Learn how to electronically sign a PDF online for free. You can also create signature requests for others to sign—no registration is needed to use.
Practically everything is done online these days. Even contracts no longer have to be printed to get signed. Regardless of how many people need to sign a document, electronic signing makes it possible to get things done without a single piece of paper being harmed in the process.
Smallpdf touts an easy-to-use online PDF toolset, including a signing tool which lets you create and sign PDF files electronically, in a heartbeat. Follow our guide below to learn how to sign PDF document online within seconds.
How to electronically sign a PDF online with Smallpdf
Access Esign ToolApart from signing the document, you can use the “Text field” option to fill out forms, or insert your name, dates. etc. Whatever you need to get those contracts going.
If you don’t want the signature to be in the default color black, you can also choose between (navy) blue and red at the moment. Once you’ve placed the signature onto the document, select it, and there should be a black dot at the bottom. When you click on the dot, you can change the color to red or blue.
We’re always looking for further feature suggestions. If you are legally required to sign in a different color or format, do send an email our way for our eSign team to consider it for future product development.
How to change the signature's color
Digital signatures are available for Smallpdf Pro users. The method of signing is the same, but once you create an electronic signature with Smallpdf, we will convert it to a cryptographic signature.
The difference to an electronic signature is that digital signatures are equipped with additional security features. Digital sealing involves a Long-Term Validation (LTV) timestamp and a cryptographic fingerprint. The seal is applied under our name—Smallpdf GmbH. A digital signature can be verified with common PDF readers, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. When you open a digitally signed PDF, you’ll see an option to authenticate the signature(s). Here, the seal, the time the document was signed, and more details are provided to prove that the signature is valid.
Having a Pro subscription also will grant you access to all other PDF tools. As such, you can seamlessly join, cut, shrink, or transform your PDF files in any way you’d like. For more information, do check out the Pro page! As legislation differs depending on where you are in the world, remember to check in with local laws on the legality of electronic and digital signatures in your country or region.
To request another party to electronically sign a PDF, select “Invite signees” at the top right of the eSign page after uploading your contract. After that, you just follow the instructions on the page to request the signature—it’s really easy.
You can request a PDF to be signed electronically by as many people as you wish. Make sure all of the entered email addresses are correct! We’ll send them an email with a link to the document for them to view, create, and sign it.
We’ll also send reminder emails to ensure that you get your signatures. You can add a personalized message to the initial email, if needed. You can use the message to mention any last changes to the file, tell them to add text in specific places, or just to reiterate what you’re sending them.
