How to Use Signature

Last updated: August 3, 2026

Signature lets you add a signature and text to a PDF in your browser, with no sign-up and no upload to a server. This guide walks through the whole process and covers the problems people run into most often.

Step by step: sign a PDF

1. Upload the PDF. Open the Signature tool and drag a PDF into the upload box, or click it to choose a file from your device. The first page renders as a preview and the toolbar appears.

2. Create your signature. Open the signature pad and draw with your mouse, trackpad, or finger. You can change the pen color before drawing. If you already have a signature image, upload it instead; a transparent PNG works best.

3. Add text if needed. Use the text tool to type a date, name, or note. Pick a font family, set the size, and apply bold, italic, or a color. The text becomes a movable box on the page.

4. Position and resize. Drag each signature and text box to the correct spot, such as the signature line. Use the handles to resize, and the page controls to move between pages.

5. Download. Click the download button. The finished PDF saves to your device with everything embedded. Open it once to confirm before sending it on.

The signature pad explained

The pad draws smooth strokes using HTML5 Canvas. There are more than twenty pen colors to choose from. Undo removes the last stroke, and Clear wipes the whole canvas so you can start again. There is no limit on how many times you redraw.

Your saved signatures

Drawn signatures are saved in the browser so you can reuse them on the next document while the tab is open. The saved signature is cleared when you close the tab, and it is never sent to a server. If you switch browsers, draw it again.

Troubleshooting common problems

The PDF does not load. Make sure the file is a PDF and not a renamed image. If the preview stays empty, try a different file to confirm the tool is working.

The signature pad does not respond. On a touchscreen, use a finger or a compatible stylus. On a computer, check that the mouse works on the canvas. Reload the page and try again if needed.

My signature shows a white box. The uploaded image is not transparent. Use a PNG with a transparent background, or remove the white background with an image editor and upload it again.

Text overlaps the document. Drag the text box to a blank area or shrink it with the resize handle. Zoom in for a closer look before you drop it.

The download does not start. Check your browser's download settings and allow downloads from this site. Update the browser if the button does nothing.

The page is slow with a large file. Close other tabs to free up memory. Very large PDFs take longer to render because all processing happens on your device.

Frequently asked questions

Is Signature really free? Yes. The tool has no cost, no account, no daily limit, and no watermark. There are no paid tiers and no features locked behind a subscription.

Do my PDFs get uploaded anywhere? No. The PDF is processed in your browser using JavaScript. The file is never sent to a server and nothing is stored. Your signature and document stay on your device until you download the result.

Can I add text to a PDF? Yes. Use the Text tool to type on the page, choose a font family, set the size from 8 pt to 72 pt, and apply bold, italic, or a color. Drag the text where you need it.

Can I sign a PDF on my phone? Yes. The layout adapts to small screens and the signature pad accepts touch input. Open the tool in Safari on iOS or Chrome on Android and draw your signature with a finger.

What signature image format should I upload? A PNG with a transparent background is best because it overlays cleanly without a white box. If your image has a white background, remove it with an image editor before uploading.

Does signing change the original PDF? The signature and text are placed on top of the existing content. The original pages, layout, and quality are preserved, and only the elements you add are embedded.

Is my signature saved? Your drawn signatures are stored in the browser so you can reuse them while the tab is open. They are cleared when the tab closes and are never sent to a server.

What is the maximum file size? There is no fixed limit. Very large PDFs may use more memory in your browser, so performance depends on your device.

Can I add more than one signature? Yes. Add several signatures and text boxes to the same page, and place them wherever you need them.