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PDF signatures: How to add, create, and attach a signature to a PDF

Contracts make the world go round, so it’s important to get them signed. So, if you’re using a PDF, you’ll need to know how to add, create and attach a signature. Don’t worry, if you’re new to it, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll cover: 

  1. How to add a signature to a PDF
  2. How to create a signature in a PDF
  3. How to attach a signature to a PDF
  4. Get more options with HTML contracts

1. How to add a signature to PDFs

Adding a signature to a PDF needn’t be overly complicated. You can do it successfully in just 5 steps. 

Here is how to add a signature to a PDF document:

Step 1: Create a signature

Before adding a signature to a PDF document, you need to create a digital signature. You can use any signature creation tool, including a digital pen or a signature scanner. Alternatively, you can use a software tool that allows you to create a digital signature by drawing it on your device’s touchscreen or touchpad.

Step 2: Open the PDF document

Open the PDF document that you want to sign using your preferred PDF reader. Most PDF readers support digital signatures.

Step 3: Add a signature field

To add a signature field to the PDF document, select the “Fill & Sign” option in the PDF reader’s menu bar. You can then add text, signature fields, and other form elements to the document. To add a signature field, select the “Signature” option from the toolbar and drag the field to the desired location in the document.

Add a signature to PDFs: Step 4: Insert your signature

Once you have added the signature field, you can insert your digital signature. To do this, select the “Fill & Sign” option and choose the signature field that you added in the previous step. You will be prompted to insert your signature. Select the “Insert Signature” option and choose the digital signature that you created in step 1. You can also type your name and choose from various font styles to create a digital signature.

Step 5: Save the document

Once you have inserted your digital signature, save the document. You can do this by selecting the “Save” option in the PDF reader’s menu bar or by pressing “Ctrl+S” on your keyboard. Make sure to save a copy of the document in your online archive.

Read also: How to add a signature to Google Docs?

how to add a signature to pdfs - signed document and signed pdf - Oneflow

2. How to create a signature in a PDF

Creating a signature in a PDF is pretty similar to adding a signature to a PDF. There are just a few steps you need to follow. So, here’s how to create a signature in a PDF. 

Step 1: Create a digital signature

Before creating a signature in a PDF, you need to have a digital signature. A digital signature can be created using a lot of softwares, including Oneflow, or even by signing on paper and scanning the signature. 

Step 2: Open the PDF document

Open the PDF document that you want to sign using your preferred contract management software.

Step 3: Add a signature field

To add a signature field to the PDF document, select the “Fill & Sign” option in the PDF reader’s menu bar. You can then add text, signature fields, and other form elements to the document. To add a signature field, select the “Signature” option from the toolbar and drag the field to the desired location in the document.

Step 4: Create a signature

Once you have added the signature field, you can create a digital signature. To do this, select the “Fill & Sign” option and choose the signature field that you added in the previous step. You will be prompted to create a signature. 

Select the “Create Signature” option and choose the method of creating your digital signature. You can either draw your signature using your mouse or touchpad, use a saved image of your signature, or type your name and choose a font style to create a signature.

Step 5: Insert the signature

Once you have created your digital signature, insert it into the signature field. To do this, select the “Fill & Sign” option and choose the signature field that you added in step 3. You will be prompted to insert your signature. Select the “Insert Signature” option and choose the digital signature that you created in step 4. The signature will be inserted into the signature field.

Step 6: Save the document

Once you have inserted your digital signature, save the document. Make sure everyone who’s signed has a copy of the document for future reference. 

Read also: How do I convert my signature to a digital signature?

How to add a signature into a pdf - add your signature - Oneflow

3. How to attach a signature to a PDF

Attaching a signature to a PDF is arguably the easiest way to sign your PDF as there are only 3 steps required to do it. Here’s how to attach a signature to a PDF.

Step 1: Attach the signature

To attach a signature to the PDF document, select the “Sign Document” in your contract management software. This will open the “Sign Document” tool, which allows you to add a signature to the document. Select the “Attach Signature” option and choose your digital signature. You can also choose the location of the signature on the document.

Step 2: Validate the signature

Once you have attached the signature to the PDF document, it is essential to validate the signature to ensure its authenticity. Most contract management software has a built-in validation tool that checks the signature against the original document to ensure that it has not been tampered with. Select the “Validate Signature” option in the PDF reader’s menu bar to validate the signature.

Step 3: Save the document

Once you have inserted your digital signature, save the document. Be sure to save the contract and store it safely as it might well be needed later on.

Read also: A Basic Guide on Electronic Signatures and What Makes Them Legal

How to add a signature to pdfs - sign pop up window in a contract - Oneflow

4. Get more options with HTML contracts

PDFs are still used the world over for contracts, but they’re not the best way to sign your contracts. That’s where Oneflow comes in. With its dynamic HTML contracts, Oneflow lets you sign your contracts as easily and efficiently as possible. 

You can even edit your contracts live. So, if you spot a typo, you no longer have to regenerate the entire contract. You can just sort it out on the page. But that’s not all, you can even store your contracts in Oneflow’s secure digital archive. When it comes to contracts, Oneflow is your all-in-one solution. 

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Online contract signing: A complete guide

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7 Things you can do using Oneflow besides e-signature

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