How to Sign a PDF in Chrome in Under a Minute

Printing a document just to sign it, then scanning it back in, is a ritual most of us would happily skip. With a PDF editor in your browser you can sign a document in under a minute and send it straight back.

Step by step

1. Open Sign PDF from the Unique PDF quick menu or the Edit section.
2. Add the document you need to sign.
3. Draw your signature on the signature pad with your mouse, trackpad or touchscreen. Take a second attempt if you like; only the one you keep is used.
4. Place it. Drag the signature to the signature line, resize it so it looks natural, and move to another page if needed.
5. Save. Click Save PDF to download the signed copy. The original file stays unchanged.

The signature is stored as crisp vector lines, so it looks sharp at any zoom level and when printed.

Adding a date, initials or a note

Signing often comes with a date or initials. The full Edit PDF tool lets you add text anywhere on the page, along with highlights, shapes, arrows and images, with undo and redo. Use it to fill in the date next to your signature or initial each page.

Is a drawn signature legally valid?

In many countries and for many everyday documents, a drawn electronic signature is accepted, for example on rental applications, school forms and internal approvals. Some documents need a certified digital signature or a specific signing service, and requirements vary by country and by organization. If in doubt, ask the person who sent you the document what they accept.

One thing to know: if a PDF already contains a certified digital signature, changing the file in any way breaks that signature's seal. Unique PDF warns you when you open such a file.

Why sign in your browser?

• No printer or scanner needed.
• No upload. The document is processed on your own computer and never sent to a server.
• Free. No account, no subscription and no watermark on the signed file.

Tips

• Draw your signature a little larger than you need, then scale it down; it will look smoother.
• Zoom in on the signature line when placing it for a precise position.
• If you need to send the signed file by email and it is large, run it through Compress PDF.

Try it

Sign PDF is one of 20 free tools in Unique PDF. Add it to Chrome and sign your next document without leaving your browser.