Skip to content
Sign a PDF free
Menu

Guide · Updated September 2026

How to Sign a PDF on Mac

Preview, the app that opens PDFs by default on macOS, has a built-in signature tool. You create your signature once and can reuse it on any document.

Step by step

  1. Open the PDF in Preview. Double-click the PDF. If another app opens it, right-click the file and choose Open With, then Preview.
  2. Show the Markup toolbar. Click the Show Markup Toolbar button (the pen tip icon) in the toolbar if the Markup toolbar is not already showing.
  3. Click Sign. Click the Sign button in the Markup toolbar. If you have no saved signature, Preview asks you to create one.
  4. Create your signature. Choose Trackpad and sign with your finger, Camera and hold a signature written on white paper up to the camera, or Select Device to sign on a nearby iPhone or iPad. Click Done.
  5. Place the signature. Click Sign again and click the signature you want to add. Drag it into position and resize it with the corner handles.
  6. Save the file. Choose File > Save, or File > Export as PDF to keep the original untouched.

Adding the date or your name

Use the Text tool in the Markup toolbar to add a text box for the date or your printed name. Preview also detects form fields in many PDFs, so you can click a field and type directly.

A browser-based option

If you would rather not install anything, eSignSimple's free Sign PDF tool (/tools/sign-pdf) runs in your browser: the file is processed on your device and is not uploaded. You can draw or type a signature, add the date, and download the signed PDF.

Frequently asked questions

Is signing a PDF in Preview free?

Yes. Preview comes with macOS and the signature feature costs nothing.

Where are Preview signatures stored?

Signatures are saved on your Mac and can sync to other Apple devices signed in to the same Apple Account, depending on your settings.

Can I remove a saved signature?

Yes. Click Sign and remove the signature from the list of saved signatures.

How do I get someone else to sign?

Send them the PDF, or use an e-signature service to track signing with an audit trail. eSignSimple's sending feature is in early access.

Get your next document signed today.

Start with 5 free documents a month. No card needed.

Sign a PDF freeSee pricing →