Signing PDF Documents Electronically

Adobe Reader does let you sign PDFs and incorporate that signature into the file. If you are viewing a PDF on the web, download the PDF first before you sign it.  Some documents have security applied that prohibits electronic signatures. Print such documents and then sign the printed copy.

In order to follow these steps, please first ensure the document you’d like to sign is saved as a PDF.

  1. In Acrobat DC or Acrobat Reader DC, click Home.
  2. If you do not have an Adobe account, please do so.
  3. Under files, upload the document you wish to sign.
  4. Once the document is uploaded/opens, click in the fields and enter any requested information.
  5. Click the signature field or click  the quill tip/signature icon at the top. If you are signing for the first time, you see the Signature or Initials panel. 
    • Type: Type your name in the field. You can choose from a small selection of signature styles; click Change Style to view a different style.
    • Draw: Draw your signature in the field.
    • Image: Browse and select an image of your signature.
    • Mobile: Select this option to create your signature on a mobile device. Enter your mobile number and click Send. A link is sent to your mobile. Clicking the link opens the web browser on your mobile device where you can draw or select an image of your signature.
    • Save: When this check box is selected, and you're signed in to Acrobat Reader or Acrobat, the added signature is saved securely in Adobe Document Cloud for reuse.
  6. Click Apply to place the signature or initial.
  7. Click Click To Sign.
  8. Save or follow the prompts (click next in upper right corner) to invite other signatures

Please also refer to Adobe's help documentation for more assistance as these instructions change frequently with updates to their software.