Electronic signature: signing documents effortlessly

You can sign documents on the go with no additional software or devices. Confirming delivery or indicating acceptance of an agreement may be done simply by entering a name or drawing a signature on a smartphone or tablet. Using electronic signatures is also a more sustainable way to save paper. 

Adding a signature to a PDF couldn't be easier: here, we will explain how to do it quickly and securely.

What are the electronic and digital signatures?

Digital signatures are a specific type of electronic signature that uses cryptographic keys to provide a higher level of security and often has a more established legal framework. Electronic signatures, on the other hand, are a broader category that includes various methods of signing documents electronically, with varying levels of security and legal recognition.

Digital signatures are frequently employed in high-stakes transactions, like signing government contracts and financial agreements. On the other hand, electronic signatures are typically utilized for less sensitive documents, such as offer letters, consent forms, and other materials that don't demand the highest level of security.

We will focus on electronic signatures and how to create and use them in PDF Expert.

How to create an electronic signature in PDF 

Electronic signatures can involve a range of methods, such as typed names, checkboxes, scanned signatures, or other authentication methods. 

With PDF Expert, you can easily create and store your signatures for quick access. Discover how to digitally sign a PDF with PDF Expert. 

Note: PDF Expert provides electronic signature capabilities by means of a signature tool. The legal framework for electronic signatures varies from country to country and the validity of electronic signatures depends upon the requirements of the receiving party of the contract. We recommend you consult a local attorney regarding your legal case, specify what constitutes a valid electronic signature in your country and jurisdiction, and whether it is legally binding.

How to create a signature on a Mac

1. Open PDF Expert.
2. Open any PDF file. 
3. Select the Annotate tool > select Signature from the toolbar. 

4. Click + and select the preferred option from the available methods: keyboard, trackpad, image, iPhone, or iPad.

5. Click Create.

How to create a signature on an iPhone

1. Open PDF Expert.
2. Open any PDF.
3. Select Annotate at the (or the currently selected tool) > select Fill & Sign.
4. Tap Signature and tap Create New Signature.

5. Select the preferred Color and Thickness and draw your signature in the blank space.
6. Tap Save.

How to create a signature on an iPad

1. Open PDF Expert.
2. Open any PDF.
3. Select the Fill & Sign tool or tap + to add it to the toolbar. 

4. Tap Signature and tap Create New Signature.

5. Draw your signature on the blank space or use Apple Pencil. 
6. Tap Save.

How to add signature in a PDF 

Now that you've created an electronic signature in PDF Expert, you can use it every time you need to sign a PDF.

PDF Expert provides a variety of ways you can sign a document. You can use a keyboard, trackpad, image, iPhone, or iPad to add a signature to a PDF.

Adding a signature to a PDF on a Mac

1. Open PDF Expert
2. Open a PDF file you want to sign. 
3. Select the Annotate tool > select Signature from the toolbar. Or control-click where you want to sign the document, choose My Signature or Customer Signature.

4. Use one of your signatures or click + to create a signature.
5. Click within the PDF file or form where you want to add the signature.

Adding a signature to a PDF on an iPhone and iPad

1. Open PDF Expert.
2. Open a PDF form or PDF document that you want to sign.
3. Select Fill & Sign > Signature > tap your signature.
4. Tap where you want to sign the document.

If you have an interactive PDF form, open the file in PDF Expert and tap the signature field in your document to sign it. 

The difference between My Signature and Customer Signature

PDF Expert allows you to easily save and reuse signatures you create with My Signature whenever needed. On the contrary, a Customer Signature is a one-time signature added to a file and not saved in the application. This way, you can quickly and securely get a signature from a client.

In the fast-paced digital world, adopting electronic signatures has become a pivotal aspect of modern business transactions. With PDF Expert, adding a signature to a PDF is easy and straightforward on any Apple device. 

Download PDF Expert to easily edit PDF files and sign forms and documents on the go.