How to Sign a Fillable PDF with a Finger or Stylus in Acrobat
Question details
The user needs to add a handwritten signature to a fillable PDF form using a touchscreen interface, finger, or stylus without requiring a certificate-based digital ID.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Applying a simple manual signature to a digital form via a touchscreen or drawing peripheral.
- Observed behavior
- The goal is to place a freehand electronic signature on a document instead of triggering complex cryptographic digital signature fields.
Ensure your Windows device has a working touchscreen or a connected stylus, and verify that the PDF file does not have security restrictions preventing editing or signing.
Use the Fill & Sign Tool to Draw Your Signature
The standard Fill & Sign feature allows users to draw their handwritten signature directly onto the document using any pointing device or touchscreen.
This method is ideal for quickly signing documents that do not strictly require a verifiable, certificate-based digital ID.
Open your PDF form in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. From the right-hand tool pane, select 'Fill & Sign'.
Click the 'Sign yourself' icon located on the top toolbar, then select 'Add Signature' from the dropdown menu.
In the signature window, click on the 'Draw' icon. Use your finger, stylus, or mouse to draw your signature in the provided area.
Click 'Apply' to save the signature, then click anywhere on your PDF document where you want the signature to appear. You can click and drag the edges to resize it.
Prepare a Form with a Signature Field for Others
If you are the document creator, you can add a designated signature field so recipients can easily click and draw their own signatures.
Easily Sign Fillable PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office provides an intuitive PDF editor that lets you effortlessly add handwritten signatures using a mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, or stylus. It is fully compatible with standard PDF forms and requires no complex digital certificates.
- 1. Open the PDF: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document.
- 2. Navigate to the Sign Tool: Click on the 'Insert' or 'Fill & Sign' tab on the top ribbon, then select 'Sign' and choose 'Create Signature'.
- 3. Draw Your Signature: Select the 'Draw' tab in the signature dialog box. Use your stylus or finger to sign your name, then click 'OK'.
- 4. Place the Signature: Hover your cursor over the document and click on the desired line to place your signature. Drag the corners to adjust the size if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Acrobat ask for a Digital ID instead of letting me draw my signature?
If the document creator used a formal 'Digital Signature' field (which requires cryptographic certificates), the software will prompt for a Digital ID. To bypass this and draw a simple handwritten signature, ignore the specific field and use the generic 'Fill & Sign' tool from the right-hand menu.
Does an electronic freehand signature drawn with a stylus hold legal weight?
In many jurisdictions, an electronic freehand signature (e-signature) drawn with a stylus or finger is legally binding for most standard business contracts and forms. However, certain highly regulated documents may specifically require a cryptographic digital signature.
Why is my touchscreen not responding when I try to draw in the signature box?
Ensure that the 'Draw' tab is actively selected within the signature menu. If you are using an active stylus, check its battery and Bluetooth connection. You may also need to update your device's touchscreen or pen drivers in Windows.
Can I save my drawn signature for future use?
Yes. When you draw your signature in the 'Add Signature' dialog box, ensure the 'Save signature' checkbox is ticked. This securely stores your signature within the application, allowing you to instantly place it on future PDFs with a single click.
