How to sign a PDF
- Open your PDF. Choose the file or drop it on the page. It opens in your browser, on any computer, tablet or phone.
- Create your signature. Type your name and pick one of six handwritten styles, or draw it with a mouse, your finger or a stylus.
- Place it. Choose Signature, then click where it goes. Drag it to move it and pull the corner to resize. Add initials, the date, text or check marks the same way.
- Download. Click Download signed PDF. You get a new file with everything in place; your original stays untouched.
Is a PDF signed this way legally binding?
In Canada, as in most countries, an electronic signature is valid when it links a person to the document and shows their intent, and the document stays intact. A signature image added to a PDF can meet that bar between people who trust each other: a permission slip, an internal form, a delivery note.
What it does not give you is evidence. Nothing records who placed the signature, when, or whether the file changed afterwards. For anything you might have to defend, use a process that records identity, consent and integrity. That is what a Stellaire Sign envelope does. Read more in Is an electronic signature legal in Québec?
Free tool or signing envelope?
This free tool
- You sign the PDF yourself
- No account, no upload, no watermark
- Signature image, date, text and check marks
- No record of who signed or when
A Stellaire Sign envelope
- Others sign from a personal link, in order or all at once
- French or English signing pages, with French first for Loi 96
- Certificate of completion, audit trail and PKCS#7 seal
- Independent RFC 3161 timestamp by DigiCert
- Free for 3 envelopes a month, paid plans from CA$12 a month
Questions
Is it really free?
Yes. No account, no watermark and no daily limit. We offer it because people who sign PDFs often also need others to sign, which is what our paid plans are for.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. The PDF is read, displayed and signed by your browser. You can confirm it in your browser's network panel: no file leaves your device.
Can I sign a PDF on my phone?
Yes. Open this page on your phone, choose the PDF from your files, draw your signature with your finger and download the result.
Can I add text in French, Spanish, Arabic or Chinese?
Yes. Anything you type is added in your language. The typed signature styles cover Latin alphabets, including French, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Vietnamese; for other scripts, draw your signature.
Can someone else sign the same PDF?
With this tool, each person adds their signature on their own device and passes the file along. With a Stellaire Sign envelope, you send one link per person and everyone receives the final signed copy.
Does it work with password-protected PDFs?
Not yet. Remove the password in the app that created the PDF, then open it here.