How to Add a Signature in Pages on Mac and iPad

The simplest way to sign a document in Pages

Pages lets you add a handwritten signature to a document in three ways: by drawing one with your trackpad or mouse, by importing a signature you've already created, or by using your iPad's touchscreen to write directly. The fastest route is drawing your signature once and saving it, then inserting that same signature into any document afterward — you don't have to redraw it each time.

On Mac, you'll use the Insert menu to add a signature. On iPad, the process is nearly identical but uses the touchscreen instead of a trackpad. Both versions save your signature to your device so you can reuse it across all your Pages documents.

Key Takeaways

You can draw a signature directly into a document using your Mac trackpad, iPad screen, or a saved image file you've already created.
The first time you add a signature, Pages asks you to draw it; after that, you can insert the same signature repeatedly without redrawing.
On Mac, go to Insert > Signature > Create Signature to draw for the first time, or Insert > Signature > Choose Signature to reuse an existing one.
On iPad, tap the Insert button, select Signature, and either draw a new one or choose from signatures you've already created.
A signature in Pages is a visual element only — it does not legally bind a document or replace a formal digital signature for contracts.

Adding a signature on Mac for the first time

Open your Pages document and position your cursor where you want the signature to appear. Click the Insert menu at the top of the screen, then hover over Signature. You'll see two options: Create Signature and Choose Signature. Since this is your first time, click Create Signature.

A small window will open asking you to draw your signature using your trackpad. Use one finger to draw on the trackpad as you normally would — write your name in your usual signature style. If you make a mistake, click Clear and try again. When you're satisfied, click Done. Pages saves this signature and inserts it into your document at the cursor position.

The signature appears as an image in your document. You can resize it by clicking and dragging the corners, move it by clicking and dragging the signature itself, or delete it by clicking it once and pressing Delete.

Reusing a signature you've already created

Once you've created a signature, you don't have to draw it again. Open any Pages document, click Insert, hover over Signature, and click Choose Signature. A list of all signatures you've created on that Mac will appear. Click the one you want, and it inserts into your document when ready.

You can create multiple different signatures if you need them — for example, a formal signature and an informal one. Each time you create a new signature, it's added to your Choose Signature list. You can then pick whichever one fits the document you're working on.

Adding a signature on iPad

On iPad, the process is similar but uses the touchscreen. Open your Pages document and tap where you want the signature to go. Tap the Insert button (the plus sign in a circle, usually at the top of the screen), then scroll down and tap Signature.

If this is your first signature, tap Create Signature. A blank area will appear on your screen. Use your finger or an Apple Pencil to write your signature directly on the screen. Tap Done when finished. If you've already created signatures on this iPad, you'll see both Create Signature and a list of existing signatures — tap whichever you need.

What a Pages signature can and cannot do

A signature in Pages is a picture of your handwriting — nothing more. It looks like a signature, but it's not legally binding and doesn't encrypt or authenticate the document. If you need to sign a contract or a document that requires a formal digital signature, you'll need a different tool, such as Adobe Sign, DocuSign, or your bank's signing service.

Pages signatures are useful for informal documents: letters to friends, printed forms you'll sign by hand anyway, or documents you're sharing with people who just need to see your name in your handwriting. For anything legal or financial, check whether the other party requires a certified digital signature before you rely on a Pages signature.

Editing or deleting a signature

Once a signature is inserted into a document, you can move it, resize it, or delete it like any other image. Click or tap the signature once to select it, then drag it to a new location or use the corner handles to make it larger or smaller. Press Delete or tap Delete to remove it entirely.

If you want to delete a signature from your device's saved list entirely — so it no longer appears in your Choose Signature menu — you'll need to go to System Preferences on Mac or Settings on iPad. On Mac, open System Preferences, click Passwords & Security, then Passwords, search for "signature", and delete it from there. On iPad, this option is not available in the same way; instead, create a new signature to replace the old one.

Troubleshooting common signature problems

If your signature doesn't appear after you click Done, make sure your cursor was positioned in the document before you opened the Insert menu. If the signature appears but looks messy or shaky, try drawing more slowly or using an Apple Pencil on iPad instead of your finger — it gives you finer control.

If you can't find the Signature option in the Insert menu, check that you're using a recent version of Pages. Older versions may not have this feature. On Mac, go to the App Store and check for updates. On iPad, do the same in the App Store app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a signature I've already written on paper?

Yes. Photograph or scan your handwritten signature, save it as an image file (JPG or PNG), then insert it into Pages as a normal image using Insert > Image. You can then resize and position it like any other image. This is often cleaner than trying to draw a signature with a trackpad.

Is a Pages signature legally valid for contracts?

No. A Pages signature is a picture of your handwriting, not a legally binding digital signature. For contracts, wills, or financial documents, use a service designed for digital signatures, such as Adobe Sign or DocuSign, which create an auditable record of who signed and when.

Can I change a signature after I've created it?

You can't edit a signature after it's saved, but you can create a new one and use that instead. Delete the old signature from your document and insert the new one. If you want to remove the old signature from your device's list, you'll need to delete it through System Preferences on Mac.

Will my signature look the same on someone else's Mac or iPad?

Yes. Once inserted into a document, your signature is saved as an image, so it will look identical on any device that opens the file. The signature itself doesn't change — only the way you created it (on your device) is local to your Mac or iPad.

Can I add multiple signatures to one document?

Yes. You can insert as many signatures as you need by repeating the Insert > Signature process each time. This is useful if multiple people need to sign the same document, though remember that Pages signatures are visual only and not legally binding.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.