Signing PDFs on your iPhone can be a hassle, especially if you don’t have the right tools. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to do it without having to download any additional apps. In this article, we’ll show you how to sign a PDF on your iPhone using the built-in Markup tool. We’ll also provide some tips on how to make your signature look more professional.
To sign a PDF on your iPhone using the Markup tool, first open the PDF in the Files app. Then, tap on the Markup icon in the toolbar. This will open the Markup toolbar, which contains a variety of tools that you can use to edit and annotate your PDF. To add a signature, tap on the Signature icon in the toolbar. This will open the Signature panel, which contains a variety of options for creating and managing your signature. To create a new signature, tap on the Create Signature button. This will open the Signature Editor, which allows you to create a signature using your finger or a stylus. Once you’ve created a signature, you can tap on it to add it to your PDF.
If you want to make your signature look more professional, you can use the Appearance tab in the Signature panel to customize the look of your signature. You can change the color, size, and font of your signature, and you can also add a border or background. Once you’re happy with the appearance of your signature, tap on the Done button to save it. You can then add your signature to any PDF by tapping on the Signature icon in the Markup toolbar and selecting your signature from the list.
Using the Markup Tool
The Markup Tool is a built-in feature on iPhones that allows you to annotate PDF documents. You can use it to add text, drawings, and signatures to your PDFs.
To use the Markup Tool, open the PDF document in the Files app. Then, tap the Markup button in the toolbar. This will open the Markup toolbar at the bottom of the screen.
To add a signature to your PDF, tap the Signature button in the Markup toolbar. This will open the Signature dialog box. Tap the Create Signature button and follow the onscreen instructions to create a new signature.
Once you have created a signature, you can add it to your PDF by tapping in the document where you want the signature to appear. You can then drag and resize the signature to fit the space.
The Markup Tool also allows you to add text, drawings, and shapes to your PDFs. To add text, tap the Text button in the Markup toolbar and then tap in the document where you want the text to appear. You can then type your text and format it using the options in the Text menu.
To add a drawing, tap the Draw button in the Markup toolbar and then tap in the document where you want the drawing to appear. You can then draw freehand or use the shape tools to add shapes to your drawing.
The Markup Tool is a versatile tool that can be used to annotate and edit PDFs on your iPhone. It is a convenient way to add signatures, text, drawings, and shapes to your documents.
Integrating Third-Party Apps
For a more seamless PDF signing experience, you can integrate third-party apps with your iPhone’s native capabilities. Here are a few popular options:
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Adobe Acrobat Reader is a widely recognized PDF editor that offers a comprehensive suite of features, including PDF signing. Once installed on your iPhone, you can open PDFs within the app and digitally sign them using your finger or Apple Pencil. Additionally, the app provides options for adding annotations, highlighting text, and filling out forms.
DocuSign
DocuSign is another popular electronic signature service that can integrate with your iPhone. Download the DocuSign app from the App Store and create an account. When you open a PDF in the app, you’ll be able to sign it electronically and track its status through the app’s dashboard.
SignNow
SignNow is a user-friendly PDF signing app that offers a variety of features, including the ability to create custom signatures, add text and images to documents, and request signatures from others. The app seamlessly integrates with your iPhone’s native file manager, making it easy to access and sign PDFs on the go.
| App | Features | Pricing |
|—|—|—|
| Adobe Acrobat Reader | Comprehensive editing tools, annotations, and form filling | Free trial, then paid subscription |
| DocuSign | Secure digital signatures, tracking features, multiple signers | Free trial, then paid subscription |
| SignNow | Custom signatures, text and image additions, signature requests | Free trial, then paid subscription |
Converting PDF to Image
To sign a PDF on iPhone, you can convert it to an image first. This allows you to use the iPhone’s built-in image editing tools to add your signature. Here are the steps on how to convert PDF to image:
1. Open the PDF file in a PDF viewer app
There are many different PDF viewer apps available for iPhone. Some popular options include Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit PDF Reader, and PDF Expert. Once you have installed a PDF viewer app, open the PDF file that you want to sign.
2. Tap the “Share” button
The “Share” button is usually located in the top-right corner of the screen. Tap on it to open the share menu.
3. Select “Save as Image”
In the share menu, tap on the “Save as Image” option. This will save the PDF file as an image file to your iPhone’s camera roll.
4. Choose the image format and quality
Before saving the image file, you can choose the image format and quality. The most common image formats are JPG, PNG, and TIFF. JPG is the most compressed format and results in smaller file sizes, but it can also result in lower image quality. PNG is a lossless format that results in larger file sizes, but it also preserves the original image quality. TIFF is a high-quality format that is often used for professional photography. Choose the image format and quality that best suits your needs.
| Image Format | Description |
|---|---|
| JPG | Compressed format with smaller file sizes and lower image quality |
| PNG | Lossless format with larger file sizes and higher image quality |
| TIFF | High-quality format often used for professional photography |
Utilizing Email Attachments
Signing PDFs through email attachments on your iPhone is a convenient method that leverages the capabilities of the built-in Mail app. Here are the detailed steps to guide you through this process:
1. Open the Email
Locate the email containing the PDF you need to sign and open it.
2. Preview the Attachment
Below the email body, tap on the PDF attachment to preview it.
3. Markup Toolbar
In the preview window, tap on the pencil icon located at the top right corner to access the markup toolbar.
4. Signature Tool
From the toolbar, select the “Signature” option. If you haven’t created a signature yet, tap on “Create Signature” and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. Place and Sign
Once your signature is created, tap and drag it to the desired location on the PDF. Adjust its size and position as needed. Once positioned, tap on the “Done” button.
6. Complete and Send
After signing, review the PDF thoroughly. If satisfied, tap on the “Done” button at the top right corner to close the markup toolbar. Your signed PDF will be attached to a new email draft. In the draft, provide the necessary details and send it to the recipient. Below table captures the process of sending signed PDF through email attachment:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the email containing the PDF attachment. |
| 2 | Tap on the “Preview” option to open the PDF. |
| 3 | Tap on the “Sign” icon in the toolbar. |
| 4 | Create or select your signature. |
| 5 | Drag and drop your signature onto the PDF. |
| 6 | Tap “Done” to save the changes. |
| 7 | Compose a new email and attach the signed PDF. |
| 8 | Send the email to the recipient. |
Apple Pencil Support
For an even more seamless and natural signing experience, you can use the Apple Pencil with your iPad. Here are some additional tips for using the Apple Pencil with DocuSign:
- Ensure compatibility: Verify that your iPad and Apple Pencil are compatible with the latest version of DocuSign.
- Calibrate the Apple Pencil: In iPad settings, adjust the Pencil settings for optimal accuracy and sensitivity.
- Customize your signature: Create and save your custom signature in the DocuSign app to avoid having to sign each document manually.
- Hold the Apple Pencil correctly: Grip the Pencil at a natural angle, resting your hand lightly on the screen for stability.
- Apply moderate pressure: When signing, apply enough pressure to create a clear and legible signature, but avoid pressing too hard, as this can distort the shape.
- Use a smooth, flowing motion: Sign the document in one fluid, continuous motion to ensure a natural-looking signature.
- Retract the Apple Pencil after signing: Once you have completed your signature, retract the Apple Pencil to avoid accidental marks or smudges.
| Advantages of using Apple Pencil with DocuSign: |
|---|
| Precision and control |
| Natural and intuitive signing experience |
| Time-saving and efficient |
| Reduced risk of errors |
iCloud Drive Integration
iCloud Drive is a cloud storage service that allows you to store and access your files from any device. This makes it a convenient way to keep your PDFs stored and organized, and it also allows you to sign them from any device that has the iCloud Drive app installed.
To sign a PDF using iCloud Drive, follow these steps:
1. Open the iCloud Drive app on your device.
2. Find the PDF file that you want to sign.
3. Tap on the file to open it.
4. Tap on the “Edit” button in the upper-right corner.
5. Tap on the “Pen” icon in the bottom-left corner.
6. Sign your name using your finger or a stylus.
7. Tap on the “Done” button in the upper-right corner.
8. Your signature will be saved to the PDF file. You can now save the file to iCloud Drive or share it with others.
Additional Notes for Signing PDFs in iCloud Drive
Here are some additional things to keep in mind when signing PDFs in iCloud Drive:
* You can add multiple signatures to a single PDF file.
* You can change the size and color of your signature.
* You can also add text to your signature.
* Once you have added a signature to a PDF file, you can save it as a new file or overwrite the existing file.
The table below summarizes the steps for signing a PDF using iCloud Drive:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the iCloud Drive app. |
| 2 | Find the PDF file that you want to sign. |
| 3 | Tap on the file to open it. |
| 4 | Tap on the “Edit” button. |
| 5 | Tap on the “Pen” icon. |
| 6 | Sign your name. |
| 7 | Tap on the “Done” button. |
| 8 | Save the file or share it. |
Managing Signed PDFs
Once you’ve signed a PDF, you can manage it in various ways:
Editing Signed PDFs
If you need to make changes to a signed PDF, you can use Adobe Acrobat Reader or a similar PDF editor. However, keep in mind that any changes made will invalidate the signature. To preserve the validity of the signature, you can create a new PDF with the updated content and sign it again.
Saving Signed PDFs
Signed PDFs can be saved to your local device or cloud storage services like iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Ensure you save the PDF in a secure location where authorized individuals can access it.
Sharing Signed PDFs
To share a signed PDF, you can email it or upload it to a shared drive or cloud storage. When sharing the PDF, consider using a password or encryption to protect sensitive information.
Verifying Signed PDFs
You can verify the validity of a signed PDF using Adobe Acrobat Reader or other PDF viewers. The viewer will display the signature information, including the signer’s name, email address, and the time and date of signing. If the signature is valid, the viewer will indicate that the document has not been tampered with since it was signed.
Archiving Signed PDFs
It’s essential to archive signed PDFs for legal or compliance purposes. Store the PDFs in a secure, long-term storage solution, such as a physical archive or a digital document management system.
Storing Signed PDFs on iCloud
iCloud provides a convenient way to store and access signed PDFs on both your iPhone and other Apple devices. Ensure you enable iCloud Drive and select PDF as one of the file types to be synced.
Integrating with Other Apps
Some PDF signing apps integrate with other apps, such as email clients and cloud storage services. This integration allows you to streamline the signing process by accessing documents directly from within the app.
Using Third-Party Services
If you don’t want to use Apple’s built-in signing feature, you can explore third-party services like DocuSign and Adobe Acrobat. These services offer additional features and capabilities for signing and managing PDFs.
Customizing Signature Appearance
You can customize the appearance of your signature on PDFs. In the Settings app, go to “Signature” and tap on “Create New Signature” to design a unique signature using your finger or Apple Pencil.
Additional Tips for Managing Signed PDFs
Here are some additional tips for managing signed PDFs:
- Keep a record of who signed each PDF and when it was signed.
- Back up your signed PDFs regularly to prevent data loss.
- Consider using digital certificate-based signatures for added security.
- Review your signed PDFs periodically to ensure their validity and protect against unauthorized changes.
How to Sign a PDF on iPhone
Signing a PDF on an iPhone is a simple and convenient process that can be completed in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the PDF file in an app such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or Preview.
- Tap the “Sign” tool in the toolbar at the top of the screen.
- Create a new signature by tapping “Create Signature” and drawing your signature on the screen. Alternatively, you can import an existing signature by tapping “Import Signature” and selecting a file from your device.
- Position the signature where you want it on the PDF by dragging and dropping it.
- Tap “Apply” to save your signature.
People also ask about How to Sign a PDF on iPhone
How do I sign a PDF on iPhone without an app?
You can sign a PDF on iPhone without an app by using the Markup feature. Open the PDF in the Photos app, tap the Markup button, and then tap the Signature button to create or import a signature. You can then position the signature on the PDF and tap Done to save it.
Can I sign a PDF on iPhone with my Apple Pencil?
Yes, you can sign a PDF on iPhone with your Apple Pencil. To do this, open the PDF in the Notes app, tap the Markup button, and then tap the Signature button. You can then use your Apple Pencil to create or import a signature. You can then position the signature on the PDF and tap Done to save it.
Where can I find signed PDFs on iPhone?
Signed PDFs on iPhone can be found in the Files app. Open the Files app and navigate to the folder where you saved the signed PDF. You can also use the search bar in the Files app to search for signed PDFs.
