Easy and Free Ways to Sign PDF Documents on Windows

Micah_Sulit · October 21

Close-up of a laptop user’s hand pointing a stylus at a hovering PDF icon overlay.

E-signing PDF documents is a common task these days. Perhaps you’re closing a deal, submitting your child’s school forms, or approving expense reports from your home office. Thankfully, signing documents has become more convenient than ever. And with powerful work laptops like the Acer TravelMate P4, you can easily handle tasks like signing PDFs, no matter where you’re working from.

Below, we explore three effective ways to sign PDFs for free: Microsoft Edge, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and online PDF signing tools.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is the default browser on Windows. It allows users to sign PDF documents using its built-in tools, primarily through the Draw feature. Just follow these steps:

Open your PDF file in Microsoft Edge. Right-click on your PDF file, select Open With, and choose Microsoft Edge.
Once the PDF opens, click the Draw option in the toolbar at the top of the window. There’s a drop-down menu that lets you choose the color and thickness of the pen stroke.
Using your mouse, stylus, or touchpad, draw your signature directly on the document.
After signing, click the Save icon in the toolbar to keep the signed document.

Using Microsoft Edge to sign PDFs is straightforward and free, and it doesn’t require any downloads. However, as drawing with a trackpad or mouse generally does not result in the most precise signatures, this method is best for informal agreements and personal use. For formal documents requiring legally binding signatures or enhanced security, consider using dedicated PDF signing software.

Method 2: Using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHRcyRSGZoE

Adobe Acrobat Reader is a widely used application for managing PDF documents. The basic version, known as Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, allows users to view, print, sign, and annotate PDFs for free. Here’s how to use its PDF signing functionality:

1. Download and install the free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

2. Open the PDF you want to sign. Right-click on your PDF file, choose Open With, and select Adobe Acrobat Reader. (Alternatively, launch Adobe Acrobat Reader, go to Menu, and click Open, then select the file to be signed.)

3. Click E-Sign on the top-left menu bar. This is a shortcut; you can also go to Fill & Sign under the All Tools menu. Both buttons will bring up the PDF signing options in the left pane.

On your first time using Adobe Acrobat Reader to sign PDFs for free, you’ll have to create your signature. Go to Add Signature (or Add Initials), where you’ll find three options:
Type: Enter your name and Acrobat will convert it into a signature-style font.
Draw: Use your mouse or stylus to draw your signature.
Image: Upload a photo of your signature.
Use any option to create a signature, then save it. The next time you want to sign a PDF with Acrobat Reader, you can simply click on your saved signature or initials.

5. Move your mouse to position your signature, then click to affix it. You can resize it if necessary.

6. Save your signed PDF.

Method 3: Using Online PDF Signing Tools

If you prefer not to install any additional software, there are numerous online tools that allow you to sign PDFs for free. This involves trusting a third-party service, so be cautious about uploading sensitive documents. Opt for well-known providers that deliver enhanced security. They’re also more likely to provide an array of features for both personal and professional use, such as legal compliance.

These are some popular PDF signing tools:

SmallPDF

SmallPDF’s eSign PDF tool provides an intuitive interface for signing and editing PDFs. You can select or drag-and-drop files from your PC, or retrieve PDFs from your Dropbox or Google Drive. Draw or upload your signature, then download or share the signed PDF.

PDF Filler

PDF Filler allows you to import documents from various sources, including URLs, email, and cloud storage like OneDrive and Google Drive. You can add a legally binding signature to a PDF by typing, drawing, or uploading an image.

PDFgear

PDFgear offers both online and offline versions of its PDF editing tool. To sign a PDF online without installing the app, upload your document and go to Add or Edit Annotations. You can draw, type, or upload your signature.

Jotform Sign

If you’re the one who needs to gather e-signatures, Jotform Sign can be particularly useful. It offers a free, user-friendly platform for creating legally binding documents. You can upload a PDF or use templates to create one. This tool has robust features for creating, sharing, and storing documents and can fully automate the signature collection flow.

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About Micah Sulit: Micah is a writer and editor with a focus on lifestyle topics like tech, wellness, and travel. She loves writing while sipping an iced mocha in a cafe, preferably one in a foreign city. She's based in Manila, Philippines.