How to Add an Electronic Signature to a PDF

At E-Sign, we understand that digital documents come in various formats and sizes. That's why we've ensured that E-Sign's electronic signatures are compatible with a wide range of document types. One of the most commonly used formats, of course, is the PDF.

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Why PDFs Are the Go-To Document Format for Businesses

It’s safe to say that PDFs are one of the most popular document types out there. Many businesses choose to save and share documents as PDFs. One of the most convenient document formats, PDFs can contain editable fields, links and buttons, as well as audio-visual material.

1. Log into the E-Sign platform

To get the process started, log into your E-Sign account and click “Get Started” in the “New Signature Workflow” section of your dashboard. You can also open documents you’ve previously uploaded by going into your document library.

Login to the eSign Platform Screenshot

2. Upload Your Document to the E-Sign Platform

On the E-Sign platform, you can upload your PDF document from different areas. You’ll be presented with 6 options: your Library, your Device, Dropbox, Templates, One Drive and Google Drive. Simply click on the option that’s right for you.

Upload Document to eSigning Process Screenshot

3. Add Your Signer’s Details

Once your document has loaded, you can then add your signer’s details into the dedicated fields. If you need your document to be signed by multiple people or to add yourself as a signer, click ‘Add another signer’. You can also specify a particular signing order by selecting the ‘Use sequential signing’ option. Simply put your signer’s names into each numbered box.

Enter Signers Details into Field Screenshot

4. Enable Verification Tools

When you enter your signer details, you can also add an extra layer of protection to your documents by enabling verification tools. Here, you can password protect your PDF or add SMS authentication by clicking ‘send PIN via SMS’ and entering your signer’s mobile phone number.

enable-verification-tools-screenshot

 5. Add email content to accompany your PDF

Next, you’ll have the option to add an envelope title, subject and description. This will appear in the notification email that contains your PDF document.  The description section is where you add the bulk of your email body, where you can add details or instructions to complete the document transaction.

Add Email Content to Accompany your PDF Screenshot

6. Drag and Drop Editable Fields

Now that you’ve added all the required details, you’ll be able to view your PDF and add editable fields such as text boxes, tick boxes and drop downs. Most importantly, here’s where you’ll be able to add your eSignature fields. Simply drag and drop these fields onto your document, where information or details are required from your signer.

Drag Drop Editable Fields Screenshot

7. Review Your Document

Before you finally send off your document for eSigning, you’ll have another chance to review the recipients of the PDF. If you’re happy with everything, simply click ‘confirm & send’.

Review Your Document Screenshot

8. Add Your eSignature

If you’ve added yourself as a signer, you’ll then be able to type your signature out in the eSignature field. The time and date of when you signed the PDF will be recorded and a digital certificate will be created to support your signature.

Add eSignature to PDF Screenshot

9. Wait for Your Signers

Once your document has been sent, all that’s left to do is sit back and wait for your signers to eSign and return your documents. Your PDF will be sent to your signer’s inbox and they’ll be able to view your document and sign it without first setting up an E-Sign account.

Wait for Our Signers Screenshot

10. Receive a Notification When Your Document is Signed

Once your document has been signed, you’ll receive a notification. If you’ve sent it out to several signers, you’ll be kept informed of the progress of your transaction. You can then store your eSigned PDF on your E-Sign platform or download it to your chosen document storage.

By choosing E-Sign as your preferred eSignature platform, you’ll have peace of mind that your PDFs will be securely signed and stored on our document management platform.

Receive Notification When Document Signed

eSign Business Benefits

Verification Tools
Verification Tools

The security of your documents is of paramount importance. The E-Sign platform offers a range of verification tools to protect your sensitive information. Enable password protection on your documents or SMS authentication and ensure your documents are kept safe from prying eyes.

Improve Collaboration
Sign PDFs Remotely

By filling out a PDF form and signing it digitally, you have the freedom to sign remotely from any location and device. This means PDFs can be signed much more efficiently, especially for signers who follow a hybrid or remote working model and those who are frequently on the go. 

Digital Signature Certificate
Integrate with Popular Applications

As well as being able to sign PDFs quickly and easily, using E-Sign for your electronic signatures also allows you to integrate your existing processes and systems with the platform to make document signing even simpler. E-Sign can be integrated with several different applications including Google, Salesforce, Microsoft, SharePoint, and more. 

User Friendly Platform
Scale with Your Business

You might find as your business grows that the amount of documents you need to sign or send for signature increases. Using e-signatures on your PDFs and other documents can streamline your workflows and increase efficiency, no matter how many documents are required for signature.

Secure Resources
Secure Signing

Our eSignature is secure and fully verifiable. When you sign with E-Sign, you’ll have a digital certificate and a full audit trail supporting your transactions. Our document management platform is also secured via 256bit SSL encryption, so you’ll have peace of mind that your data is secure.

Document Workflow
Editable Documents

Before signing a document, your clients will first need to add their information. Create editable documents by adding drag and drop fields such as text boxes, tick boxes and e-signature fields to your document.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add an eSignature to a PDF?

To add an e-signature to a PDF, simply upload your document to the e-signature platform, select the area where your signature is needed, and either draw, type, or upload an image of your signature. Once added, the document is securely signed and ready to be shared.

Is it Secure to sign a PDF Electronically?

Yes, electronic signatures are secure when using trusted e-signature platforms. They use encryption to protect your document and signature, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the signed PDF

Can I Sign a PDF from my Mobile Device?

Absolutely! Most e-signature platforms, including E-Sign, allow you to sign PDFs from mobile devices. You can sign documents directly through your mobile browser or app, making it easy to sign on the go.

Do I need special software to add an e-signature to a PDF?

No, you don’t need special software to add an e-signature. E-Sign and similar platforms are web-based, meaning you can upload and sign PDFs directly from your browser without any additional downloads or installations.

Contact eSign

For any support or further help please contact us and one of our expert team will be happy to help.
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