To sign a PDF for free: open the PrimeDocu browser PDF signer, choose your PDF, draw or type your signature, place it on the page, and download the signed copy. The standalone signer needs no account and processes the document on your device.
This guide is for adding your own signature to a PDF. If you also need to enter names, dates or checkboxes, use our guide to filling and signing PDF forms. A drawn or typed signature is different from a certificate-based digital signature.
Choose a signing method
- Browser, no signup: use the free PrimeDocu signer below.
- Mac: use Preview if you prefer an installed app.
- iPhone or iPad: use Markup for a document scanned in Notes.
- Someone else sent a signing request: use their provided signing link so the requested workflow is preserved.
Sign a PDF in your browser without an account
- Open the free PDF signer and choose a PDF from your device.
- Use the signature control to open Create your signature. Choose Draw or Type, then select Use signature.
- Drag the signature onto the correct line. Resize it using the corner handle and check the page number.
- Add any other required signatures, then select Download signed PDF.
- Open the downloaded copy in a PDF reader. Check every signed page before sending it through the recipient's requested channel.
The standalone tool adds signatures; it does not collect signatures from other people or fill ordinary text fields. Saving and organizing documents in the separate PrimeDocu vault requires an account. Keep your downloaded copy before closing the browser.
Sign a PDF on Mac with Preview
Open the PDF in Preview, show the Markup toolbar and choose Sign. Create a signature using the trackpad, camera or a supported nearby iPhone or iPad. Select the signature, move it onto the line, adjust its size and save a copy. See Apple's Preview instructions or our Mac signing guide.
Sign a scanned document on iPhone or iPad
In Notes, open the scanned document, tap Markup, then Add and Signature. Create or select a signature, position it and tap Done. These steps apply to a scan stored in Notes; other PDF apps have their own controls. See Apple's scanning and signing instructions.
For Android, the browser method above works without installing a PDF editor. See our Android PDF signing guide for other options.
If you need another person to sign
Adding your signature and requesting someone else's signature are different tasks. A signing service can send invitations and track responses. Docusign's free account allows three document sends, not three new sends every month. Check Docusign's current free-account information before choosing a service.
Fix common signing problems
- The PDF will not open: check whether it requires a password or is damaged. Ask the sender for a usable copy if necessary.
- The signature is on the wrong page: remove it and place it on the intended page before downloading.
- You cannot type into a form: a signature-only tool does not add form fields. Follow the PDF form-filling steps.
- The recipient asks for a digital certificate: a signature image does not meet that technical requirement. Use the signing method they specify.
- The downloaded file looks unchanged: reopen the newly downloaded copy, rather than the original attachment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign a PDF without creating an account?
Yes. PrimeDocu's standalone browser signer needs no account. Choose a PDF, draw or type your signature, place it and download the result.
Does the browser signer upload my PDF?
The standalone signer processes the PDF in your browser. Saving a document to the separate PrimeDocu vault is a different workflow.
Can I fill text fields with this signer?
The standalone signer adds signatures. Use a form-filling editor for names, addresses and other text fields.