How to Add a Signature to a PDF—the Simple Way

Despite all the PDF documents that require electronic signatures, many small businesses and individuals still find it tricky to eSign. It’s understandable when digitally signing a PDF isn’t straightforward. Unless you have an eSigning solution that makes it easy—then it’s a piece of cake! But if you’ve ever googled “how to sign a PDF” you’ve likely come across lots of software options that are either expensive or make you jump through hoops to add a signature.

In this blog, we explain in clear terms how to sign a PDF the simple way—illustrating the process using Nitro’s PDF and eSign tools.

Here are several common scenarios when using electronic signature technology will make your life easier:

Contracts and agreements: From freelance contracts to vendor agreements, most business arrangements today are through digital documentation that needs a signature. eSigning tools eliminate the need for hard copies, and they make it a cinch to add a signature quickly—expediting turnaround times.

Legal documents: Whether it’s a consent form or a non-disclosure agreement, eSigning software ensures all signing parties’ signatures are secure and authentic.

Employment offers: There’s a lot of paperwork involved in starting a new job. Get off on the right foot with electronic signature technology that makes digital signing seamless and quick.

Mortgage documents: When buying a house, the speed of your signature can make or break your offer’s acceptance. After that, you need to sign a mountain of documents. All of it is easy and fast with eSigning.

With Nitro QuickSign, you can easily create signatures and apply them to PDFs in several ways. Here’s a simple breakdown of the different methods you can use, but check out this step-by-step guide for in-depth instructions for every method:

Type your signature to generate a digitally handwritten one by following prompts in QuickSign to “Create New Signature” and selecting “Handwritten.” The software generates your script-based signature after you type in your name, and you can place it anywhere on your PDF.

Upload an image of your signature if you already have a scanned image of your handwritten signature saved on your computer. Simply upload that image and place it in your PDF using QuickSign.

Draw your signature using your mouse and customize it with options for thickness and color. QuickSign is also compatible with Topaz signature pads so you can use the stylus to sign.

 Capture a handwritten signature through your webcam by following prompts in QuickSign to “Create New Signature.” You will hold up the handwritten signature you prepared in front of your webcam, and the software captures it to issue your signature. Once you have your signature stamp, you can place it anywhere on your PDF.

See how easy it is to digitally sign a PDF using any of the signatures you’ve uploaded to your gallery.

Nitro is the eSign solution of choice for individuals and small businesses because we make it so easy to sign a PDF through our intuitive software.

Want to try Nitro Sign for yourself? You can start a free 14-day trial in minutes — no credit card required. Or get in touch with our experts to have all your questions answered.