Other PDF Issues

How to Send a PDF for Signature from Outlook

Anum Mushtaq Oct 23, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to find out if and how they can send a PDF document through Microsoft Outlook to request an electronic signature.

Product: Microsoft Outlook, PDF
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Requesting a secure electronic signature for a contract or document via email.
Observed behavior: The user needs to integrate an e-signature workflow into their Outlook email process instead of just sending standard attachments.

Before you start

Ensure you have an active account with a dedicated electronic signature service (such as Adobe Sign, DocuSign, or similar) as Outlook does not have native document e-signature request capabilities built-in.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an E-Signature Add-in in Outlook

Utilizing dedicated integrations allows you to start the signature request directly inside your Outlook interface for a seamless workflow.

Many popular electronic signature services offer official Outlook add-ins. This allows you to attach a document, configure the required signature fields, and send the request without ever leaving your email client.

Install the Add-in

Open Microsoft Outlook, navigate to the 'Home' tab on the ribbon, click 'Get Add-ins', and search for your e-signature provider (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Sign or DocuSign).

Authenticate your Account

Click the newly added e-signature icon in your ribbon and log in to your electronic signature service account to authorize the integration.

Draft the Email and Attach PDF

Create a new email message and attach the PDF document that requires a signature.

Request Signature

Click the add-in button in the message window, specify the recipient roles or required signature fields, and send the email.

Automatic Tracking: Using a dedicated add-in automatically tracks the document's status and sends you updates when the recipient views or signs the PDF.

Solution 2

Generate and Email a Secure Signing Link

If you cannot use an add-in, you can manually generate a secure link from your e-signature platform and paste it into an Outlook email.

Prepare, Sign, and Share PDFs Seamlessly with WPS PDF

WPS Office includes a robust PDF editor that lets you easily fill forms, add your own electronic signatures, and share documents directly through email in just a few clicks.

1. Open PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the built-in PDF viewer.
2. Add Your Signature: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Insert' tab, click 'Sign', and create or apply your electronic signature to the document.
3. Save and Email: Save your signed document, click the 'Share' button at the top right, and select 'Email' to automatically attach the PDF to a new message in Outlook or your default email client.

Fully compatible with standard PDF formats and Adobe AcrobatBuilt-in electronic signature and text addition toolsEasily share documents via email directly from the applicationLightweight, user-friendly, and free to download

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Outlook's standard email signature feature to sign a PDF document?

No, the built-in Outlook signature feature is only for adding your contact information or personal sign-off to the body of an email. To sign a PDF, you need a dedicated document signing tool or an e-signature add-in.

Are PDFs sent for signature via Outlook legally binding?

Standard PDF attachments sent via email are generally not considered secure, legally binding e-signatures. However, if you use a compliant third-party e-signature add-in (like DocuSign or Adobe Sign) through Outlook, the resulting signatures are legally binding and include a verifiable audit trail.

Why isn't my e-signature add-in appearing in the Outlook ribbon?

Your add-in might be disabled, or your organization's IT policies may restrict third-party integrations. You can check this by navigating to File > Options > Add-ins in Outlook to ensure the e-signature plugin is enabled.

PDF Troubleshooting