A contract lands in your inbox requiring your signature. You do not have a scanned image of your signature ready. You do not have a stylus or a touchscreen. The traditional solution is to print the document, sign it with a pen, scan it back into a PDF, and email the scan. This is four steps, two of which require hardware you may not have access to. A browser-based PDF signing tool reduces this to one step: type, draw, or upload your signature directly in the browser.
You do not need a pre-made signature image to sign a PDF electronically. Browser-based Sign PDF tools offer three methods for creating a signature on the spot. Each method takes under a minute, and the result is a legally valid signature embedded in the document.
Under the ESIGN Act in the United States and the eIDAS regulation in the European Union, electronic signatures created through these methods carry the same legal weight as handwritten signatures for most document types (U.S. Congress, ESIGN Act, 2000; European Parliament, eIDAS Regulation 910/2014).
Three Ways to Create a Signature Without an Image File
The quickest method is to type your name. The browser-based signing tool converts your typed name into a cursive-style signature font. This produces a clean, professional-looking signature in seconds. The second method is to draw your signature using your mouse, trackpad, or finger on a touchscreen. The tool captures your hand-drawn signature and places it on the document. The third method is to upload a photo of your signature taken with your phone camera. The tool extracts the signature from the photo and places it on the document at the correct size.
The drawn and photo methods produce signatures that look more like traditional pen signatures. The typed method is faster and more consistent. All three are legally valid. The choice depends on whether you prioritize speed or the appearance of a handwritten signature.
Positioning and Sizing the Signature
Once the signature is created, drag it to the correct position on the document. Most tools show a preview of the signature before placement. Resize the signature so it fits naturally in the signature space. A signature that is too large looks unprofessional. One that is too small may be questioned by the recipient. The signature should be roughly the size of a handwritten signature on a printed page.
After placement, the tool locks the signature to the document. Recipients can see that the document was signed and can verify that it has not been altered after signing. WukongPDF's PDF Tools signing feature places the signature, locks the document, and downloads the signed version. The original unsigned file remains unchanged on your device.
When a Typed Signature Is Not Enough
Some recipients or organizations require a handwritten signature image specifically. If you encounter this requirement, use the draw method to create a signature that looks handwritten, or sign a blank piece of paper, photograph it, and upload the photo to the signing tool. The photo method captures an actual handwritten signature and places it on the document. The result satisfies requirements that specify a handwritten signature while still being produced entirely digitally.
For documents requiring the highest level of signature security, such as notarized documents or court filings, a digital signature backed by a certificate authority may be required instead of an electronic signature. Digital signatures use cryptographic technology to verify both the signer's identity and the document's integrity. These are distinct from the electronic signatures described here and require different tools.
Saving Your Signature for Future Use
Once you have created a signature, save it for future documents. Most browser-based signing tools allow you to download the signature image or store it in your account. A saved signature means the next document takes seconds to sign instead of minutes. If you store the signature locally, keep it in a secure location. A signature image file that falls into the wrong hands can be placed on documents you never signed.