The day has only started, and your laptop is already swamped with pdf documents awaiting your signature. And you always wonder how you'll get through so much paperwork and affix your signature while also attending to other tasks throughout the day.  

The idea of printing each document, physically signing it, and then scanning it doesn’t just sound stressful but also inefficient, considering all you have to accomplish for the day. You wonder if there is another way around this seemingly simple task without delay. Fortunately, there are various ways you can choose from. 

That said, here are some of the most common ways to sign a PDF using different devices.  

Apple Products – Using Email Preview 

A large number of PDFs are sent to people via email, so what better way to add signature to pdf if not directly from the email? 

This method works well with Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. This is because the Mail app on these devices supports the Markup feature. The markup feature allows users to add signatures to PDF files and documents that are viewed, i.e., opened through the Mail app. For Apple product users who want to take this route, here are the steps to do it: 

• First, open the email containing the PDF document. 
• Tap the PDF file attached to the email received. 
• Once you do so, an array of commands and options will appear on the screen.  
• Click on the toolbox-shaped icon tagged ‘Markup and Reply.’  
• Once you click on it, you’ll find a signature button at the bottom right side of the screen. 
• This offers you two options; you can sign the document by typing your name or drawing it as you would on paper. 
• Once you are done writing or drawing your signature, click or tap on ‘Done.’
  
  Windows And Mac - Using Adobe Acrobat
  

Whether you are a Windows or a Mac user, the well-known Adobe Acrobat is the best way to add a signature to a pdf with little to no worry.  

The Adobe Acrobat software enables you to do anything from reading and accessing PDFs to converting and printing PDF files. If you do not have one, you can download it through Chrome or your app store. Once downloaded, proceed to install it by following all the necessary steps. After installation, here are the steps to sign a PDF document using the Adobe Acrobat software: 

• First, open the document. You can do this either from the Adobe Acrobat application or your laptop’s ‘Downloaded Files.’   
• If you choose the ‘Downloaded Files’ option, click the document and select ‘Open with Adobe Reader.’   
• Once the software opens, search for the ‘Fill & Sign’ button in the right drop-down pane of the application.   
• Then click on it, and the ‘Sign’ option will appear.   
• Click on the ‘Sign’ option, and a box marked ‘Add Signature’ will appear.  
• Similar to the Email Preview feature, you can type the signature – usually your full name; draw your signature with the mouse and touchpad, or scan an already written signature on paper and upload it to Adobe Acrobat.   
• You can choose any form that’s most convenient for you. Once done, click on ‘Apply’ This saves the signature and allows you to use it on the document and subsequent documents whenever you want.Android Phones And iPhones – Using Adobe Fill & Sign

Adobe Fill & Sign is a more convenient option for smartphone users who don’t want to install Adobe software on their devices to save storage space. Keep in mind that this application functions the same way as the Adobe Acrobat software, with the exception that you can only read and sign PDFs using the Adobe Fill & Sign application. Here are the steps to follow:

• Download the Adobe Reader application from the Play Store or Apple Store and set up an account.  
• Once done, open the PDF document and scroll to where you wish to affix your signature.  
• Once there, tap on the signature button or the ‘Fill & Sign’ icon that you’ll see.   
• Look for the ‘Create Signature’ option, tap on it and draw or create your signature.   
• Then, click ‘Done’ to generate your signature.  
• To ensure that your signature remains in the correct position, drag and adjust it to your preference.

All Devices – Using Online PDF Signing Platforms

Another option for digitally signing PDF documents on any device, including Apple devices, Windows, Android phones, Chromebooks, and Linux, is to use online PDF signature services such as Signaturely, Ilovepdf, DocuSign, Smallpdf, Hellosign, and many others. 

These platforms operate using cloud-based software that doesn’t require users to download them. Here are the steps to any of this software:  

• Start by logging in to the platform's website. 
• Some may require you to sign in, while others may not. If necessary, sign in.  
• On the screen, you'll see an 'Upload File' or 'File Uploader' button. This allows you to locate and access the document stored on your device.  
• Select the document you want, and sign it using the signature feature.  

Conclusion  

Digitally signing a PDF document has never been easier. Regardless of the device you are using, there are simple and effective ways to affix your signature on as many documents as possible without having to go through the usual manual stress of printing, signing, and scanning the document.