How to Find and Sign a PDF Document Sent by Email
Question details
The user needs to locate a PDF document received via email and electronically sign it.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Receiving a PDF file through an email attachment or secure link that requires an electronic signature.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to successfully open the document from the email notification and complete the electronic signing process.
Ensure you have a reliable internet connection to access your email and a compatible PDF reader installed on your device to open and sign the document.
Open and Sign the Document Using Adobe Acrobat
The standard method for accessing and signing a PDF sent via an Adobe sign request or standard email attachment.
When someone requests your signature via Adobe, you typically receive an email notification containing a secure link or a direct PDF attachment. Opening this directly in Adobe Acrobat allows you to use built-in signing tools.
Open your preferred email client and find the message containing the document notification or PDF attachment.
Tap or click the PDF attachment to download it, or click the 'Review and sign' link provided in the email.
When prompted by your device, choose Adobe Acrobat to open the PDF file. If you downloaded the file, locate it in your downloads folder and open it with Acrobat.
Follow the on-screen prompts or tap the 'Fill & Sign' tool on the toolbar to draw, type, or insert your electronic signature.
Save the signed document to your device, or if using a web link, click the 'Submit' button to finalize the signing process.

Sign PDFs from Your Email Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a fast, lightweight, and completely free way to open PDF attachments directly from your email client and apply your electronic signature without needing expensive software.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your desktop or mobile device.
- 2. Save the email attachment: Open your email client and download the required PDF attachment to your local device.
- 3. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office, click 'Open', and select the downloaded PDF file.
- 4. Use the signature tool: Navigate to the 'Insert' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon and select 'PDF Signature' to create or insert your signature.
- 5. Save the document: Place the signature in the appropriate field and click 'Save' to finalize your signed document.

Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I open the PDF attachment from my email?
The file might be corrupted, or you may not have a default PDF reader installed. Try saving the file to your device's local storage first, then opening it directly from your file manager using a program like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat.
Do I need to print the document to sign it?
No, modern PDF readers allow you to create and place an electronic signature directly onto the digital file. You can draw it with your mouse or touchscreen, type your name, or upload an image of your physical signature.
Can I sign a PDF on my mobile phone?
Yes, you can use mobile applications like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat Reader on iOS and Android. Simply tap the email attachment, choose to open it with the app, and use the built-in signature tools.
Is an electronic signature legally binding?
In most regions and for standard business documents, electronic signatures applied through recognized PDF software are legally binding. However, specific requirements can vary depending on your jurisdiction and the nature of the document.




