How to sign a PDF online

Last updated: November 2026

You can sign a PDF without printing, scanning or installing anything. With PDFRefine you add your signature, name and date in the browser on your computer or phone, and the document never leaves your device.

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Sign a PDF in 5 steps

1. Open your PDF. Go to pdfrefine.online and drop the PDF onto the page, or click to choose it. The file opens in your browser; it is not uploaded anywhere.
2. Create your signature. Choose Signature in the sidebar. Draw it with your mouse, trackpad or finger, type your name to get a handwritten-style signature, or upload a photo of your signature on white paper (the background is removed automatically).
3. Place it on the page. Click where the signature goes. Drag it to move it and pull the corner to resize it until it sits neatly on the signature line.
4. Add your name and the date. Add a Date field (it fills in today's date, which you can change) and Text fields for your printed name, initials or anything else the document asks for.
5. Download the signed PDF. Click Download to save the signed copy. Your original file is not changed. Downloading needs Premium (US$5 per month); everything before that is free.

How to sign a PDF on iPhone or iPad

Open PDFRefine in Safari, tap the upload area and pick the PDF from Files, Mail attachments or iCloud Drive. Tap Signature and draw with your finger, then tap the spot on the page where it belongs. When you download, the signed PDF is saved to the Downloads folder in the Files app, ready to attach to an email or message.

How to sign a PDF on Android

Open PDFRefine in Chrome, tap the upload area and choose the PDF from Downloads or Google Drive. Draw your signature with your finger, place it, and download the signed copy to your Downloads folder.

Tips for a signature that looks right

• Draw slowly and a little larger than you need; you can scale it down on the page.
• For a photo of your real signature, use dark ink on plain white paper in good light.
• Sign in with Google to save your signature to your account and reuse it on every document.
• Signing the same kind of document often? Save the layout as a template and apply it in one click.

Is it safe to sign a PDF online?

Many online tools upload your document to their servers. PDFRefine does not: the PDF is opened, signed and saved by your browser, so contracts with personal details stay on your device. See the privacy policy for what is stored when you sign in.

Is an electronic signature legally valid?

In many countries a simple electronic signature is accepted for everyday agreements such as rental contracts, freelance agreements and forms, for example under the EU eIDAS Regulation and the US ESIGN Act. Some documents need a qualified or certified digital signature, which PDFRefine does not provide. When in doubt, ask the other party or a lawyer. This guide is not legal advice.

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Open your PDF, place your signature and preview the result for free. Sign a PDF online