Is an electronic signature legally valid?

In most countries a simple electronic signature is legally recognized for everyday agreements. For higher assurance, a digital certificate signature cryptographically binds your identity to the document. Requirements vary by jurisdiction and document type.

What's the difference between signing and a digital certificate?

A drawn or typed signature is a visible mark on the page. A certificate signature also adds a cryptographic seal that detects any later change to the file and proves who signed it.

Can I ask someone else to sign my PDF?

Yes. Use Request Signature to send the document to a signer, who adds their signature and returns it — no account needed on their side.

How to Sign a PDF Online (Draw, Type or Certificate)

Short answer: Open the Sign PDF tool, upload your document, create a signature by drawing or typing it, drop it onto the page, and download. For legally stronger signatures, use Sign with Certificate; to collect a signature from someone else, use Request Signature.

Signing a PDF online replaces the print-sign-scan cycle. You add a signature directly in the browser and get a finished document in seconds.

How to sign a PDF

Upload your PDF to the Sign tool — the signature panel opens automatically.
Create your signature by drawing with a mouse or finger, or typing your name in a signature font.
Place it where it belongs and resize as needed.
Download the signed PDF.

Which signing method should I use?

Method	Best for
Draw / type signature	Everyday agreements, internal forms, quick sign-off
Sign with certificate	Contracts needing tamper-evidence and identity proof
Request signature	Getting a signature from a client or colleague

Simple vs. certificate signatures

A simple electronic signature (drawn or typed) is widely accepted for routine business. A certificate-based digital signature adds a cryptographic layer: it seals the document so any later edit is detectable and ties the signature to a verified identity. Choose it for high-value or regulated agreements.

Requesting a signature from others

With Request Signature, you send the document to a signer who completes it in their browser and returns the signed copy. It's the online equivalent of passing a document across the desk — without printing.

Tips

Sign last. Finish edits before signing, especially with certificate signatures — later changes invalidate the seal.
Number the pages first. A contract that reads Page 3 of 12 makes a missing page obvious to both parties, and adding page numbers afterwards would break a certificate seal.
Use a transparent-background signature so it sits cleanly over the document.
Keep a copy of the signed file; the signature is embedded in the PDF itself.