Is my signature saved?

Only if you click “Save this signature in this browser”. It stays in this browser only, for next time, and you can delete it whenever you like. It isn’t sent anywhere.

Can I sign with my finger on a phone?

Yes. In “Draw”, sign with your finger, a pen or a mouse. If you prefer, type your name and pick one of three handwriting styles.

Does this signature prove it was me?

No. It’s an image of your signature: whoever sees it can’t confirm who put it there. To prove your identity, you need an advanced or qualified electronic signature (a qualified signature is made with a certificate from a recognized trust service provider).

Are my files uploaded to any server?

No. The PDF and your signature are handled in your browser and never leave your device.

How to sign a PDF

Updated October 7, 2026

To sign a PDF, you don’t need to print it, sign it by hand and scan it. With Sign PDF, you draw your signature with your finger, a mouse or a pen (or type your name, or upload a photo of your signature), drag it to the right spot and download a new PDF. The file and your signature stay on your device.

Open Sign PDFYour files stay on your device.

What kind of signature this is

The signature MovaDoc adds is a simple electronic signature, as defined in the EU eIDAS regulation: an image of your signature placed on the PDF, like signing a sheet of paper and scanning it. The law doesn’t deny it legal effect just because it’s electronic, and it works for many everyday documents.

It isn’t an advanced or qualified electronic signature, and it doesn’t prove your identity. Only a qualified electronic signature, which needs a certificate from a recognized trust service provider, has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature.

If you’re not sure a simple signature is enough for this document, check with whoever requested it before you sign. This guide is general information, not legal advice.

Signing a PDF, step by step

Open Sign PDF and drag the PDF into the workspace, or use the button to choose it.
Under “How do you want to sign?”, choose “Draw” (with your finger, a pen or a mouse), “Type” (you type your name and pick one of three handwriting styles) or “Upload image” (a photo of your signature).
Drag the signature to the right spot on the page and adjust its size.
Under “Apply to”, choose “This page”, “All” or “Some” (for example, 1, 3-5). The signature goes in the same spot on each page. If you like, add the date below it.
Click “Sign PDF” and download the result. The original stays as it was.

Signing with a photo of your signature

If you’d rather use your real signature, sign a sheet of white paper with a dark, fine-tipped pen, take a photo of it straight on in good light, and upload the image. Leave “Remove white background” on (it’s on by default): the paper becomes transparent and only the ink shows on the PDF.

The signature goes into the PDF as a high-resolution image, so it stays sharp on screen and on paper.

Forms: fill in first, then sign

If the PDF is a form with fields, fill it in first with Fill PDF form. To make sure the answers can’t be changed after you sign, turn on “Lock the form” before saving. Then, under “Continue with another tool”, choose “Sign PDF” to add your signature.

If the PDF already had a digital signature (for example, from someone else), it will no longer be valid in the file you download: MovaDoc warns you first.

After signing

Keep both the signed PDF and the original. If you’re going to send the file by email, you can protect it with Protect PDF and send the password another way. Turning off “Allow editing” or “Allow printing” is only a request: most PDF readers respect it, but not all do.

What to check at the end

Is the signature on every page it should be on, in the right spot and without covering any text?
If the document asks for the date, is it there?
Does the PDF open properly in another reader or on your phone?
Did you keep the unsigned original?