How to sign a PDF without uploading it

Most "free PDF signer" websites make you upload your document to their servers. For leases, tax forms and contracts, you probably don't want that. Here are four free ways to sign a PDF that keep the file on your computer.

Updated October 2026 · 4 min read

Why not just use an online PDF signer?

When you upload a PDF to a website, a copy sits on someone else's server, at least for a while. The documents people sign tend to be the most sensitive ones they have: IDs, bank details, addresses, salaries. Some online tools also only ask you to pay or create an account after you've filled in the whole form. Signing locally avoids both problems.

Option 1: Mac Preview (built into macOS)

1. Open the PDF in Preview.
2. Click the Markup button (the pen tip icon), then the Sign button.
3. Create a signature with your trackpad, or by holding a signed piece of paper up to your camera.
4. Click the signature to drop it on the page, drag it into place, then File → Save.

Good for: Mac users. Limits: Mac only. Filling some complex forms can be fiddly.

Option 2: Adobe Acrobat Reader (free desktop app)

1. Install the free Acrobat Reader and open your PDF.
2. Choose Fill & Sign from the tools.
3. Click Sign yourself, then type, draw or upload a signature and place it.
4. Save the file.

Good for: forms with lots of fields. Limits: a large install, and Adobe regularly prompts you to try paid features or sign in.

Option 3: Microsoft Edge's built-in PDF viewer

1. Right-click the PDF → Open with → Microsoft Edge.
2. Use Draw to write your signature with a mouse or pen, and Add text for your name and date.
3. Click the save icon.

Good for: Windows users who need a quick scribble. Limits: no saved signature, and a drawn mouse signature can look rough.

Option 4: Penwise, a free Chrome extension

Disclosure: we make Penwise.

1. Install Penwise from the Chrome Web Store.
2. Click its icon and drop in your PDF, or click the icon while a PDF is open in Chrome.
3. Type into any form fields. Click Sign to draw, type or upload your signature, then click where it should go.
4. Click Download.

Good for: Chrome users on any computer, including Chromebooks, who want saved signatures and typed handwriting-style signatures. Filling, signing and downloading are free, with no watermark. Limits: Chrome (and Chromium browsers) only. Redaction and page tools are paid.

Is a typed or drawn signature legally valid?

In the US (the ESIGN Act and UETA) and the EU (eIDAS), simple electronic signatures like these are generally valid for everyday agreements: leases, permission slips, offer letters, NDAs. Some documents, such as certain real-estate, court or notarized papers, need more. If you're unsure, ask whoever sent you the document what they accept. This isn't legal advice.

Related: signing on Mac or Chromebook · pdfFiller alternatives