RapidHow to Sign a PDF on Windows — Free, No Upload
Two free ways to sign a PDF on Windows 10 or 11: a browser tool with Draw, Type and Upload, and Microsoft Edge’s Draw tool.
⚠️ Always use a copy of your document, never the original. Keep your original file safe.
How to sign a PDF on Windows has two free answers. The simplest is our free Sign PDF tool: open it in Edge or Chrome, draw, type or upload your signature, drag it into place and click Apply Signature & Download. It runs in your browser, so nothing is installed and your PDF stays on your PC. The built-in option is the PDF reader in Microsoft Edge, which comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11 and lets you draw your signature with a mouse, pen or finger. Both add a picture of your signature. Neither makes a certified digital signature.
This guide covers only Windows. For other devices, see the main guide: how to sign a PDF.
Method 1: Sign PDF in Your Browser (Simplest)
This works in Edge, Chrome and Firefox on Windows. Your PDF and your signature are handled by your browser on your own PC. They are not sent to a server.
- Open rapidtools.online/sign-pdf. No account is needed.
- Drag your PDF into the box, or click the box and choose the file.⚠️ Always use a copy of your document, never the original. Keep your original file safe.
- Make your signature. Draw lets you sign with your mouse, pen or touch screen. Type turns your name into a handwriting-style font. Upload takes a photo or scan of your signature (PNG, JPEG or WebP; a PNG with a see-through background looks best). Choose black, blue or your own ink colour, then click Use This Signature.
- Drag the signature to the right place on the page. You can also turn on Date and Initials and drag them into place.
- Choose a size: S, M or L.
- Under Apply To, choose Current page only, All pages or Specific pages (for example 1, 3, 5-8).
- Click Apply Signature & Download. The signed file downloads with “-signed” added to the name.
Method 2: Microsoft Edge (Built In)
Microsoft Edge opens PDFs and has drawing tools you can use to sign. The button names below can look a little different in your version of Edge.
- Right-click the PDF in File Explorer and choose Open with > Microsoft Edge.
- Click Draw in the toolbar at the top.
- Choose a colour and line thickness, then sign on the page with your mouse, pen or finger.
- To type your name or the date, click Add text, click the page and type.
- Click Save, or Save as to keep the original unsigned copy.
A Drawn Signature Is Not a Certified Digital Signature
Both methods add a picture of your signature to the page. This is often called an electronic signature, and many people and companies accept it for everyday forms and agreements.
A certified digital signature is different. It uses a digital certificate from a trusted provider and is checked by software, which shows who signed and whether the file was changed after signing. Neither our Sign PDF tool nor Edge’s drawing tool makes this kind of signature. Microsoft says the Edge PDF reader can show and check certificate signatures in a PDF, but adding a digital signature is not available in Edge yet (Microsoft Learn: PDF reader in Microsoft Edge).
If you are asked for a “digital signature” or a signature with a certificate, ask the person or office what they will accept before you sign.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Browser tool | Microsoft Edge | |
|---|---|---|
| Install | None | None (built in) |
| Ways to sign | Draw, Type, Upload | Draw only (plus typed text) |
| Date and initials | Yes, built in | Type them with Add text |
| Sign many pages at once | Yes (All pages or Specific pages) | Draw on each page |
| File leaves your PC | No | No |
Need to type into the boxes of a form first? See how to fill out a PDF form on Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign a PDF on Windows for free?
Open rapidtools.online/sign-pdf in Edge or Chrome, choose the PDF, draw, type or upload your signature, drag it into place and click Apply Signature & Download. You can also open the PDF in Microsoft Edge, click Draw and sign with your mouse, pen or finger, then save.
Does Windows have a built-in way to sign a PDF?
Yes, through Microsoft Edge, which comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. Open the PDF in Edge, click Draw and sign on the page.
Can I add the date and my initials?
In our Sign PDF tool, turn on Date and Initials, type them and drag them into place. In Edge, click Add text, click the page and type them.
Is a drawn signature the same as a digital signature?
No. A drawn, typed or uploaded signature is a picture of your signature on the page. A certified digital signature uses a digital certificate and shows whether the file was changed after signing. Neither our tool nor Edge’s drawing tool makes certified digital signatures.
Is my PDF uploaded when I sign it in the browser tool?
No. Your PDF and your signature are handled by your browser on your own PC and are never sent to a server.