How to Sign a PDF on iPhone (Free & Easy Methods)

Here's how to sign a PDF on iPhone: Use the built-in Markup tool in the Files or Mail app. Tap the Markup icon, select Signature, draw your signature, and place it on the document—you don't need to download any apps. These electronic signatures are legally valid for most documents.

Methods Overview

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Method 1: Files App (Recommended)

The Files app is built into every iPhone with iOS 11+.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Open the PDF

• Open Files app
• Navigate to your PDF
• Tap to open it

Step 2: Access Markup

• Tap the Markup icon (pen tip in circle) at top right
• If you don't see it, tap the screen first

Step 3: Add Signature

• Tap the + button at bottom right
• Select Signature

Step 4: Create or Select Signature

• If first time: Draw signature with finger, tap Done
• If saved: Select existing signature

Step 5: Position and Resize

• Drag signature to correct location
• Use corner handles to resize
• Tap outside signature when done

Step 6: Save

• Tap Done at top
• Choose Save to Files or share immediately

Tips for Files App

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Method 2: Mail App

Sign PDFs directly from email attachments.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Open email with PDF

• Open Mail app
• Find email with PDF attachment

Step 2: Open the PDF

• Tap the PDF attachment to preview

Step 3: Access Markup

• Tap the Markup icon (top right)
• Or tap Share → Markup

Step 4: Add Signature

• Tap + → Signature
• Create or select signature
• Position on document

Step 5: Send

• Tap Done
• Choose Reply to send signed version
• Or Save to Files to save locally

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Method 3: Safari Download

When you download a PDF from a website.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Download PDF

• Tap download link in Safari
• PDF opens in viewer

Step 2: Save to Files

• Tap Share icon
• Select Save to Files
• Choose location

Step 3: Sign in Files

• Open Files app
• Open the PDF
• Use Markup to sign

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Method 4: Books App

For PDFs stored in Apple Books.

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Open in Books

• Open Books app
• Find your PDF in Library

Step 2: Access Markup

• Tap the page
• Tap the Markup icon

Step 3: Add Signature

• Tap + → Signature
• Position and save

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Method 5: Third-Party Apps

For more features or specific needs.

Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free)

1. Download from App Store
2. Open PDF in app
3. Tap Fill & Sign
4. Tap Signature → create/select
5. Place and save

PDF Expert

1. Download from App Store (paid)
2. Open PDF
3. Use annotation tools
4. Add signature
5. Save

When to Use Third-Party Apps

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Creating Your Signature

First Time Setup

1. When prompted, use your finger to sign
2. Sign in the white box
3. Tap Clear if you want to retry
4. Tap Done when satisfied

Tips for Better Signatures

Managing Saved Signatures

• Signatures save automatically
• Access saved signatures: + → Signature
• Delete: Add Signature → tap X on signature
• Add new: Add Signature → tap +

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Adding Date and Text

Adding Date

1. In Markup, tap +
2. Select Text
3. Tap text box
4. Type the date
5. Drag to position
6. Resize using handles

Adding Initials

1. Tap + → Signature
2. Create new signature (just initials)
3. Place where needed

Text Formatting

• Tap text to select
• Use keyboard to edit
• Drag corners to resize
• Tap color to change

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Sharing Signed PDFs

Email

1. After signing, tap Done
2. Tap Share icon
3. Select Mail
4. Compose email, send

Messages/iMessage

1. Tap Share icon
2. Select Messages
3. Choose recipient
4. Send

Save to Cloud

1. Tap Share
2. Select cloud service:
   • iCloud Drive
   • Google Drive
   • Dropbox
   • OneDrive

AirDrop

1. Tap Share
2. Select AirDrop
3. Choose nearby device

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Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Protected PDFs

If a PDF is password-protected:

1. Enter password to open
2. Some may not allow editing
3. Contact sender for editable version

Large Files

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iOS Version Requirements

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iPad Differences

On iPad, you have additional options:

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Legal Validity

Are iPhone Signatures Legal?

Yes. Electronic signatures created on iPhone are legally binding under ESIGN and UETA for most documents.

Learn more about e-signature legality →

When to Use E-Signature Platforms

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sign without an app?

Yes. The built-in Files and Mail apps let you sign without downloading anything.

Is my signature saved?

Yes. After you create a signature, iOS saves it. Access it anytime through the + → Signature menu.

Can I have multiple signatures?

Yes. You can save multiple signatures (formal, initials, different styles).

Does it work offline?

Yes. Signing PDFs with built-in tools works without internet. You need connection to share.

Can I sign Word documents?

First convert to PDF, or open in Word app and sign there. Built-in Markup is for PDFs.

Is there a limit to how many I can sign?

No limit. Sign as many PDFs as you need.

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Summary

Quick steps:

1. Open PDF in Files
2. Tap Markup (pen icon)
3. Tap + → Signature
4. Place, resize, done

Related guides:

• How to sign a PDF →
• How to sign PDF without printing →
• Digitize your signature →

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Last updated: January 28, 2026