How to sign a PDF with an electronic signature without installing programs

Currently, the Electronic signature It has become an essential tool for digital work. If you need it to validate legal documents, contracts or forms, in this article we explain How to sign a PDF without installing external programs.

There are various online tools and methods integrated into modern operating systems that allow a document to be signed digitally without complications. We discuss them below:

What is an electronic signature and why use it?

An Electronic signature It is a digital representation of a handwritten signature that can be inserted into electronic documents. Its main function is Validate and authenticate documents digitally signed, ensuring their integrity and avoiding subsequent modifications.

The use of Electronic signature has several advantages:

• Accessibility: It can be done from any device and at any time.
• Time saving: There is no need to print, sign and scan the document again.
• Increased levels of security throughout: Some digital signature methods allow the identity of the signer to be verified.
• Sustainability: Reduce paper and ink usage.

How to sign a PDF on Windows using Microsoft Edge

Windows offers a built-in solution to sign PDF without installing additional programs. This can be done via Microsoft Edge, the Microsoft browser that allows easy editing of PDF documents.

Steps for Sign a PDF with Microsoft Edge:

1. First we right click on the file PDF that we want to sign and select "To open with".
2. Then we select "Microsoft Edge".
3. When the document opens in Edge, we click on the icon Draw on the top toolbar.
4. We select the color and thickness of the line to write our signature.
5. Using a mouse or touch device, We draw our signature on the document.*
6. Once we are satisfied with the signature, we save the document by clicking on the save icon.

(*) If we need to correct the signature, we can use the option Delete to try again.

How to sign a PDF with Google Docs

Another easy way to sign a document without installing programs is by using Google Docs. Through this platform, you can insert a digital signature easily.

Steps for Sign a PDF with Google Docs:

1. We access Google Docs and we load the PDF document.
2. We open the document and select Insert.
3. Then we select "He drew".
4. We click on the option "New".
5. Next, we select the tool «Freehand» and we drew our signature.
6. When we are satisfied with the drawn signature, we save the drawing and place it in the document.
7. Finally, we download the file as a PDF to preserve the signature.

Online platforms to sign PDF without installing anything

If you prefer an even faster solution, there are online tools that allow you to add electronic signatures to PDF documents without the need for additional software.

Some of the most recommended options are:

• Smallpdf: Provides an intuitive interface to upload a PDF, sign it and download it in a matter of seconds.
• PDF24: Online tool that allows digital signature without registration.
• Wondershare PDFelement Cloud: Advanced platform that allows you to send documents to collect signatures.

To sign a PDF online using any of these online tools, the method to follow is almost always the same:

1. We access one of the platforms mentioned.
2. We upload the PDF document that we want to sign.
3. We select the option to add a signature and choose between drawing it, writing it or uploading an image of the signature.
4. We place the signature in the corresponding part of the document.
5. We download the signed file.

Sign PDF on Mac with Preview

Finally, we explain what to do for Mac users. If that is your case, you have the application at your disposal Preview, which allows you to sign documents PDF without installing additional programs.

Steps for Sign a PDF with Preview (Mac):

1. Open the document PDF in the Preview application.
2. Click on the icon of the briefcase to access the editing tools.
3. Select the icon company and choose the option to draw your signature on the trackpad or camera.
4. Once you have created your signature, place it on your document.
5. Save the file with the signature included.

Regardless of the method you choose, signing a PDF without installing software is easier than it seems. Microsoft Edge, Google Docs, online tools, and Preview are all accessible options for seamlessly signing documents and guarantee a fast and effective solution.