Quick answer: open your PDF, click Your signature and draw it, type it or upload a photo, then drag it onto the signature line and press Download signed PDF. Drawn and typed signatures are added as vector shapes, so they stay perfectly sharp when zoomed or printed. Uploaded photos are cleaned so only the ink remains, with no white box around it.
Three ways to create your signature
| Method | What you get |
|---|---|
| Draw | Smooth ink with natural thick and thin strokes. It works with a mouse, touchpad, finger or stylus, and uses pen pressure where the device supports it. It is saved as a vector outline, not a picture, so it is sharp at any size. |
| Type | Type your name and choose from nine handwriting styles. The letters are converted to vector outlines, so the signature looks the same on every computer and printer. |
| Upload a photo | Sign on white paper and take a photo, or use a scan. The paper, uneven light, shadows and dust are removed. The ink gets one clean colour (black, blue or the colour of your pen) and the edges are smoothed to a high resolution. Transparent PNG signatures are used as they are. |
Why the signature looks clean and sharp
Many online tools paste a small, low-resolution picture of the signature, often with a white or grey box around it. CleanPDF writes drawn and typed signatures into the PDF as vector shapes, the same way fonts are stored, so they have no pixels and stay crisp at any zoom and in print. For photos, the paper is measured locally across the image, so shadows from a phone are removed as well, and only the ink is kept on a transparent background.
Everything a form or contract needs
- Initials on every page in one click with Copy to every page, or on selected pages such as 2-5.
- Name, date and text fields. The date uses today's date in the format you choose. These are added as real, searchable PDF text.
- Tick and cross marks for check boxes.
- Exact placement: click to add, or drag straight onto the line. Resize from the corners without stretching, and use the arrow keys to nudge by one point.
- Ink colours: black, dark blue, blue, red or green, and you can change them after placing.
- Your original PDF is kept: its text stays selectable and the file stays small. Rotated and cropped pages are handled correctly.
How to add a signature to a PDF
- Open your PDF. Click Select PDF file or drop the file on the page. It is read on your device and not uploaded.
- Create your signature. Click Your signature, then draw it, type it or upload a photo, and press Use signature.
- Place it on the page. Drag the signature onto the signature line and resize it from a corner. Add initials, your name, the date or a tick the same way.
- Download the signed PDF. Press Download signed PDF. Everything stays in place, so you can change something and download again.
Common uses
- Job applications, offer letters and employment contracts (see signing a PDF for a job application)
- Rental and lease agreements, with initials on every page
- School, university and admission forms
- Invoices, quotes, purchase orders and delivery notes
- NDAs, consent forms and authorisation letters
Privacy and security
Your PDF, your signature and any photo are processed only in your browser tab. Nothing is sent to a server, so there is no copy of your signature anywhere else. Your signature is kept after you close the page only if you tick Remember on this device, and then only in this browser. Use Remove to delete it. Don't tick it on a shared or public computer.
Is an electronic signature legally valid?
In many countries, a signature you add to a document yourself counts as an electronic signature for most everyday agreements, for example under the US ESIGN Act, the EU eIDAS Regulation and Pakistan's Electronic Transactions Ordinance 2002. Some documents need a certificate-based digital signature, a witness or a notary. If you are unsure, ask the person or organisation who will receive the document what they accept. This page is not legal advice.
Supported files
- Documents: PDF files, including long and multi-page documents. Password-protected PDFs must be unlocked first with Unlock PDF.
- Signature images: PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF and BMP. A photo of a signature on white paper in good light gives the best result.
- Output: a standard PDF that opens in every PDF reader, with no watermark.
Frequently asked questions
How can I add a signature to a PDF online for free?
Open your PDF on this page, click Your signature, draw it, type it or upload a photo, drag it onto the signature line and press Download signed PDF. It is free, with no account and no watermark.
How do I sign a PDF without uploading it to a server?
Use this tool. It runs completely in your browser, so the PDF and your signature are processed on your own device and are never uploaded.
Why does my signature look sharp, not blurry?
Drawn and typed signatures are written into the PDF as vector shapes, the same way fonts are. They have no pixels, so they stay crisp at any zoom and in print. Uploaded photos are cleaned and smoothed to high resolution.
Will there be a white box around my signature?
No. Drawn and typed signatures have no background at all. For photos, the paper is removed and only the ink is kept, so the signature sits directly on the document.
Can I upload a photo of my signature?
Yes. Upload a PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF or BMP image. The paper background, shadows and specks are removed automatically, and you can choose black, blue or the ink colour from the photo.
Can I sign a PDF on my phone?
Yes. It works on Android phones, iPhones and tablets. Draw with your finger in the signature box, then drag the signature into place.
Can I add my initials to every page?
Yes. Place your initials once, then choose Copy to every page, or enter pages such as 2-5.
Can I add the date and my name?
Yes. Use the Date and Name fields. The date uses today's date in the format you choose, and both are added as real PDF text.
Is an electronic signature legally valid?
In many countries a signature you add yourself is accepted as an electronic signature for most everyday agreements, for example under the US ESIGN Act and the EU eIDAS Regulation. Some documents need a certificate-based digital signature or a witness, so check what the receiver accepts.
Is my signature saved?
Only if you tick Remember on this device, and then only in your own browser. It is never sent to a server. Use Remove to delete it.
Will my signed PDF have a watermark?
No. The signed PDF has no watermark and is ready to send.
Do I need to install software or create an account?
No. The tool works in any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, with no installation and no sign-up.