E-Sign PDF Documents Online

An electronic signature (e-signature) is any electronic indication of intent to agree to or approve the contents of a document. This includes drawing your signature on a screen, typing your name, or uploading a signature image. E-signatures are distinct from cryptographic digital signatures, which use certificate-based technology to verify identity.

For most everyday documents — contracts, NDAs, rental agreements, consent forms, and HR paperwork — a simple electronic signature created with SigPDF is all you need.

Legal Validity of E-Signatures

Electronic signatures are legally binding in most countries around the world. Two of the most important pieces of legislation are:

• United States — ESIGN Act (2000): The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act gives electronic signatures the same legal standing as handwritten signatures for most transactions.
• European Union — eIDAS Regulation (2014): The eIDAS framework recognizes simple electronic signatures, advanced electronic signatures, and qualified electronic signatures. A simple e-signature — such as one created with SigPDF — cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is in electronic form.

Similar laws exist in the UK (Electronic Communications Act), Canada (PIPEDA / provincial acts), and Australia (Electronic Transactions Act). Read our full guide on e-signature legal validity.

How to E-Sign a PDF with SigPDF

1. Open your PDF in the editor above
2. Draw your signature, type your name, or upload a signature image
3. Click on the PDF page to place your e-signature
4. Download the signed document — your signature is permanently embedded

Privacy-First E-Signing

Unlike cloud-based e-signature platforms such as DocuSign or HelloSign, SigPDF never uploads your documents to a server. Everything happens locally in your browser. This means your sensitive contracts, financial documents, and personal files remain completely private.