What you need to set up an e-signature in Adobe

Adobe Acrobat offers two ways to sign documents electronically: Adobe Sign, which is a separate service for legally binding signatures, and the built-in signature tool in Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro, which lets you add your handwritten or typed signature to a PDF without legal certification. For most everyday documents — contracts, rental agreements, permission forms — the built-in tool is what you need. It takes about five minutes to set up and works on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices.

You will need either the free Adobe Acrobat Reader or the paid Acrobat Pro DC. The free Reader version lets you sign documents but cannot send them for others to sign. If you are signing something yourself or someone is sending you a document to sign, the free Reader is enough. You also need the PDF file itself — either saved on your computer or opened in Adobe already.

Key Takeaways

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) lets you add your signature to a PDF, but you cannot send documents for others to sign without Acrobat Pro DC.
  • You can create a signature by typing your name, drawing it with your mouse or trackpad, or uploading an image of your handwritten signature.
  • Once you create a signature, Adobe saves it so you can reuse it on future documents without recreating it each time.
  • A signature added with the built-in tool is not legally certified; for legally binding signatures that create an audit trail, you need Adobe Sign.

Creating your signature in Adobe Acrobat Reader

Open the PDF you want to sign in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click the Fill & Sign button in the toolbar on the right side of the screen. If you do not see it, click the Tools menu and select Fill & Sign. The document will shift into signing mode.

Click the Sign button (it looks like a pen) in the toolbar. A dialog box will open asking you to create a signature. You have three options: Type your name in a standard font, Draw your signature with your mouse or trackpad, or Image to upload a photo of your handwritten signature. Type is fastest and clearest. Draw is closest to a real signature but harder to do smoothly with a mouse. Image works best if you have already signed a piece of paper and can photograph or scan it.

Choose the option that fits your situation. If you type, Adobe will show you a few font styles — pick the one you prefer and click Create. If you draw, use your mouse or trackpad to write your name in the box, then click Create. If you upload an image, select the file from your computer and click Create. Adobe will save this signature so you do not have to recreate it next time.

Placing your signature on the document

After you create your signature, your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click and drag on the PDF to place your signature wherever it needs to go — usually at the bottom of the document or in a blank signature line. You can resize the signature by dragging the corners of the box. If you are not happy with the placement, click elsewhere on the document to place it again, or press Delete to remove it.

Some PDFs have signature fields already built in — they appear as boxes labeled "Sign here" or similar. If the document has these fields, you can click directly on the field and your signature will snap into place automatically. This is faster and ensures your signature is in the right spot.

Saving your signed document

Once your signature is placed, click the File menu and select Save or Save As. If you choose Save, Adobe will overwrite the original file with your signed version. If you choose Save As, you can give it a new name — for example, "lease_signed_2024" — and keep both the original and signed versions. Keeping both is useful if you need to prove you signed it or if the other party needs the original unsigned copy for their records.

The signed PDF is now ready to send, print, or store. You can email it, upload it to a website, or print it on paper. The signature is part of the PDF itself, so it will stay in place no matter who opens the file or what device they use.

Managing and reusing your signatures

Adobe stores every signature you create. The next time you open a document to sign, click the Sign button and your saved signatures will appear in the dialog. You can click any of them to place it on the new document without typing or drawing again. This saves time if you sign multiple documents.

If you want to delete a signature or create a new one, open any PDF, click Fill & Sign, then click the Sign button. At the bottom of the signature dialog, you will see your saved signatures. Right-click on any signature to delete it, or click the plus icon to create a new one. You can have multiple signatures saved — for example, a formal typed signature for contracts and a casual drawn signature for internal forms.

When to use Adobe Sign instead

The built-in signature tool works for documents you are signing yourself or documents someone sends you to sign. But if you need to send a document to someone else for them to sign, or if you need a legally certified signature with an audit trail showing who signed what and when, you need Adobe Sign. Adobe Sign is a paid service that creates legally binding signatures, tracks the signing process, and provides proof that the signature happened.

For everyday situations — signing a lease you received, adding your name to a form, approving a document — the free built-in tool is enough. For situations where the signature carries legal weight and you need proof of signing, Adobe Sign is the right choice. Your Adobe account settings will show whether you have access to Adobe Sign, and you can upgrade if needed.

Troubleshooting common signature problems

If the Fill & Sign button does not appear, make sure you are using Adobe Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro DC, not a web browser version. The web version has limited features. read the desktop process from Adobe's website if you do not have it. Also check that the PDF is not locked or read-only — if it is, you will not be able to add a signature. The file properties will tell you if it is locked.

If your drawn signature looks shaky or illegible, try drawing more slowly or using a stylus instead of your mouse. If you are uploading an image of a handwritten signature, make sure the image is clear and the signature is centered in the frame. A blurry or off-center image will not look professional when placed on the document.

If you cannot find a signature you created before, check that you are signed into the same Adobe account. Signatures are tied to your account, so if you signed in with a different email address, your old signatures will not appear. You can check which account you are using in the File menu under Account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a signature I add with Adobe Acrobat Reader legally binding?

A signature added with the built-in tool is legally valid for most everyday documents — leases, contracts, forms — because you are consenting to the document by signing it. However, it does not create a certified audit trail. If you need proof that you signed on a specific date and time, or if the document requires a legally certified signature, use Adobe Sign instead.

Can I sign a document on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available on iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Open the PDF, tap the pencil icon, and follow the same steps as on a computer. Drawing your signature with your finger on a touchscreen is often easier than with a mouse.

What happens if I make a mistake while signing?

Click the signature to select it, then press Delete or Backspace to remove it. You can then place your signature again in the correct spot. If you already saved the file, open it again, remove the signature, and save it once more.

Can someone else use my saved signature without my permission?

Only if they have access to your computer or your Adobe account. Signatures are stored locally on your device and in your account. If you share a computer, consider deleting your signatures before letting someone else use it, or create a separate user account on the computer.

Do I need to print and scan a document after signing it digitally?

No. A digitally signed PDF is a complete, valid document. You can email it, upload it, or store it as is. Printing and scanning adds an unnecessary step and can reduce the quality of the signature. Keep the digital version unless the other party specifically asks for a printed copy.