Do you have documents to sign? You don’t have to worry about printing, scanning, or even downloading a third-party app. You can sign PDFs right on your iPhone, iPad and Mac.
How to sign PDFs on iPhone and iPad
iOS and iPadOS come with a built-in markup feature that is available throughout the operating system. You’ll find it when you open a PDF in the Mail app, when you preview a document in the Files app, and when you edit an image in the Photos app. You can even access it when you edit a screenshot.
Soon: How to take and annotate screenshots on iPad using Apple Pencil
The markup icon appears as a small pen tip icon, usually in the upper right corner. One of the features of Markup is called Signature. This feature allows you to draw and reuse signatures on your iPhone and iPad.
To get started, open a PDF document in the Files app or the Mail app.
From there, tap the Annotation icon in the top right corner.
You will now see drawing and annotation tools at the bottom of the screen. Here, press the “+” button and choose the “Signature” option.
If this is your first time using this feature, you will be prompted to draw and create a signature. You can switch to landscape mode if you want more space. Here just draw the signature using your finger, or if you have an iPad you can also use Apple Pencil.
Once you are done, press the “Done” button.
You will now find the signature in the document. Tap the signature box to select it. You can move it around in the document and make it larger or smaller as well.
Once you are happy with the location of the signature, tap the “Done” button in the top left corner.
The signature will be added to the PDF and you can now send it.
You can return to the Signature menu and select your signature to add it to a PDF. (There is no need to sign again.)
How to sign PDFs on Mac
On your Mac, you can just use the built-in preview app to sign PDFs.
First, find the PDF file you want to sign using Finder (file explorer) and double click to open the document in the Preview app. If this is not the default application for PDFs, right-click on the file and choose the “Preview” option from the “Open With” menu.
Now click on the “Annotate” button on the top toolbar.
This will reveal all the editing options. Here, choose the “Signature” option. In the drop-down list, you will be able to create and add signatures. You can create a signature using your Mac’s trackpad or your iPhone or iPad (connected to the same network).
If you would like to sign using the trackpad, click the “Click here to begin” button.
Now, with your cursor in the center of the trackpad, start creating your signature. When you’re done, press any key on your keyboard.
The signature will be instantly added to the Signature menu. You can now click on the signature to insert it into the document.
You can click to select the signature and you can move it. You can also make it larger or smaller.
Signing using the Mac trackpad has a major flaw. You must connect on a continuous line. You can mitigate this by using your iPhone or iPad as a canvas. This is especially a good option for iPad users who own Apple Pencil.
When you are in the Signature menu, click on the iPhone or iPad button at the top. Now your iPhone or iPad will display the familiar signature screen. Just draw your signature and hit the “Done” button.
The signature will now appear on your Mac. Press “Done” to save it.
Once a signature is added, you can reuse it as many times as you want.
Did you know that you can edit photos and PDFs on Mac without even opening them? And that includes adding signatures! Here’s how to use the Quick Look feature on your Mac.
