How to Sign a PDF on Windows (Free, No Acrobat)
Windows has no built-in way to sign a PDF — the Edge browser and the Photos app can view PDFs but not add a signature, which pushes people toward printing, signing by hand, and scanning back in, or buying Acrobat. You don't need either: you can sign a PDF directly in the browser on Windows, free.
Steps: Sign PDF on Windows
- 1
Open Sign PDF
In Edge, Chrome, or any browser on Windows, open the Sign PDF tool. No Acrobat and no install required.
- 2
Add your signature
Upload the document, then draw your signature with the mouse or trackpad, type it, or upload an image of your signature. Place it where it belongs on the page.
- 3
Download the signed PDF
Apply the signature and download the signed file. The original is deleted from storage within 24 hours.
No printing, scanning, or Acrobat
The print-sign-scan loop is slow and needs a printer and scanner you may not have. Buying Acrobat just to sign the occasional document is expensive. Signing in the browser skips both — you get a clean digital signature on the actual file, not a scan of a scan.
Because it runs in the browser, it works the same on a locked-down work laptop where you can't install software.
Three ways to sign
Draw your signature freehand with a mouse or trackpad for the closest match to a handwritten one; type it and pick a signature-style font for speed; or upload a photo/scan of your real signature to reuse it exactly. All three produce a signature placed directly on the page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign a PDF on Windows without Acrobat?
Yes — open the Sign PDF tool in any browser, add your signature by drawing, typing, or uploading it, and download the signed file. No Acrobat needed.
Do I need to print and scan?
No — the signature is applied digitally to the actual PDF, so there's no printing or scanning involved.
Is it free?
Signing requires a free sign-in to keep a record of your signed documents, but there's no charge and no watermark.
Is the signed file private?
Yes — files are encrypted in transit and hard-deleted within 24 hours, and are never shared.