How to Sign PDF on iPad for Free
Summary :
Learn how to add a signature to a PDF document on an iPad for free, with or without an internet connection.
Table of Contents
Signing a PDF ensures its integrity and validity. While the built-in Markup tool on iPad makes signing easy, it places the signature as an overlay, which can be easily removed.
This article presents two free methods to flatten signatures, merging them into the document to prevent tampering and enhance security. Whether with or without the internet, you’ll find the solution here.
How to Sign PDF on iPad with a Free App
PDFgear for iOS is a more reliable option. It flattens the signature, merging it into the PDF to prevent tampering.
You can sign PDFs by typing, drawing, uploading an image, or even taking a photo of your handwritten signature in real-time.
Before we dive into the steps, check out this quick video to see how easy it is to sign a PDF for free!
How to Add Signatures in a PDF on iPad for Free
Step 1. Download PDFgear for iOS from the App Store and tap “Files” to open a PDF.
Choose a PDF to Open with PDFgear
Step 2. Tap “Edit” at the top-right, then select the “Fill & Sign” option. Tap the “Signature” icon and choose “Create Signature.”
Create a Signature with PDFgear
Step 3. Three signature options are available:
🔹Draw: Use your finger or Apple Pencil to draw your signature, with three color options available.
Draw Your Name in PDFgear
🔹Image: Upload a signature image from your device or scan a handwritten signature for PDF with your camera.
Add a Signature Image in PDF with PDFgear
🔹Text: Type your signature and choose a color.
Type Your Signature in PDF with PDFgear
Step 4. Place the signature in the desired location on your PDF. Tap it and select “Flatten Signature” to secure it and prevent removal.
Flatten Your Signature in PDF with PDFgear
Step 5. Tap the three-dot button and share the PDF directly via Mail or other social apps.
Share the Signed PDF with PDFgear
How to Sign PDF on iPad Online for Free
PDFgear’s online signer offers professional signature solutions. You can type your name, draw it with a finger or Apple Pencil, or upload an image of your signature.
The key advantage of PDFgear is its focus on security and privacy. It saves documents directly to your device, ensuring your information remains secure and protected from leaks—significant for sensitive documents.
Step 1. Go to PDFgear Online PDF Signer and click “Upload PDF files” to open the PDF that requires a signature.
Drag and Open a PDF in PDFgear Online Signer
Step 2. Click “Add or Edit annotation” > Select the “Signature” icon > Click “Add Signature.”
Find the Signature Button in PDFgear Online Signer
Step 3. Choose one of three ways to add your signature then click “Create”:
🔹Draw: Use your finger or Apple Pencil to draw your signature.
🔹Type: Type your name with the keyboard.
🔹Upload: Click “Browse” to upload a signature image from your device.
Create a Signature in PDFgear Online Signer
Step 4. Position and resize your signature. Your finger works best for placement.
Place and Resize Your Signature
Step 5. Click “Download PDF” to save the signed document.
Download the Signed PDF
FAQs
Can I sign a PDF with a photo of my handwritten signature?
Yes, PDFgear allows you to take a photo of your handwritten signature and add it to a PDF in real time using your iPad’s camera. See the first method above for detailed steps.
How can I make my signature permanent on the PDF?
You can flatten the signature using PDFgear, which merges it into the document, making it permanent and tamper-proof. This ensures your signature can’t be easily altered or removed.
Can I sign multiple pages in a PDF on my iPad?
Yes, with PDFgear, you can sign multiple pages within a PDF. Simply navigate to each page and place your signature where needed.
Conclusion
PDFgear is the perfect PDF signing tool for you, offering both online and offline capabilities. Unlike built-in tools like Apple Notes, PDFgear provides enhanced security and tamper-proof protection. Give it a try, and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
