Signing PDF documents electronically is a time-saving method that offers convenience, legal validity, and security. This post will explain how to use various tools and techniques to add an electronic signature to a PDF document.
Tap the File browser (iPhone) or Browse File (Android). Select your intended PDF document, then tap the Fill & Sign icon. Choose whether to draw, type, or upload an image of your signature.
Online platforms
Suppose you’re a business owner who regularly signs PDF documents using one of the many online platforms available. In that case, you can make the procedure on how to electronically sign a PDF quick and straightforward. These services allow you to sign PDF files from anywhere and even incorporate a digital signature. They are a great alternative to the traditional way of signing a document by hand. These platforms have been designed to simplify tasks, reduce costs, and boost productivity. They also offer various features that meet different businesses’ needs.
Some online e-signature systems have monthly or annual subscription fees based on the number of documents stored in the system and how many electronic signatures are obtained. Others charge per user or on a one-time basis as part of a perpetual license agreement. Regardless of the pricing structure, you should choose an electronic signature software platform that meets your budget and your organization’s needs.
A free option for Windows with a built-in PDF form viewer that supports e-signing. The reader allows you to draw your signature using a mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen. It also supports typing and converts it into a handwritten-looking signature. It also allows you to add a password or other identifying information. Another option is a $15-per-month plan for unlimited documents and signatures. It’s HIPAA compliant and integrates with human resources solutions from SAP SuccessFactors.
Built-in PDF software
In the digital business world, hard-copy paperwork is becoming more the exception than the rule. However, some documents still require signatures. This can be a legal requirement for contracts, agreements, or other official documents. Electronic signature technologies let users append a digital signature to PDF documents for rapid and straightforward processing, saving time compared to printing a document to sign and scanning it back in.
Users of these online tools can select from various signature styles, such as hand-drawn, text-based, and image-based signatures. Some even support a stylus or a pen for more precise signing. Some also include a time stamp, which is handy for legally binding documents.
Another powerful tool for electronically signing PDF documents. Its main selling point is synchronization, which enables mobile and computer signatures to update seamlessly. The app also supports CA certificate imports for authoritative organizations, making it a good choice for business scenarios.
A simple yet intuitive app that makes signing PDF documents on Android devices easy. It offers three types of signatures: text, drawing, or initials, and it can be positioned, moved, and resized on the document. It also lets you select a font and color for your signature.
Mobile apps
For business users, mobile apps are a convenient and efficient way to sign PDF documents. These apps make it possible to sign or request signatures at any time, from anywhere. They also offer several features that make them ideal for various workflows. For example, some allow you to use typed or handwritten signatures, while others feature a virtual pen that lets you draw your signature with a finger. Some even allow you to upload scanned documents to make them compatible with the program.
While some of the most excellent e-signature apps may be downloaded and used without cost, some need a subscription. However, the cost is worth it for businesses that need to sign many documents regularly. These applications can help you streamline your workflow and save time and money.
If you’re looking for an e-signature app that’s easy to use on your smartphone or tablet, consider a simple app that lets you sign documents on the go with just your fingertips. It’s available for iOS and Android devices. Open the document you want to sign, and then tap the “Fill & Sign” icon. This is the pen-shaped icon at the bottom of the screen (iPhone) or the top of the screen (Android).
Digital signature certificates
You can use a digital signature certificate from a certified provider to add your authenticated signature to PDF documents. This authentication is more secure than a username and password combination, which is susceptible to phishing attempts and malware penetration. Digital signature certificates use PKI-based authentication to authenticate documents. This means you don’t need to remember your password; the authentication “magic” happens on the backend.
A digital signature certificate is more than just a symbol you can add to your document; it is a cryptographic fingerprint of the signer that proves the signature’s authenticity. It also guarantees that the document has not been tampered with since it was signed.
When using a digital signature, most PDF viewers will validate it by decrypting it and comparing it with the document’s fingerprint or digest. If they match, the document is considered valid.
Adding an electronic signature, you can change a PDF document without altering the original information. This makes it an excellent tool for document management and approval workflows. Additionally, it can help reduce the amount of paper used in an organization and its negative environmental impact. For these reasons, it’s essential to have a tool that offers the capabilities of a digital signature.
