How to sign a PDF on Mac

As a Mac user, you’re probably familiar with Preview as the default app for viewing images. But this handy application also gives you an easy way to sign documents. You can create and save a signature using your trackpad, camera, or mobile device. Then insert this signature into the document in just a few steps.

How to sign a PDF file on Mac using Preview by pasting a saved signature or creating a new one.

Sign a PDF on Mac with Preview

If you already have a saved signature, signing the PDF file in Preview on Mac is a simple process.

Step 1: Open the PDF file in Preview. You can do this by right-clicking and moving the file in a folder or on your desktop Open withand choose preview from the context menu.

If you already have Preview open, select Alternate file > Open and browse for the file. Choose the PDF and select it Open.

Step 2: Choose mark in the preview toolbar at the top. This brings up a toolbar for the marking tools.

Step 3: Use the drop down arrow next to that Sign button to select your signature.

Step 4: When your signature appears, drag it to where you want it in the document. You can also drag a corner to resize the signature to fit the document if needed.

Then you can save, export or share the PDF file with others file in the menu bar.

Create a signature and sign your PDF in preview

If you don’t already have a signature, you can create one to easily preview your document. Your new signature will be saved automatically so you can reuse it later in Preview.

Step 1: Open your PDF in Preview and select it mark in the toolbar.

Step 2: Use the drop down arrow next to that Sign button to select Create Signature.

Step 3: You can then create your signature using your trackpad, camera, iPhone, or iPad. Here are the instructions for each option:

trackpad: Choose trackpad to sign your name with your Mac’s trackpad and select Click here to get started. Use your finger to sign your name on the trackpad.

Camera: Choose camera to capture an image of your signature from a physical piece of paper. Use a piece of white paper and sign your name. Then hold the paper up to your camera so that your signature lines up with the blue line on the screen.

iPhone or iPad: Choose iPhone or iPad > Select device in the preview window and select your iPhone or iPad from the list. A screen will then appear on your mobile device ready for your signature. Create the signature and tap Finished.

Step 4: With any of the above methods, you can use the description Signature description field. You can also choose Clear if you want to repeat the signature.

Choose Finished when you’re done

Step 5: When you preview the signature indicator with any of the above options, you can drag it to move it to where you want it in the document. Again, you can drag a corner to resize your signature.

Next you can save, export or share the signed PDF file file in the menu bar.

If you need to sign a PDF document for work, school or business, it only takes a few minutes in Preview on Mac. Also see How to Print a PDF on Mac for more information.

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