Apply Signature to PDF
Add a prepared signature mark to the page and position where it is needed. You can review every placement before downloading a new PDF while keeping the original file unchanged.
Visible signature placement only: this is not digital signing backed by a certificate
Place a signature exactly where it belongs
Upload your PDF and review any suggested signature locations before placing the mark. You decide where each signature goes, and the original PDF stays unchanged while you work.
Create a New Signature
Type your name or draw a signature in the Online Signature Generator, then bring the finished signature image back to this PDF tool.
Use Your Own Signature
Already have a scanned or photographed signature? Clean, crop or resize it first when needed, then upload the prepared image here.
Extract a signature from a scanUpload the PDF Where You Want to Place the Signature
PDFs with selectable text can be checked for labels such as “Signature”, “Sign here” or similar fields. If the PDF is a scanned image without selectable text, you can still place the signature manually.
Upload a PDF and add either a newly created signature or one you already have. Place it on the required page, resize or duplicate it where needed, then review every placement before exporting the new PDF.
Preview the Signature Before You Export
The live workspace renders the PDF page and keeps each signature as an editable overlay until you confirm the placement. The comparison below shows the decision to make before downloading.
Keep the source page unchanged while you work.
The overlay can be moved or resized before it is added to a new PDF.
Place a signature on a PDF without changing the original
The tool can look for selectable labels such as “Signature”, “Sign here” or “Authorized signatory” and suggest possible locations. Each suggestion stays editable, so you can move, resize or remove it before creating the new PDF.
Scanned PDFs made only from images can still be used, but the signature position normally needs to be chosen manually.
Create a Signature or Use One You Already Have
If you do not have a signature image yet, create one from typed text or a freehand drawing with the Online Signature Generator. If you already have a scan or photo of your own signature, prepare it with the Signature Resizer or Signature Extractor before placing it on the PDF.
Once the signature is loaded, you can drag it, resize its width and height independently, duplicate it, apply it to every page, or remove a mistaken placement.
- Drag the signature to the required location.
- Resize it to fit the available signature area.
- Duplicate it when the same mark is needed in more than one place.
- Remove any placement you do not want before export.
What Each PDF Signature Control Does
Review every placement before export
Suggested locations are there to save time, not to make the signing decision for you. Review each page and confirm that every signature appears in the intended field before exporting the new PDF.
Files protected by a password or scanned PDFs without selectable text can require manual placement or an unlocked copy.
Before You Upload the PDF
Use the cleanest copy of the document you have, preferably the original PDF rather than screenshots of individual pages. A real PDF keeps the page size and text structure intact, which makes suggested signature locations easier to identify when selectable text is available.
If the PDF is locked against editing or requires a password, the placement tool cannot export the changed file. Use an unlocked copy only when you are authorised to modify the document.
How to Position a Signature Neatly
Place the mark inside the signature field without covering nearby names, dates or instructions. Resize it only enough to fit the space because stretching the signature too far can make the mark look unnatural or difficult to read.
When the same signature is needed on several pages, duplicate the prepared placement and review every page separately. Different pages can leave different amounts of space around the signature field.
Common PDF Signature Placement Problems
These problems affect placement rather than the signature image itself. If the mark is blurry, has a white box around it or uses the wrong dimensions, prepare the signature image first and then return to the PDF.
- The signature is placed on the wrong page or wrong field.
- The mark is too large and covers nearby document text.
- A scanned PDF has no selectable text for automatic location suggestions.
- The document is protected by a password or restricted from editing.
Visible PDF Signature vs Verified Electronic Signature
This tool places a visible signature image on a PDF. It does not verify the signer’s identity, create a digital certificate, record an audit trail or provide cryptographic proof that the document has not changed.
Some forms accept a scanned signature image, while others require a specific electronic signing method or a method backed by a certificate. Check the receiving organisation’s instructions before relying on an image placement alone.
How to Add a Signature to a PDF Online
Prepare the signature first, then upload the PDF where you want to place it. Choose the page and location, adjust the mark until it fits the field, review every placement and export the new PDF when everything looks correct.
- Prepare the signature: create one or use an existing image.
- Upload the PDF: choose the document you are authorised to modify.
- Place the signature: drag and resize the mark in the correct field.
- Review and export: check every page before downloading the new copy.
Which Signature Tool Do You Need?
Download the New PDF and Keep the Original
The export creates a new PDF with the confirmed signature placements while leaving your original file unchanged. Open the downloaded copy once and check the signed pages before sending or uploading it anywhere.
Keep the original document until the process is complete because another copy can be necessary if a signature was placed in the wrong field or the receiving organisation asks for a different signing method.
Apply Signature to PDF FAQs
How do I add a signature to a PDF online?
Upload the PDF and add either a prepared signature image or a signature created with the Online Signature Generator. Place the mark on the required page, resize it if needed and review the document before exporting the new PDF.
Can I sign a PDF with my own handwritten signature?
Yes, if the receiving workflow accepts a signature image. Scan or photograph your own signature, prepare the image if needed and then place it on the PDF.
Can the tool detect where a signature should go?
PDFs with selectable text can be checked for labels such as “Signature” or “Sign here”. Suggested locations still need your confirmation, while scanned PDFs made only from images normally require manual placement.
Is this the same as a digital or electronic signature?
Not necessarily. This tool places a visible signature image on the PDF but does not provide identity verification, a signing certificate, audit trail or cryptographic document protection.
Can I put the same signature on several PDF pages?
Yes, when the tool supports duplication or placement on several pages. Review each copy before export because signature fields can appear in different positions on different pages.
What if my signature image has a white background or wrong size?
Prepare the image first with the Signature Extractor or Signature Resizer. Once the signature looks clean and has suitable dimensions, return here to place it on the PDF.
PassportPhotoBox provides tools for preparing documents and does not verify signer identity or guarantee that a signature image will be accepted. Follow the signing method required by the organisation receiving the PDF, and review the acceptable use and privacy information when it applies.