How to Electronically Sign a PDF (Fast, Free & Legally Valid)

You need to e-sign a PDF but don't want to go through 12 steps, download sketchy apps, or get locked into expensive tools that even have some hidden charges.

Here's the simple guide - what e-signatures really are, what makes them legally binding, and how you can sign any PDF in 30 seconds flat with SignWith.

What Even Is an Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature (e-signature) is just a digital way to say: "Yes, I agree."

It can be as simple as typing your name, drawing it with your finger, or even clicking an "I Agree" button.

But not all e-signatures are the same - and not all are legally binding.

Types of Electronic Signatures (SES, AES, QES)

Not all e-signatures are equal in the eyes of the law. Here are the three main types:

• SES (Simple Electronic Signature): The most common. Just your name typed, drawn, or pasted into a doc.
• AES (Advanced Electronic Signature): Tied to your identity, a digital certificate issued by a Certificate Authority, and ensures the doc hasn't been tampered with.
• QES (Qualified Electronic Signature): The strictest - Signing with a secure device (e.g., smart card or USB token) and a qualified digital certificate vetted by a trusted Certification Authority.

For most personal and small business use cases (especially in the US), SES or AES is more than enough.

Is It Legally Binding?

Yes - as long as you meet a few basic criteria.

In the United States of America, e-signatures are legally valid under:

• ✅ UETA (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act)
• ✅ ESIGN Act (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act)

These laws ensure that if both parties agree to sign electronically and there's intent + consent, the e-signature holds up just like ink.

How to Electronically Sign a PDF (In 30 Seconds) with SignWith

You don't need to overthink this. If you're just trying to sign a document or collect a signature, SignWith keeps it dead simple.

👉 Here's how:

1. Go to app.SignWith.co - and sign up.
2. Upload your PDF
3. Add a Signature block(s) - drag it where you want → draw or type your name (you can even request signatures from other parties)
4. Download the signed PDF instantly

No login. No bloat. No upsells.

With this you even get a well-structured audit log that tells you:

• Who signed the document
• When they signed it (timestamped)
• Where they signed it from (IP address + device info)
• Verification details to prove authenticity

Perfect for contracts, NDAs, and any doc where proof matters.

📹 Watch this 30-second video to see how easy it really is:

What About Other Tools?

There are bigger tools like DocuSign, DropBox, PandaDoc, etc.

If your workflow involves:

• Multiple signers across orgs
• CRM integrations
• Contract templates
• Automation

Then one of those may fit better.

But here's the thing - these tools are often built for large teams and come with hefty monthly subscriptions. Great if you're a legal department at a mid-size company.

Overkill if you're just trying to get a couple of PDFs signed each week.

SignWith is built for solo founders, freelancers, and small teams who don't want to commit to another $30+/mo SaaS bill.

• ✅ 3 free documents every month
• ✅ No subscription required
• ✅ Just pay-per-document if you need more

So you only pay when you actually need to sign something - not for a bloated tool you barely use.

SignWith vs Traditional E-Signature Tools

Related Resources

• How to Add a Digital Signature Block in PDF for Someone Else to Sign
• Digital Signature vs. Electronic Signature: What's the Difference?

FAQs