How to Electronically Sign PDF Documents on Windows

Today, signing of documents electronically either as a means to verify one’s identity or to validate a document is no longer a contemporary thing as It allows anyone to sign without being physically present.

If you have received a PDF Document to be signed electronically, we have compiled a detailed guidelines on how you can sign PDF documents on Windows and Mac with less stress. Carefully, follow the guides below:

How to Sign a PDF Document on Windows

If you are using Windows Operating System, there are different ways you can sign PDF documents — By using Microsoft Edge browser’s PDF reader or using a PDF reader/editor like Adobe Acrobat DC etc.

1. Signing a PDF on Windows Using Microsoft Edge

Using Microsoft Edge browser is the easiest way to sign PDF document as it doesn’t require you to install any third-party plugins or software and the down side is that you might have a limited control over your signatures.

First, make sure that you are using the latest version of Microsoft Edge on your Windows PC before continuing with the steps below to sign your PDF documents with Microsoft Edge:

1. On your PC, locate the PDF file you want to sign.
2. Right-click on the file and select Open with > Microsoft Edge.
3. Once the document opens in Microsoft Edge, proceed by clicking on the Draw (pencil) icon in the toolbar.
   
   If you are using a touch screen PC, you will likely see the Draw with Touch option in the toolbar, follow by selecting to draw your signature using a pen while on non-touch screen devices, use your mouse/trackpad to draw your signature and sign the document.
   
4. Click on the Save icon ( Ctrl+S — Shortcut) to save the signed PDF.

2. Signing a PDF on Windows Using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

Normally, you might have Adobe Reader installed on it your PC if you ready and if you do not have it installed already, kindly download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

After installing the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on your PC, follow the guides below to sign your PDF file using Adobe Acrobat DC.

1. On your PC, locate the PDF file you want to sign.
2. Right-click on the file and select Open with > Adobe Acrobat DC.
3. When the document opens in Adobe Acrobat DC, click on the Sign (pen) icon in the toolbar.
4. Choose between the Add  Signature and Add Initials options.
   
   Choosing any of these two options will present the following three options to generate a signature:
   Type — lets you type out your name. You can choose from a selection of signature styles too.
   Draw — lets you draw your signature in the field.
   Image — lets you upload your signature image from your computer.
   
5. Once your signature is ready, check off the box just next to Save signature or Save initials and tap on the Apply button.
6. To place your signature or initial, drag it and move it to the signature field on the document.
7. To increase or decrease its size, tap on the small A or big A icon to do so.
   Go to File > Save ( Ctrl+S — Shortcut) to save the signed PDF document.