How to Add a Signature in Adobe Acrobat

Adding a signature in Adobe Acrobat takes three minutes and requires no special equipment

Adobe Acrobat has two built-in signature tools: one that lets you draw or type your name directly onto a PDF, and another that stores a reusable signature you can place on multiple documents. Both work on Windows and Mac. You do not need to print, sign by hand, scan, or use a separate app. The signature stays embedded in the PDF file itself, so anyone who opens it will see where you signed and when.

The fastest route is the Draw tool if you are signing one document right now. If you sign documents regularly — contracts, forms, timesheets — the Create Signature tool saves time because you build your signature once and reuse it. Both methods are equally legal for most business and personal purposes, though some formal documents (like notarized contracts) may require a certified digital signature, which is a different process.

Key Takeaways

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, click the Sign tool in the right panel, and choose either Draw, Type, or Image to create your signature on the spot.
To reuse the same signature across multiple documents, go to Sign > Create Signature and save it to your account so it appears in your signature list every time.
You can resize, move, or delete a signature before saving the PDF, but once you save the file, the signature becomes permanent.
Adobe Acrobat's built-in signatures are standard digital signatures suitable for most business documents, but certified signatures for legal contracts require a different tool.

How to sign a single PDF with the Draw tool

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat. In the right panel, look for the Sign tool — it looks like a pen on a document. Click it. A menu will appear with three options: Draw, Type, and Image. Click Draw.

Your cursor will change to a crosshair. Click and drag on the PDF to draw your signature. Draw naturally, as if signing a check. If you make a mistake, click the trash icon that appears below your signature and try again. Once you are satisfied, click explore. The signature is now placed on the PDF at the spot where you drew it. You can click and drag it to move it, or grab the corner handles to resize it. When the position is correct, click outside the signature to lock it in place.

To save the signed PDF, press Ctrl+S (Windows) or Command+S (Mac). Adobe will prompt you to save a new version of the file. The original remains unchanged, and your signed copy is saved separately.

How to type your name as a signature

If you prefer a typed signature to a handwritten one, the process is identical except for the first choice. Open the PDF, click the Sign tool, and select Type instead of Draw. A text box will appear on the PDF. Type your name or initials. You can then resize and move the text box the same way you would move a drawn signature — click and drag to reposition, grab corners to resize.

Typed signatures look more formal and are easier to read, but they lack the personal touch of a handwritten mark. Some organizations prefer one over the other, so check any instructions that came with the document you are signing. If no preference is stated, either method is acceptable.

How to create a reusable signature you can use on future documents

If you sign documents regularly, creating a saved signature saves time. Go to the Sign tool in the right panel and click Create Signature. You will see the same three options: Draw, Type, or Image. Choose the method you want to use going forward.

If you choose Draw, sketch your signature in the box provided. If you choose Type, enter your name. If you choose Image, you can upload a photo of your handwritten signature or a scanned image. Once you have created it, click Save. Adobe will ask you to name this signature — something like "My Signature" or "Work Signature" is fine. The signature is now stored in your Adobe account.

The next time you open any PDF and click the Sign tool, your saved signature will appear in the list. Click it once to place it on the document. You can still move and resize it before saving. This method works across all your devices if you are signed into the same Adobe account.

What to do if you need to sign with an image

The Image option lets you upload a photo of your actual handwritten signature. This is useful if you already have a scanned copy or a photo taken with your phone. Open the Sign tool, click Create Signature, and select Image. Click Select Image and browse to the file on your computer. Adobe will display the image. If it looks correct, click Save and name it.

For best results, the image should be a clear photo or scan of your signature on a white or light background. If the background is dark or cluttered, Adobe may have trouble placing it cleanly on the PDF. You can also use this method to create a one-time signature by selecting Image from the main Sign menu (without going through Create Signature) and uploading the image directly to that single document.

How to move, resize, or remove a signature before saving

After you place a signature on a PDF, you have a few seconds to adjust it before it locks in place. Click on the signature to select it. A blue border with corner handles will appear. Drag the signature to move it to a different spot on the page. Grab any corner handle and drag outward to make it larger, or inward to make it smaller. To delete it entirely, press Delete or click the trash icon.

Once you click outside the signature or move to another page, the signature is locked and cannot be moved or resized without deleting and redrawing it. If you realize after saving that the signature is in the wrong spot, you will need to open the PDF again, delete the signature, and place a new one. This is why it is worth taking a few seconds to position it correctly the first time.

The difference between Adobe's signature and a certified digital signature

The signatures you create in Adobe Acrobat are standard digital signatures. They show that someone signed the document and when, but they do not verify the signer's identity through a third party. For most everyday documents — internal forms, contracts between people who know each other, timesheets — a standard signature is sufficient and is legally recognized.

A certified digital signature (also called a may have access to signature) involves a certificate issued by a trusted authority that verifies who you are. Banks, government agencies, and law firms often require these for high-stakes documents. Adobe Acrobat can work with certified signatures, but you need to obtain a digital certificate first, usually from a company like DigiCert or Sectigo. That process involves identity verification and costs money. For most people and most documents, Adobe's built-in signature tool is what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone forge my signature if I save it in Adobe?

Your saved signature is stored in your Adobe account, which is protected by your password. Anyone with access to your account could theoretically use it, but this is no different from someone having access to your email or bank account. Use a strong password and do not share your Adobe login. For highly sensitive documents, a certified digital signature with identity verification is more find.

What if the person receiving the PDF does not have Adobe Acrobat?

They can still open and view the signed PDF in any PDF reader — Adobe Reader (free), web browsers, or other apps. They will see your signature clearly. They just cannot edit the document or add their own signature without Adobe Acrobat or a similar tool. If they need to sign it too, they will need access to a signature tool.

Can I sign a PDF on my phone or tablet?

Yes. Adobe Acrobat Reader (the free app) on iOS and Android includes a signature tool. Open the PDF, tap the Sign icon, and choose Draw, Type, or Image. The process is the same as on a computer. If you have created a saved signature on your computer and are signed into the same Adobe account on your phone, that signature will appear in the list.

Does the signature show the date and time automatically?

Adobe Acrobat can add a timestamp to your signature, but it is not automatic. When you place a signature, look for an option to add the date. Some PDFs have a date field already built in — if so, you can type the date there separately. The timestamp feature is more common in certified digital signatures than in standard ones.

What if I accidentally saved the PDF with the signature in the wrong place?

Open the signed PDF again in Adobe Acrobat. Click the signature to select it and press Delete. This removes the signature from the document. You can then place a new signature in the correct location and save again. The original file will be overwritten with the corrected version.

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.