.
• You need evidence. A drawn signature carries no record of who signed, when, or from where.
• Several people sign in order. Passing one file from inbox to inbox is how versions get lost.

Sign or send with SignMaster on Windows

SignMaster runs in Edge, Chrome or any browser on Windows. Each document you send is an envelope: one or more documents going to one or more signers.

1. 1

   Upload the document

   Start a new envelope and drop in the PDF, or a JPG or PNG. To bring in paper, click Scan with your phone and scan the QR code with your phone's camera.

2. 2

   Add signers

   Enter each signer's name and email and set the order. Click Add me to include yourself.

3. 3

   Place fields

   Drag signature, initials, date signed, text and checkbox fields where each person needs them.

4. 4

   Send

   Review and send. Signers open a link on any phone or computer, with no account and nothing to install. If you're first, click Sign now.

Every signer receives the signed PDF by email when the last person signs, with a certificate of completion: each signer's email, IP address, device, and when they viewed, consented and signed.