Printing a document just to sign it and then scan it back is an absurd workflow in 2026. Electronic signatures are legally valid in most jurisdictions, can be added in minutes, and look more professional than a scanned handwritten signature. Here is everything you need to know about signing PDFs online for free.
Are electronic signatures legally valid?
In most countries, yes — with important nuances:
- United States — The ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA give electronic signatures the same legal standing as handwritten signatures for most commercial agreements.
- European Union — eIDAS Regulation recognises three tiers of e-signature. A simple electronic signature (a drawn or typed signature) is valid for most everyday contracts.
- United Kingdom — The Electronic Communications Act 2000 and common law treat electronic signatures as valid for most purposes.
- Exceptions — Wills, property transfers in some jurisdictions, notarised documents, and court filings may require physical signatures or specific certified digital signatures. Always check local requirements for high-stakes legal documents.
For everyday business use — contracts, agreements, NDAs, offer letters, and approvals — an electronic signature is fully valid and accepted.
Types of electronic signatures
- Drawn signature — You draw your signature using a mouse, trackpad, or stylus. Looks most like a traditional handwritten signature.
- Typed signature — Your name is typed and rendered in a script font. Less personal but fast and consistently legible.
- Uploaded signature image — You upload a PNG of your actual signature (e.g. scanned from paper), which is placed onto the document as a transparent image.
- Initials — A smaller version of your signature for initialling specific paragraphs or pages.
Step-by-step: signing a PDF with ToolsGravity
- Open the eSign PDF tool and upload the PDF you need to sign.
- Create your signature: draw it in the signature pad, type your name and choose a font, or upload a signature image.
- Click on the page where you want to place the signature. Drag to reposition and resize as needed.
- Add your initials to additional pages or paragraphs if the document requires them.
- Add the date if required — many documents need the signature date alongside the signature.
- Click Apply & Download. The signed PDF is saved to your device.
- Send the signed PDF via email or upload it to the requesting platform. Keep a copy for your records.
Signing vs password protecting: combining both
Signing a PDF proves you approved it; password protecting it prevents unauthorised access. For sensitive contracts, consider doing both:
- Sign the document using the eSign PDF tool.
- Add password protection using the PDF Password Protector so only the intended recipient can open it.
- Share the password through a separate, secure channel.
Electronic signature vs digital certificate
| Feature | Electronic signature (drawn/typed) | Digital certificate signature |
|---|
| Setup required | None | Certificate authority verification |
| Cost | Free | Annual fee for most CAs |
| Proof of identity | Limited | Cryptographically verified |
| Legal validity (everyday use) | Valid in most jurisdictions | Valid, with stronger authentication |
| Best for | Business agreements, everyday contracts | Government, financial, high-risk legal documents |
Summary
Signing PDFs electronically is faster, cleaner, and legally valid for the vast majority of everyday business documents. The ToolsGravity eSign PDF tool lets you draw, type, or upload your signature and place it precisely on any document in seconds — all in your browser, with your files never stored on any server. For maximum security on sensitive contracts, combine signing with password protection.