How to Sign a PDF Document Digitally on Different Operating Systems

In the age of cloud computing, physical paper copies and filing cabinets are becoming less common. However, there are still instances where you may need to sign a PDF document, and not everyone has access to a printer and scanner. The good news is that there are digital ways to sign a PDF that don’t require any physical equipment.

On Windows, the built-in PDF signing tool is found in the Microsoft Edge browser. Simply drag the PDF file into a browser tab or use the Ctrl+O shortcut to open it. In the toolbar at the top of the screen, click the arrow next to “Draw” to select the color and line thickness for your signature. Then, use your mouse, stylus, or touchscreen to sign the document. Click the floppy disk icon to save over the original PDF or the pen icon to save the signed document as a new file.

On macOS, the native PDF-signing tool is called Preview. Open a PDF double-clicking on it or searching for “preview” in Spotlight. Once the PDF is open in Preview, click the signature icon on the toolbar. If you don’t see the option, go to View and click on Show Markup Toolbar. You can create a signature using your trackpad, webcam, or an iPhone or iPad linked to the same Apple ID. After creating your signature, it will be saved for future use. To save over the current PDF, choose File and then Save; or to create a new file, choose File and Export.

Android users can sign a PDF using the Google Drive app. Open the PDF, tap the edit button, and then the pen tool. Choose a color and line thickness for your signature, and then sign on the document. Use the eraser or undo buttons to start again if needed. Save the PDF overwriting the original or creating a separate file. There are also third-party apps available for Android, such as Adobe Fill & Sign and JetSign.

For iOS and iPadOS users, the signing features are similar to macOS. Open a PDF in the Files app, tap the pen icon, and select from existing signatures or create a new one. Reposition and resize the signature as needed, and then save or duplicate the file. Signatures created on Apple devices can be shared among them.

Signing a PDF document digitally is convenient and eliminates the need for physical equipment. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS, there are built-in or third-party options available to fit your needs.

Sources:
– David Nield, Popular Science