What this tool does
The PDF signing tool adds a signature to any PDF — draw it with a mouse or touchscreen, type it in a script font, or upload a photo of your handwritten signature. Click anywhere on a page to place it, resize and reposition, then download the signed PDF. Signing runs entirely in your browser — your document and signature are never uploaded to any server. No account required, works on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows.
ℹ️ Work from a copy of your file and keep the original safe. Check the result before you use it.
How It Works
Sign any PDF in 4 steps
Your signature and your document never leave your device. Everything runs locally in your browser using JavaScript.
- Upload your PDF: Drag and drop or click to browse. No file size limits. The file opens locally.
- Create your signature: Choose Draw (mouse or finger), Type (cursive font), or Upload (photo of your handwritten signature).
- Position on the page: Click where you want the signature. Drag to reposition and resize. Select which pages to sign — one page, all pages, or specific page numbers.
- Download the signed PDF: Click Apply Signature & Download. Your signature is embedded directly into the PDF content layer. The file downloads instantly.
🔒 Privacy note: Your signature is one of your most sensitive personal identifiers. Most online signature tools (DocuSign, HelloSign, Adobe Sign) upload your document to their servers. RapidTools processes everything locally — your signature image and your PDF never travel anywhere.
Legal Validity
E-Signature Legal Validity by Jurisdiction
Electronic signature laws vary significantly by country. The table below maps each major jurisdiction to its governing statute, the recognised tiers of electronic signature, and what those tiers mean in practice. RapidTools produces a Simple Electronic Signature (SES) — an image embedded in the PDF. This is the broadest tier and covers most everyday contracts, but may not meet requirements for high-assurance transactions.
| Jurisdiction |
Governing Law |
Signature Tiers |
What RapidTools Produces |
Excluded Documents |
| United States |
ESIGN Act (2000) — federal; UETA — adopted in 49 states (New York uses ESRA); Illinois uses IUETA |
No tiered system — any electronic sound, symbol, or process associated with a record and adopted with intent to sign |
Valid SES under ESIGN/UETA for most contracts |
Wills, codicils, testamentary trusts; certain family law documents; court orders; notices of default, foreclosure, eviction; insurance policy cancellations (in some states); documents governed by UCC Articles 3 and 4 (negotiable instruments) unless converted under Article 7 |
| European Union |
eIDAS Regulation (EU) 910/2014 — harmonised across all 27 member states |
SES Simple — any e-sig
AES Advanced — uniquely linked to signatory, capable of identifying them
QES Qualified — created by a qualified device (QSCD), has the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature
|
SES — valid for low-risk agreements. AES or QES required for high-value contracts in many member states (Germany, France, Italy commonly require QES for labour contracts) |
Real property conveyances (notarised deed required in most EU states); marriage/divorce; court filings without court-approved system; public sector documents above SES threshold set by each member state |
| United Kingdom |
Electronic Communications Act 2000; retained eIDAS (UK eIDAS) post-Brexit; Law Commission guidance 2019 confirms e-sigs valid for most deeds |
Same SES/AES/QES structure as EU eIDAS, retained in UK law |
SES valid for most contracts and simple deeds; AES/QES preferred for regulated activities (FCA, HMRC) |
Wills (must be witnessed in person under Wills Act 1837 — temporary COVID exceptions lapsed); Land Registry transfers (LR requires individual approval for electronic deeds); statutory declarations requiring a commissioner |
| Canada |
PIPEDA (federal); provincial Electronic Commerce Acts (Ontario EFTA, BC EECA, Alberta ETA, Quebec CCQ amendments) |
No formal tiered system federally; provinces vary. Quebec requires specific reliable methods for certain documents |
Valid SES for most commercial contracts in common-law provinces; Quebec requires stronger assurance for notarial documents |
Wills (in most provinces, though BC and Saskatchewan allow electronic wills post-2020 amendments); powers of attorney; negotiable instruments under Bills of Exchange Act; real estate transfers (province-specific) |
| Australia |
Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (federal); state equivalents in each territory |
No formal tiered system; "reliable method" standard |
Valid SES for most commercial agreements; courts have accepted PDF signature images |
Wills (must be witnessed in person; NSW/QLD temporary COVID rules expired); deeds requiring witness; statutory declarations; real property dealings via electronic conveyancing system (PEXA) have separate requirements |
| Singapore |
Electronic Transactions Act (Cap. 88) 2010 |
No formal tiered system; "reliable" e-sig standard |
Valid SES for most commercial agreements |
Wills, Powers of Attorney, documents of title relating to immovable property, negotiable instruments; court documents (specific rules per court) |
⚠️ Important: This table is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. E-signature laws are updated frequently — always confirm current requirements with a qualified solicitor or attorney in your jurisdiction before relying on an electronic signature for a high-value or regulated transaction.
Wet Signature Required
Document Types That Still Require a Wet (Handwritten) Signature
Despite broad adoption of electronic signatures, certain document categories still legally require or practically demand a physical wet signature in most jurisdictions. Understanding these exclusions avoids the risk of an invalid document.
📜 Wills & Testamentary Documents
Usually excluded
Most jurisdictions require a will to be signed by the testator in wet ink and witnessed in person by two witnesses who are also present simultaneously. ESIGN Act explicitly excludes wills. UK Wills Act 1837 requires physical presence of witnesses. Post-COVID electronic will legislation exists in a few jurisdictions (BC, Saskatchewan, Florida, Virginia) but requires specific attestation procedures.
🏠 Real Property Conveyances & Deeds
Varies by jurisdiction
Transfer of title to real property typically requires a notarised deed. US states vary widely: many now accept e-notarisation (Remote Online Notarization — RON) via platforms like Notarize.com, but physical recording requirements often still apply. UK Land Registry requires separate approval for electronic deeds. Most EU states require a notarial act executed before a public notary.
⚖️ Court Filings & Legal Proceedings
Varies by court
Federal courts in the US generally accept electronic signatures via CM/ECF login (treated as signature). However, many state courts, affidavits, and sworn declarations require wet signatures or notarisation. Statutory declarations in Australia and the UK must be signed before a commissioner or justice of the peace in person.
📄 Powers of Attorney
Varies by jurisdiction
Durable powers of attorney and healthcare proxies typically require notarisation and sometimes witnesses in person. The ESIGN Act excludes certain powers of attorney from its scope. UK Powers of Attorney require registration with the Office of the Public Guardian and must use specific prescribed forms with wet signatures.
💰 Negotiable Instruments
Varies by instrument
Checks, promissory notes, and bills of exchange are governed by UCC Articles 3 and 4 in the US (not ESIGN). Electronic promissory notes exist but require compliance with UCC Article 9 as "transferable records" under ESIGN §16, with specific electronic vault requirements. UK Bills of Exchange Act 1882 similarly applies.
📝 Adoption & Family Law Orders
Usually excluded
Adoption consents, termination of parental rights, and certain family law orders typically require wet signatures before a notary or court official. ESIGN explicitly excludes "adoption of a child" paperwork in many jurisdictions. Divorce decrees and court orders are issued by the court rather than signed by parties, but supporting documents may require wet signatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to sign a PDF using a free online tool?
With RapidTools, yes. Your PDF and your signature never leave your device. Everything runs in JavaScript in your browser. DocuSign, HelloSign, and most other e-signature tools upload your document to their servers to process it. RapidTools does not.
Is a drawn electronic signature legally valid?
In many jurisdictions, an electronic signature on a PDF is legally valid for everyday documents — contracts, agreements, consent forms. Legal validity depends on your jurisdiction and document type. RapidTools produces an image-based signature embedded in the PDF, not a cryptographic certificate. For documents requiring certified or notarised signatures, check the applicable legal requirements.
Can I sign a PDF on my phone?
Yes. RapidTools Sign PDF works on iOS Safari and Android Chrome. Draw your signature with your finger, position it on the page, and download. Your document never leaves your device.
What is the difference between Draw, Type, and Upload?
Draw lets you sign with your mouse or finger — the most natural-looking result. Type renders your name in a cursive handwriting font — quick and clean. Upload lets you use a photo or scan of your actual handwritten signature — the closest to a wet signature.
Can I sign multiple pages?
Yes. Set the page selection to All Pages or enter specific page numbers. The signature is applied at the same relative position on every selected page.
Does an electronic signature have the same legal weight as a handwritten signature?
For most everyday contracts, yes. In the United States, the ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA give electronic signatures the same legal effect as wet signatures for most commercial and consumer agreements. The European Union’s eIDAS Regulation similarly recognises electronic signatures, though the required tier (SES, AES, or QES) depends on the transaction type and member state. A drawn or typed signature embedded in a PDF qualifies as a Simple Electronic Signature (SES) and is legally valid for the vast majority of business contracts, NDAs, service agreements, and consent forms. It is not valid for wills, notarised documents, or other categories specifically excluded by the applicable statute.
Which documents cannot be signed electronically?
Several document categories are explicitly excluded from electronic signature laws or practically require wet signatures: (1) Wills and testamentary documents — ESIGN explicitly excludes these; most jurisdictions require wet ink signatures witnessed in person. (2) Real property deeds — many jurisdictions require notarisation, though Remote Online Notarization (RON) is expanding. (3) Negotiable instruments (checks, promissory notes) — governed by UCC Articles 3/4, not ESIGN. (4) Court orders and sworn affidavits — varies by court; most affidavits must be signed before a commissioner. (5) Powers of attorney — typically require notarisation. (6) Adoption documents — ESIGN explicitly excludes certain adoption paperwork. Always check the specific requirements for your document type and jurisdiction.
What is the difference between a Simple, Advanced, and Qualified Electronic Signature?
These are the three tiers defined by the EU’s eIDAS Regulation (EU 910/2014), also adopted in UK law post-Brexit. A Simple Electronic Signature (SES) is the broadest category — any data in electronic form attached to or associated with a document, including a drawn or typed image. This is what RapidTools produces. An Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) must be uniquely linked to the signatory, capable of identifying them, created using data only the signatory controls, and linked to the document such that any subsequent change is detectable. Platforms like DocuSign and Adobe Sign produce AES when they generate an audit trail linked to the signer’s verified email and IP address. A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is created by a Qualified Electronic Signature Creation Device (QSCD) issued by a Trust Service Provider (TSP) on the EU Trust List. QES has the legal equivalent of a handwritten signature across all EU member states without exception. It is required for high-assurance transactions in some member states (e.g. German labour contracts, certain French government contracts).
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