How to Electronically Sign a PDF Document: A Simple Tutorial for Any Device

Summary: This blog serves as a complete, beginner-friendly tutorial for anyone looking to create electronic signatures, sign PDF documents efficiently, and adopt modern, paperless document workflows with confidence.

Electronic signatures are more than a pandemic-era convenience – they’re now a core part of how individuals and businesses get work done. Agreements that once required printing, signing, and scanning can now be completed from a laptop, tablet, or phone in minutes. 

By the year 2029, the worldwide digital signature sector is predicted to be worth approximately $39.1 billion since businesses are moving toward quicker, “greener” workflows, as well as remote employees desiring mobile-centric solutions.

In this comprehensive manual, we discuss what an electronically signed document is and how it differs from a digital signature, the laws governing the legality of electronic signatures, and provide easy-to-follow tutorials for completing electronically signed PDF documents on any mobile device. In addition, we provide information on the significance of the ability to integrate cloud services and access mobile capabilities, allowing you to electronically sign from virtually anywhere.

The Difference Between an Electronic Signature and a Digital Signature

Digital signature / electronic signature

Digital signatures are frequently mistakenly referred to as electronic signatures because they are often confused as being the same thing, but there are many key differences between them. Digital signatures are a subgroup of electronic signatures that utilize cryptographic algorithms and a digital certificate to validate a signer’s identity; digital signatures also verify the integrity of a document. 

Electronic signatures may be as straightforward as a signature you type into a form or a swipe made with your finger on a machine; an electronic signature generally does not require a certificate. Digital signatures, on the other hand, function like a unique electronic fingerprint backed by a digital certificate for encryption. Their primary goal is to verify the signer’s identity and authenticate the document. 

For sensitive transactions (such as financial records or health-care documents) digital signatures are recommended because they provide tamper-evident protection and are harder to repudiate.

Legal foundations around the world

The ESIGN Act (2000) and the UETA (1999) form the backbone of U.S. e-signature law. Together, they establish that electronic signatures have the same legal standing as wet-ink signatures, pre-empt conflicting state laws, and require intent, consent, association, and record retention. The acts exclude certain documents such as wills, trusts, and some family-law agreements, which still require physical signatures.

Why Sign PDFs Electronically?

Printing, signing, and scanning PDFs is inefficient and error-prone. Electronic signatures streamline agreements, cut paper waste, and reduce turnaround times. The Signeasy guide highlights several benefits:

1. Ease of use: Modern e-signature tools allow you to upload a PDF, designate a signing order, and send it within minutes. Recipients can sign from any device, removing geographic barriers and accelerating workflows.

2. Legally binding: Electronic signatures are globally accepted and comply with regulations such as ESIGN and eIDAS. Many platforms incorporate audit trails and digital certificates to provide additional assurance.

3. Security and integrity: E-signature software typically uses encryption, single sign-on (SSO), audit logs, and tamper-evident seals. Digital signatures add cryptographic mechanisms to confirm authenticity.

4. Advanced fields and automation: Tools like Signeasy can create fillable templates and guide signers to complete names, dates, and checkboxes automatically. This reduces errors and speeds up repetitive agreements.

5. Cloud integration: Many services integrate with Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Dropbox, and other cloud platforms. You can sign, send, and store documents without leaving your favourite productivity apps.

6. Environmental benefits: Signing electronically eliminates unnecessary printing and scanning, helping organizations reduce their carbon footprint.

Choosing the Right Tool for Online Document Signing

WeSignature is a top choice since it offers easy, reliable e-signature services for PDF documents with clear, simple steps. You can sign PDF documents without the frustration of confusing processes and long learning curves, which makes WeSignature great for anyone needing to electronically sign PDFs. Whether you are signing a single PDF document or managing many documents, WeSignature is designed to help users find quick, easy ways to sign documents on both mobile devices and computers, providing the same speed, clarity, and ease of use.

WeSignature wants to offer users an easy, fast, and efficient way to sign documents electronically and securely. With WeSignature’s cloud integration capabilities, users can easily upload, manage, and sign their PDF documents from anywhere at any time. As a result, workers will have a high level of flexibility.

In addition to allowing you to upload your documents for signature, WeSignature is designed to make signatures accessible via smartphone or tablet devices. Remote workers, freelancers, and companies requiring rapid turnaround times will benefit from the fact that a PDF document can be signed while away from a computer. WeSignature ensures that your signed PDFs are secure, easily verifiable, and legally compliant.

So, if you’re in the market for an eSignature solution that will provide you with a blend of convenience and professionalism, WeSignature is a great option because it minimizes disruptions to your workflow while providing compliance with all requirements for business, legal, and operational use.

Creating and Using Electronic Signatures on Any Device

WeSignature allows users to complete an entire document signing workflow from their computer, smartphone, tablet, or any other connected device. The steps to sign a PDF document using WeSignature are the same regardless of the device being used: upload the document, add signature fields, create or insert your own signature, then save or send the signed PDF file back to you. This provides a user-friendly, consistent experience across all platforms; therefore, it doesn’t matter where you are or what device you are using, WeSignature will enable you to sign documents effectively without having to switch tools.

Signing PDFs on a Windows computer

Using WeSignature on Windows computers will enable you to sign PDF documents in a professional and convenient manner with the use of any modern web browser. Since WeSignature does not require downloading additional software or hardware, it is highly efficient for anyone who signs documents infrequently or regularly.

1. Create an account: Sign up for or log in to your WeSignature account.
2. Upload your PDF: Click the upload option and select your PDF file from your computer or connected cloud storage.
3. Choose the signing option: Select whether you are the only signer or if others need to sign the document.
4. Add signers and settings: Enter signer names and email addresses, define signing order, and configure reminders or expiration dates if required.
5. Prepare the document: Open the editor and drag the Signature field onto the document. You can also add text fields, dates, initials, or checkboxes as needed.
6. Create your signature: Type your name using a signature-style font, draw your signature using a mouse or touchscreen, or upload an image of your handwritten signature.
7. Sign and finish: Place your signature, review the document, and click Finish. The signed PDF is securely stored in your WeSignature account with a complete audit trail and can be downloaded or shared instantly.

Signing PDFs on Mac

Users of the Mac operating system can electronically sign PDF documents in WeSignature via a web browser; this means they won’t need to use the built-in PDF signing features in the Mac OS.

1. Sign in to WeSignature.

2. Upload the PDF file either from your Mac or from a cloud storage service.

3. Open the PDF file in the WeSignature Editor Application.

4. Create an electronic signature by typing, drawing or uploading an image.

5. Drag and drop the electronic signature onto the PDF document and resize and/or re-position it as necessary.

6. Save or send the signed PDF.

Because WeSignature is browser-based, you can sign documents on macOS whether you are online at work or working remotely, without installing additional applications.

Signing PDFs on iPhone or iPad

WeSignature is fully optimized for mobile devices, allowing iPhone and iPad users to sign PDFs directly in their browsers or mobile interfaces.

1. Open WeSignature on your mobile browser and log in.

2. Upload the PDF from your device, email, or cloud storage.

3. Tap to open the document in the editor.

4. Add signature fields and create your signature using your finger or stylus.

5. Place the signature, review the document, and confirm.

6. Download or share the signed PDF immediately.

All signed documents sync automatically with your WeSignature account, so you can access them later from any device.

Signing PDFs on Android

Android users can sign PDFs using WeSignature without installing an app.

1. Open WeSignature in your mobile browser and log in.

2. Upload the PDF from your phone or connected cloud service.

3. Add signature fields and other required form elements.

4. Draw, type, or upload your signature.

5. Save the signed document or send it to other signers.

The experience mirrors desktop signing, ensuring consistency across platforms.

Signing PDFs with Cloud Integration

WeSignature supports cloud-based workflows, making it easy to sign and store documents without downloading files locally.

You can:

• Upload PDFs directly from cloud storage
• Sign documents and save them back to the cloud
• Share signed PDFs with collaborators instantly

This is especially useful for remote teams, freelancers, and businesses that rely on cloud document management.

Best Practices for Secure, Legal E-Signature Use with WeSignature

To ensure your electronically signed PDFs are secure and legally enforceable, follow these best practices:

1. Confirm signer intent and consent: WeSignature requires clear actions to confirm intent to sign.

2. Tie signatures to documents: Each signed PDF includes metadata such as timestamps and signer information.

3. Use appropriate signature methods: Simple electronic signatures are suitable for most agreements, while enhanced verification can be used for higher-risk documents.

4. Maintain audit trails: WeSignature automatically records signing activity and document history.

5. Secure your account and devices: Enable strong passwords and avoid signing documents on unsecured networks.

6. Verify signer identity when needed: Use signer authentication features for critical agreements.

7. Understand document limitations: Some legal documents may still require handwritten signatures depending on jurisdiction.

Future Trends and Conclusion

The rapid growth of electronic signature technology has been aided by eIDAS, the EU’s regulatory framework for electronic signature recognition, which establishes a uniform standard for electronic signatures across the EU. The ESIGN Act is the law that governs online document signing in the United States.

New electronic signature trends are mobile-first signing, biometric authentication (fingerprint and face recognition), and immutable audit trails using blockchain technology. The addition of automation of contract approval processes by integrating artificial intelligence with e-signature technology is also emerging.

This guide provides the legal basis for creating and signing electronic signatures, as well as guidance on selecting the correct e-signature platform, such as Wesignature. IT will guide you through the implementation process and the step-by-step procedures for creating your electronic signature and signing PDF documents on any device.

E-signatures are a secure, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way of signing documents. As more businesses utilize e-signatures and regulations evolve, the convenience of using e-signatures will continue to expand.To start using e-signatures, select Wesignature as your exclusive e-signature provider, create an electronic signature, and implement e-signatures into your business document workflow..