How to sign a PDF on iPhone

Gone are the days when you had to print a document, sign it and scan it before sending it. Now you can use your iPhone to fill and sign a PDF for free using the Markup tool available on all iOS devices. This tutorial shows you multiple ways to sign a PDF on iPhone without installing an extra app.

Tip: Add your signature to a Word document without a third-party app.

Using the Files app

If the PDF document is available in the Files app on your iPhone, follow these steps to add a signature to the PDF:

1. Launch the Files app on your iPhone.
2. Open the PDF file to which you want to add your signature.
3. Tap the “Markup” (pencil) icon at the bottom to open the iPhone markup editor.

4. Tap the “Add” (+) icon at the bottom right and select “Signature” from the menu.

5. Draw your signature with your finger. (If you mess up, use the “Clear” button to start all over again.) Once you’re happy with the signature, tap the “Done” button in the top right corner.

6. The signature is added to your PDF document. Tap the signature and drag it to where you want it in the document.

7. You can resize the signature by dragging the corners in or out.
8. Once the signature is placed, tap the “Done” button at the top to save the existing PDF with your signature to the Files app.

Remark: the signature is only added to the original PDF file.

Using Safari

If you need to sign a PDF document in Safari on your iPhone, follow the steps below.

1. Open the PDF file in the Safari browser.
2. Tap the “Share” icon in the bottom toolbar to open the share sheet.
3. Scroll through the Share sheet and tap “Format”.

4. Tap the “+” icon at the bottom and select “Signature” from the menu.

5. Draw the signature on the screen and tap the “Done” button.

6. The signature appears on the PDF. Move it by dragging it to the desired position or resize it by dragging one of the four corners in or out.
7. Tap “Done” and select “Save file to”.

8. Choose the location where you want to save the signed PDF file and then click the “Save” button. Save it in iCloud or on your iPhone.

The PDF file is accessible through the Files app.

From Apple Mail

Follow these steps to sign a PDF document from the Mail app on your iPhone:

1. In the Apple Mail app, open the email containing the PDF file you want to e-sign.
2. Tap the PDF preview that appears in the email.
3. When the PDF appears on a new screen, tap the “Format” icon to open the editor.

4. Tap the “+” icon and select “Signature”.

5. Draw the signature with your finger and press “Done”.

6. Move the signature by dragging it. To resize, hold one of the corners and drag it in or out.
7. Tap “Done”.
8. There are several options to export the signed PDF: send the signed PDF as a reply, create a new email with the PDF attached, save it to the Files app, or discard your changes. Tap the desired option.

Tip: learn how to compress PDF files on mobile and PC.

From the Gmail app

If you received the PDF file in the Gmail app, follow these steps to sign a PDF in the iPhone Gmail app:

1. Launch the Gmail app on your iPhone and open the email containing the PDF.
2. Tap the PDF to preview it.

3. Tap the “Share” icon at the top and select “Format”.

4. Press the “+” icon at the bottom and choose “Signature” from the pop-up menu.

5. Draw the signature on the screen and press “Done”.

6. Move the signature by dragging it into place; resize by holding and dragging the corners.
7. Finally, tap “Done” and select “Save File To” from the menu.

8. Save the signed PDF to your iPhone.
9. If necessary, attach the PDF to your email reply.

You can also add a signature to Google Docs!

Using Apple Notes

Follow these steps to sign a PDF on iPhone using the Notes app:

1. Open the note containing the PDF document in the Apple Notes app.
2. Tap the PDF to view it in full screen.
3. Tap the “Share” icon and select “Format”.

4. Press the “+” icon and select “Signature”.

5. Draw the signature you want to add to your PDF and click “Done”.

6. Resize or place the signature as you wish.
7. Tap “Done” to save the signed PDF.

Tip: if you want to share the signed PDF, tap the “Share” icon when the PDF is in full screen and choose an app to export it.

Manage multiple signatures in iPhone Markup Editor

The markup editor allows you to store more than one signature.

Follow these steps to manage signatures and add a new one to your PDF document:

1. Use one of the above apps to open the PDF document in the markup editor.
2. Tap the “+” icon in the bottom toolbar and select “Signature” from the context menu.

3. If you have previously created at least one other signature, it will appear here. Tap the desired signature to add it to the document.

4. To create a new signature or remove an existing signature, tap the “Add or Remove Signature” button.

5. To delete a signature, tap the red “–” (Delete) icon next to the signature and press the “Done” button.

6. To create a new signature, tap the “+” sign and draw your signature.

Tip: Add PDF shortcuts to your phone’s home screen to keep your favorite documents close at hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign a PDF directly in WhatsApp on my iPhone?

Yes! Open the WhatsApp chat with your PDF file, tap the PDF file to preview it, then hit the Markup icon to open the Markup editor. Then tap the “+” icon and select “Signature”. Once you’ve signed your signature or selected an existing one, save the PDF document to your iPhone and add it to the WhatsApp chat without leaving the app.

How can I open the markup editor if the markup button is missing in the PDF?

If you don’t see the markup tool in your PDF document, tap the “Share” icon and select “Markup” from the share sheet.

All screenshots and images by Mehvish Mushtaq.