How to sign a PDF on an iPad

The iPad is the best device in the house for signing something, because a Pencil signature actually looks like a signature. Markup in Files will put one on a page; what it will not do is record who signed, when, or give the other side any way to check the file afterwards. Do it here and you get the Pencil and the record.

Sign PDF online → · Free PDF Signer

What you can do

How to sign a PDF on an iPad

  1. Open the signer in Safari and choose the PDF from Files, iCloud Drive or an email.
  2. Draw with Apple Pencil. Zoom to the line first so the signature sits at a natural size.
  3. Add the date and any initials, then seal.
  4. Download back to Files, or share it straight from the iPad.

Ready? Sign PDF online now, free, no signup, and your file is auto-deleted after an hour.

Frequently asked questions

Why not use Markup in the Files app?

For a form you are handing back to a friend, use it. For an agreement, Markup gives you a drawing on a page and nothing else: no timestamp, no audit certificate, and no way for the recipient to tell whether the page was changed after you drew on it.

Can I sign a document on an iPad?

Yes, in Safari, with a Pencil or a finger, and nothing to install. The signed file saves back to Files or goes straight into an email.

Does the Pencil work in the browser?

Yes. Safari on iPadOS passes Pencil input straight through, including pressure, so the signature has real line weight rather than a uniform stroke.

Is it free to sign a PDF online?

Yes. You can fill in and sign a PDF for free with no account, you only pay when you download a finished document ($1.50 per document pay-as-you-go, or unlimited on any paid plan). sign a PDF on an iPad works the same way.

Is signing a PDF online secure?

Yes. Files are uploaded over 256-bit TLS, processed in your browser session, and automatically deleted after one hour. Each signature is bound to the document with a SHA-256 tamper-evident seal, so any later edit is detectable.

Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding for ordinary business documents in 190+ countries under the US ESIGN Act and UETA, the EU eIDAS Regulation, and equivalent laws worldwide. Courts look for intent, identity and integrity, all of which PDF Verified records.

Do I need to install anything?

No. Everything runs in your browser on desktop or mobile, no app, plugin or download required.

What PDF Verified is, and what it is not

Electronic signature law is settled in broad terms and specific in the details. The ESIGN Act, UETA, eIDAS and their equivalents recognise electronic signatures across more than 190 countries, and what decides a particular case is intent to sign plus evidence connecting the signature to the signer, which is what the audit certificate records. Certain document types carry their own formalities wherever you are: deeds, wills, some property instruments, and anything requiring a witness or a notary. Sign only what you are authorised to sign, since applying another person signature without their authority is forgery whatever tool is used.

PDF Verified is a tool for preparing, signing, stamping and checking documents. It is not a law firm, a compliance service or a forensic examiner, and nothing here is legal, financial or compliance advice. Requirements differ by country, by document type and by the party asking, so check what applies to your document before you rely on it, and take advice where the document matters. You are responsible for the documents you create, sign and send, and for having the authority to do so: signing or stamping in somebody else name, or as an organisation you do not represent, is forgery whatever tool is used. To the extent the law allows, we accept no liability for how a document made with this tool is used or relied on. The full position is in our terms of service.

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