How to Sign a PDF Online Without Uploading It

Signing a PDF should not mean printing it, signing with a pen, scanning it back in and emailing the result. With PDFkitt you draw, type or upload your signature once, place it on the page, and download the signed file. Nothing is uploaded, and the signature is remembered on your device for the next document.

Sign a PDF in five steps

1. Open the document. Drop the PDF onto the upload card on the home page. If it asks for a password, enter it; the editor opens the file locally.
2. Choose Insert → Signature. The signature dialog opens with three tabs: Draw, Type and Upload image.
3. Create your signature. Draw: sign with a mouse, finger or stylus in the box (pick an ink color first). Type: type your name and choose one of three handwriting styles. Upload image: choose a PNG or JPEG of your signature; a photo of a signature on white paper works well.
4. Place it on the page. Click Insert, then click where the signature should go. Drag it to fine-tune the position; drag a corner to resize. It keeps its proportions.
5. Download the signed PDF. Click Download, optionally set a password so the signed file cannot be altered casually, then Download PDF.

Adding a date and check marks

Most forms want a date next to the signature. Choose Insert → Today’s date and click where the date should go; it is placed as an editable text box, so you can change the format or the date itself. For “I agree” boxes use Insert → Check mark or Insert → Cross, and click the box.

Reusing your signature

Every signature you create is kept in the Saved signatures list at the bottom of the signature dialog. It is stored in your browser’s own storage on this device and never sent anywhere. Click a saved signature to insert it again; use the small bin icon to forget it. Clearing your browser’s site data also removes saved signatures.

Tips for a clean signature

• Drawing on a laptop trackpad is hard. Sign on your phone instead: the site works in mobile browsers, and you can draw with a finger.
• Uploaded photos: crop tightly around the signature, and use good lighting so the paper is close to white. PNG files with a transparent background look best.
• Size: a signature is usually placed at about a third of the page width; drag a corner to match the signature line.
• Several places to sign? Insert the saved signature again on each page; the pages panel (toolbar button on the left) lets you jump between pages.
• Initials: create a second signature containing just your initials and save it alongside the full one.

Frequently asked

Can the signature be moved or removed by the recipient?

The signature becomes part of the page content when you download, like any printed element. Setting a password on download stops casual editing; see password-protecting a PDF.

Can I sign a form that has a signature field?

Yes. Place the signature image over the field. Text fields and check boxes in the same form can be filled in directly; see filling out a PDF form.

Is my signature uploaded?

No. Like the document itself, it stays in your browser. You can sign with your internet connection switched off.