How to sign a PDF with Apple Pencil

A saved signature you place anywhere

1. 1

   Open the PDF in Files

   Tap the PDF in Files. If it came in Mail or Messages, open it there, or save it to Files first so the signed copy has a home.

2. 2

   Tap Add, then Add Signature

   Tap the Add button (the plus). In Notes or Photos, tap Markup first, then Add in the Markup toolbar.

3. 3

   Sign with the Pencil

   Sign in the box. Tap Clear to redo it. Label it if you like, such as initials or nickname, then tap to save and place it.

4. 4

   Place it on the line

   Drag the signature into place and drag a blue dot on its border to resize it. The signature is kept for next time, so later documents take one tap.

Make two saved signatures, your full signature and your initials, each with its own label. Contracts that ask for initials on every page go much faster.

Write straight on the page

Sometimes a saved signature isn't right: a date written in by hand, initials beside a crossed-out clause, or a document that asks for a fresh signature each time. Open Markup, tap the pen tool and write with the Pencil exactly where it belongs. Tap the selected tool to change the line weight, and use black or dark blue. The Lasso tool (between the eraser and ruler) lets you move a signature you wrote in slightly the wrong spot, and the eraser has a pixel mode and an object mode for clearing a whole stroke.

Fill in the form with Scribble

You don't need to put the Pencil down to type. With Scribble on (Settings, then Apple Pencil, then Scribble), write in any text field and iPad converts your handwriting to typed text, on the device. It still works if your writing runs past the edge of the field. Scratch out a word to delete it, and circle text to select it. For a PDF form, tap a blank field and write your name, address or date; then add the signature itself with Markup. In the Preview app on iPad, the AutoFill button fills the fields it recognizes from your contact card.

When a customer signs with your Pencil

Handing over the iPad with a PDF open in Markup works, but it lets the customer wander into your files, and it records nothing about who signed. The SignMaster iPhone and iPad app is built for that moment:

1. 1

   Start from a template, a scan or a file

   Tap Send for signature and pick a template, scan the paper, or choose a PDF. Add the customer by name and email and place their fields.

2. 2

   Choose Sign in person

   Send the envelope, choose Sign in person and hand the customer the iPad. They accept the e-signature consent and the app guides them field by field.

3. 3

   They sign with the Pencil

   The signing pad uses Apple's PencilKit, so the Pencil's pressure comes through on iPad and the signature looks hand-made. A finger works too.

4. 4

   Take the iPad back

   Signing mode fills the screen and can't be swiped away; only your Face ID, Touch ID or passcode ends it. If you sign next, the app goes straight to your signature.

Everyone gets the signed PDF by email with a certificate of completion that notes the person signed in person. More on the app at SignMaster for iPhone and iPad.