How to digitally sign a PDF when you don't have access to a printer and scanner

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• You can digitally sign a PDF in several different ways.
• The most popular software for digitally signing PDFs is Adobe Acrobat Reader, but other options exist on PCs, Macs, the internet, and mobile apps.

These days, many people don't own a printer or scanner, and with so many people working from home, something as simple as signing a document can quickly become tedious and frustrating. Fortunately, technology has come a long way, and it's now possible to sign a PDF document digitally — no more printing or scanning required. Here's our guide on how to digitally sign a PDF so you don't have to buy printer ink again.

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How to sign a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader, the most popular PDF viewing software, has an electronic signature method that works for both PCs and Macs.

1. Right-click (or Ctrl-click) on the PDF file you need to sign. Hover your cursor over "Open with" and click on "Adobe Acrobat Reader."
2. Click on the Fill & Sign icon, which is represented by a calligraphy pen.

When you're finished, make sure you save the PDF so that you don't lose your work. You might want to save the PDF under a new name to differentiate your signed version from the unsigned version.

How to sign a PDF on a Mac using Preview

Mac computers include a program called Preview that lets you digitally sign PDFs.

1. Open the PDF in Preview.
2. Click on the "Sign" button, which resembles a signature. If you don't see this button right away, click the "Show Markup Toolbar" icon. The Sign button should be visible once the Markup Toolbar is shown.

How to sign a PDF on an iPhone or Android using Adobe Fill & Sign

If you're using an iPhone or Android mobile device to digitally sign a PDF, you'll want to download an app called Adobe Fill & Sign. Adobe Fill & Sign is available on most app stores and contains a brief tutorial on how to use its services.

1. Install Adobe Fill & Sign on your mobile device. Once it's installed, launch the application by tapping on it.
   
2. Sign in to your Adobe account, or sign up for one if you don't have one already.
3. Tap on the PDF document you want to sign.
   
4. On the toolbar toward the top of the screen, tap on the icon resembling a calligraphy pen. When a menu appears, tap "Create Signature."
   
5. Using your finger or a stylus, sign the screen within the appropriate field. When you're done, tap "Done."
   
6. Tap on the area where you'd like to place your signature, then tap on your signature in the upper-right corner of the screen. Afterward, you can resize and move your signature around on the document.
   

How to sign a PDF online for free

If you only sign PDFs digitally occasionally, or you use a Chromebook, Adobe or Preview may not work for you. In this case, many websites and applications also exist online that allow you to digitally sign a PDF for free. Services like HelloSign and DocuSign are easy to use and allow you to digitally sign a certain number of PDFs per month before requiring any subscription fee. Just keep in mind that you'll need to upload the PDF into the chosen site before you can sign it.

Chrissy Montelli is a writer and content creator originally from Long Island, NY. She is the author of two poetry chapbooks, Heart Float (Bottlecap Press) and Going to Ithaca (Ghost City Press), as well as various online publications. Read more from her at chrissymontelli.wordpress.com.