How to Sign a PDF on iPad (3 Easy Methods)

Signing PDFs on iPad

The iPad is one of the best devices for signing PDFs. Its touchscreen and optional Apple Pencil support mean you can draw a signature that looks as natural as pen on paper — something that is difficult to achieve with a mouse or trackpad on a laptop.

There are three reliable ways to sign a PDF on an iPad, and none of them require paid apps or subscriptions.

Method 1: SigPDF in Safari (Recommended)

The simplest approach is to use a browser-based signing tool directly in Safari. No app install, no account, no storage space used.

Step-by-Step

1. Open Safari on your iPad and go to sigpdf.com
2. Upload your PDF — tap the upload area and select your file from Files, iCloud Drive, email attachments, or any connected cloud storage
3. Tap "Add Signature" — draw your signature with your finger or Apple Pencil directly on the screen
4. Position your signature — tap the PDF where you want the signature placed, then drag to adjust
5. Add text and date if needed — use "Add Text" for your printed name, title, or date
6. Tap "Confirm & Download" — save the signed PDF to your Files app or share it directly via email, Messages, or AirDrop

Why This Method Works Best on iPad

• Touch-native — the interface is designed for touch, so everything feels natural on iPad
• Apple Pencil support — if you have an Apple Pencil, your signature will look virtually identical to a handwritten one. The pressure sensitivity creates natural stroke variation
• No app to install — you do not use any storage space, and there is nothing to keep updated
• Privacy — your PDF is processed entirely in Safari on your iPad. It never leaves your device

Method 2: Apple Markup

iPadOS has a built-in Markup tool that can add signatures to PDFs. It is accessible from several places across the system.

Step-by-Step

1. Open the PDF in the Files app, Mail, or any app that supports Quick Look
2. Tap the Markup icon (pen tip in a circle) in the top-right corner
3. Tap the "+" button in the bottom toolbar, then select "Signature"
4. Draw your signature with your finger or Apple Pencil on the signature pad that appears
5. Tap "Done" — your signature appears on the PDF. Drag to position it and use the corner handles to resize
6. Tap "Done" again to save the annotated PDF

Pros of Markup

• Built into iPadOS — no download needed
• Works from Mail, Files, and Quick Look
• Saves your signature for reuse
• Syncs signatures across Apple devices via iCloud

Cons of Markup

• Limited to signatures only — no typed text or date stamps in the same flow
• The signature pad is small, which can make it hard to draw a clean signature
• No option for typed signatures
• Cannot add multiple different annotations easily

Apple Pencil Tips for Better Signatures

If you have an Apple Pencil, you have a significant advantage for PDF signing. Here are tips for getting the best result:

Use Natural Writing Pressure

Apple Pencil detects pressure, so sign the way you normally would on paper. Light strokes will appear thin, firm strokes will appear thicker. This creates a natural-looking signature with character.

Rest Your Palm on the Screen

iPadOS supports palm rejection when Apple Pencil is in use. Rest your hand on the screen just like you would on paper — the iPad will ignore your palm and only register the Pencil input.

Sign at Your Normal Size

Do not try to draw a tiny signature. Sign at a comfortable size and resize it afterward. Most PDF signing tools, including SigPDF, let you scale and reposition the signature after drawing it.

Which iPad Method Should You Use?

| Feature | SigPDF (Safari) | Apple Markup | Files App | |---|---|---|---| | Installation needed | No | No (built-in) | No (built-in) | | Account required | No | No | No | | Typed signatures | Yes | No | No | | Drawn signatures | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Apple Pencil support | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Add text/date | Yes | Limited | Limited | | Privacy (local processing) | Yes | Yes | Yes | | Works with any PDF source | Yes | Yes | Files only |

Use SigPDF when:

• You need to add text, dates, and signatures to a form
• You want typed signature options
• You are signing a document received via email or download link
• You want maximum flexibility in a single tool

Use Markup when:

• You only need to add a quick signature with no other annotations
• The PDF is already open in Mail or another app
• You prefer using a built-in system tool

Signing on iPad vs. Other Devices

The iPad genuinely excels at PDF signing compared to other devices. A signature drawn with Apple Pencil on an iPad looks more natural than one drawn with a mouse on a computer. If you regularly sign documents, the iPad (or iPhone) with SigPDF is arguably the best combination available.

For signing on other devices, see our guides for Mac, Chromebook, and phone.

Sign Your PDF on iPad Now

Open SigPDF in Safari on your iPad and sign your document in under a minute. Draw with your finger or Apple Pencil for a natural signature — no app install, no account required.

Sign PDF on iPad -->