How to electronically sign a contract pdf
- Step 1Read the contract, then add it to the tool — Review the full agreement first. When you're ready, drop the PDF into the PDF Sign tool. It is parsed locally and the page count is detected.
- Step 2Draw your signature — Sign on the canvas with a mouse, trackpad, finger, or stylus. The captured stroke is a fixed 2.5pt near-black line; the status reads
Signature capturedwhen done. - Step 3Identify the signature page — Find the page with the execution block. Enter that 1-based page number in the Target page field, or leave it blank if the block is on the last page.
- Step 4Position it inside the signature block — Choose
bottom-left,bottom-right,top-left,top-right, orcenterso the signature lands inside the block. Each corner is inset 40pt from the edges. - Step 5Set the width to match the line — Set a width in points (default 180; 60–400) that fits the ruled signature line. The height scales automatically.
- Step 6Process and return the signed contract — Press Process, download the signed PDF, and email it back to the counterparty. The original file is untouched.
Contract-signing controls and defaults
The exact controls available when signing a contract PDF. There is no typed signature, no image upload, and no multi-page stamping.
| Control | Options | Default | Contract use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | Draw on canvas | — | Hand-drawn mark only |
| Target page | 1 … page count, or blank | Last page | Set to the execution-block page |
| Position | 4 corners + center | bottom-right | Pick the one inside the signature block |
| Width | 60–400 pt | 180 pt | Match the ruled signature line width |
Visible mark vs. cryptographic signature
Know which kind of signature your contract actually requires before you send it.
| Property | This tool (visible mark) | Cryptographic digital signature |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance on page | Hand-drawn image, embedded in content | Often a visible appearance plus hidden crypto data |
| Certificate / identity proof | None | Signer certificate (PKCS#7 / CMS) |
| Tamper detection | Not cryptographically verifiable | Detects post-signing changes via digest |
| Where to do it | PDF Sign | PDF Digital Signature / Verifier |
Cookbook
Contract-signing recipes by document shape. Always draw the signature on the canvas first.
Sign a single-page service agreement
A one-page contract with the execution block bottom-right. Use the defaults.
Draw signature Target page: blank → page 1 (last page) Position: bottom-right Width: 180 pt Signed in the bottom-right execution block.
Sign the execution page of a 12-page MSA
The signature block is on page 11 of a Master Services Agreement; the last page is an annex.
Draw signature Target page: 11 Position: bottom-left Width: 210 pt Only page 11 is signed; the annex stays clean.
Add signature plus a separate dated stamp
This tool stamps the signature only. To add a printed date or 'Approved' mark next to it, follow with the stamp tool.
1) PDF Sign → drawn signature, page 11, bottom-left 2) /pdf-tools/pdf-stamp → add a date/approval stamp beside the signature
Counter-sign a contract someone already signed
The other party signed bottom-left; you add yours bottom-right of the same page so both blocks are filled.
Draw your signature Target page: (the signature page) Position: bottom-right Width: 180 pt Both signatures now appear on the page.
Sign, then lock the contract before sending
Flatten the signed contract so any fillable fields can't be edited in transit.
1) PDF Sign → stamp signature 2) /pdf-tools/pdf-flatten → flatten form fields into static content before emailing
Edge cases and what actually happens
Process pressed with a blank pad
RejectedA signature is mandatory. With no strokes the tool returns Draw a signature in the canvas before processing.
Counterparty requires a verifiable digital signature
By designThis is a visible mark with no certificate, so it cannot be cryptographically verified. Use the PDF Digital Signature tool when the counterparty insists on a certificate-based signature.
Contract type that legally needs wet ink
Check requirementsCertain instruments (for example some wills, deeds, or land transfers in some jurisdictions) require a wet-ink signature. This tool cannot satisfy those; verify the requirement for your document type and jurisdiction.
Signature page isn't the last page
SupportedType the 1-based page number of the execution block into the target-page field so the signature lands on the right page rather than the default last page.
Need to add a date next to the signature
Use a sibling toolThis tool stamps the signature image only, with no separate text field. Add a date with the PDF Stamp tool after signing.
Contract is password-protected
PreservedLoading ignores encryption, so the signature can usually still be stamped. The signed copy is not re-protected; re-apply a password afterwards if the contract must stay encrypted.
Contract exceeds the tier limits
RejectedFree is limited to 2 MB / 50 pages; Pro to 50 MB / 500 pages. A long agreement may need a higher tier or compression before signing.
You want every page initialled
Not supportedOne page is signed per run. To initial every page, run the tool repeatedly with a different target page each time.
Frequently asked questions
Is an electronic signature on a PDF contract enforceable?
For most commercial contracts, a clear electronic signature is widely accepted and enforceable. This tool produces a visible signature mark; some instruments still require wet ink or a certificate-based signature, so confirm the requirement for your contract type and jurisdiction.
Are the contract contents kept private?
Yes. The PDF is parsed and signed in your browser tab and is never uploaded, so confidential terms stay on your device.
Can I sign the page that actually holds the signature block?
Yes. Enter that page's 1-based number in the target-page field. Leaving it blank signs the last page.
Can I add a date and time next to the signature?
Not in this tool — it stamps the signature image only. Use the PDF Stamp tool to add a date or text beside the signature.
What if the other party uses DocuSign or Adobe Sign?
If a specific platform is required, use that platform. This tool is suited to situations where both sides accept a standard visible electronic signature.
Can I counter-sign a contract that's already signed?
Yes. Add your signature to a different anchor (for example bottom-right when theirs is bottom-left) on the same page.
Is the signature a cryptographic digital signature?
No. It is a visible image embedded into the page, with no certificate. For a verifiable digital signature, use the PDF Digital Signature tool.
Can the counterparty remove my signature?
It is drawn into the page content rather than added as a removable annotation, so it stays put. Flatten the document afterwards to also lock any fillable fields.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs in the browser with no install and no account.
How large can the contract file be?
Up to 2 MB on free (50 pages), 50 MB on Pro (500 pages), or 500 MB on higher tiers (2,000 pages).
Can I sign several contracts in one batch?
No — signing is single-file. Process each contract individually.
How do I check a signed contract someone sends me?
If it carries a cryptographic signature, run it through the PDF Signature Verifier to confirm it is intact, covers the whole document, and chains to a trusted root.
Privacy first
All PDF processing runs locally in your browser using PDF-lib and pdf.js. No file is ever uploaded — only metadata counters are saved for signed-in dashboard stats.