In short

  • Open the PDF, tap the Markup button, then + › Add Signature.
  • Draw your signature once. Your iPhone keeps it for next time.
  • Drag it into place, resize it, tap Done and share the signed copy.

Where's the PDF?

Choose where the document is to see the steps.

In Files

  1. Open the PDF in the Files app.
  2. Tap the Markup button, the pen tip.
  3. Tap + and choose Add Signature. The first time, sign with your finger and tap Done.
  4. Drag the signature into place, and drag its corner to make it bigger or smaller.
  5. Tap Done. The PDF is saved with your signature on it.

Tip Markup saves onto the file itself. If you might need the unsigned version, duplicate the PDF first: touch and hold it, then choose Duplicate.

In an email

  1. Open the email and tap the PDF attachment.
  2. Tap the Markup button.
  3. Tap + › Add Signature, and drag the signature into place.
  4. Tap Done, then choose to reply with the signed copy attached.

In Papiruno

  1. Open the document in the Library, tap More, then Signatures.
  2. Tap Add Signature. Sign with your finger, or sign a sheet of paper and choose Photograph.
  3. Choose the page, drag the signature into place and set its size, then tap Add.
  4. Tap Done, then print or share the signed document.

Tip A photographed signature looks like real ink. Under How much to keep, Only the ink leaves out shadows and the texture of the paper.

For a signature that looks right

Sign big, then shrink it

A large signature, drawn slowly, looks smoother once it's sized down to fit the line.

Use the whole width

Sign across the signing area in one smooth movement, as you would with a pen. Not happy with it? Tap Clear and try again.

Check before you send

Zoom in to make sure the signature sits on the line and doesn't cover any text.

Keep the original

Signing changes the PDF. Keep a copy if you might need it unsigned.

Signing a paper document

Is the document on paper? Scan it first (here's how to scan on iPhone), then sign the PDF as above. You can send it back without printing anything.

In many countries, an electronic signature like this is accepted for everyday agreements: forms, permission slips, rental documents, delivery notes. Some documents, such as certain contracts, wills and official forms, may need a handwritten signature or a certified digital one. If it matters, ask whoever wants the document signed.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Papiruno

Sign, redact and print with Papiruno

Markup is fine for a quick signature. Papiruno is for paperwork you sign, send and keep:

  • Signatures saved and ready for the next form
  • Sign with a photo of your real signature
  • Remove a signature at any time: the document goes back exactly as it was
  • Black out private details before you share
  • Print the signed copy with AirPrint

How to sign with Papiruno

Download on the App Store
QR code that opens Papiruno on the App StoreScan with your iPhone camera
For iPhone · iOS 17 or later · Free to download
A handwritten signature placed at the foot of a rental agreement in Papiruno

Questions

Can I fill in a form as well as sign it?

Yes. In Markup, tap + › Text to type onto the page, and drag the text box into place. Many PDF forms also have fields you can tap and type into directly.

Does signing change the original PDF?

In Files, yes: Markup saves the signature onto the file. To keep an unsigned copy, duplicate the PDF before you sign it.

How do I remove a signature?

Before you tap Done, tap the signature and choose Delete. After saving, it's part of the PDF. In Papiruno, you can remove a signature at any time and the document goes back exactly as it was.

Can I sign a PDF someone sent me in a message?

Yes. Open the PDF, tap Share and save it to Files, then sign it there and send it back.