Last updated: June 29, 2026

Sign a PDF online with a visual signature

This tool page covers simple visual signatures: placing a typed, drawn, or image-style mark on a PDF page. It does not create a cryptographic certificate or prove signer identity.

How to add a visual signature

1. Open the PDF and navigate to the signature page.
2. Use the signature or text tool to place the visible mark.
3. Resize and align the mark so it does not cover required text.
4. Add date or initials only where the document asks for them.
5. Export, reopen, and confirm the mark appears on the correct page.

Good uses

Visual signatures are often suitable for informal approvals, internal drafts, school acknowledgements, simple forms, and documents where the recipient explicitly accepts a normal signed PDF.

Bad uses

Do not assume a visual signature is enough for contracts, filings, finance, immigration, medical authorization, notarization, procurement, or identity-sensitive workflows. Those may require a digital signature service, audit trail, certificate, or portal-specific signing process.

Related guide

For the legal and technical distinction, read Visual signature vs digital signature.