How to Digitally Sign Documents for Free: A Guide to Simple and Secure E-Signatures

In today’s digital world, the need to sign documents electronically is becoming more and more common. The days of printing out documents, signing them by hand, and scanning them for submission are now behind us. Thanks to the internet, digital signatures have simplified this process, enabling us to sign documents with just a few clicks or swipe gestures. However, many third-party programs charge additional fees for signing documents, which can be frustrating. In this article, we will show you how to sign digital documents for free on both your PC and smartphone.

Understanding Digital Signatures

When it comes to digital signatures, not all signatures are created equal. There are three main types of digital signatures:

1. Simple Electronic Signature (EES)
2. Advanced Electronic Signature (FES)
3. Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)

While all of these serve the purpose of digitally signing documents, they vary in terms of legal validity and security. In this article, we will focus on the Simple Electronic Signature (EES), which is sufficient for most personal and informal use cases. While this type of signature is free and easy to use, it doesn’t offer the same legal security as the more advanced types, which we will briefly touch on later.

Signing Documents with Adobe Acrobat Reader

One of the most widely used free tools for signing documents is Adobe Acrobat Reader. This software is constantly updated and is a staple on many PCs and smartphones. For most users, Adobe Acrobat Reader is a basic tool already included in their digital toolbox.

To digitally sign a document using Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can simply place a corresponding signature within a PDF. Once the signature is inserted and saved, it becomes an integral part of the document—just like a traditional pen-and-paper signature. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Click on the “Fill & Sign” option in the toolbar.
3. Select the “Sign” option, then choose “Add Signature.”
4. You can either type, draw, or upload a scanned version of your signature.
5. Position the signature on the document and save the file.

Troubleshooting Saving Signatures in Adobe Acrobat Reader

If you’re unable to save your signature after placing it on the document, try running Adobe Acrobat Reader as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the program shortcut and select “Run as Administrator.” This should resolve any issues with saving the document.

Sending Documents for Signature with Adobe Acrobat Reader

Another feature offered by Adobe Acrobat Reader (though limited in the free version) is the ability to send documents to others for signature. Simply use the “Fill & Sign” option to share the document with the recipient, and they can sign it digitally as well.

Signing Documents on Your Smartphone

Signing documents on-the-go has never been easier. If you’re using a smartphone, there are plenty of free options for signing documents directly from your mobile device. One popular app is PDF Reader – PDF Viewer, available for free download on Android via the Google Play Store. This app allows you to sign documents in no time at all. Here’s how to sign a document using PDF Reader:

1. Download and install PDF Reader – PDF Viewer from the Google Play Store.
2. Open your PDF document in the app.
3. Tap on the signature icon to add your signature.
4. Draw or upload your signature and position it on the document.

Signing Documents in Red or Black: PDF Reader vs. Acrobat Reader

The free version of PDF Reader has some limitations, such as the inability to choose signature colors other than red. If you prefer to sign documents in classic black, Adobe Acrobat Reader for mobile devices is an alternative, though it’s a bit more limited in functionality compared to the desktop version. Acrobat Reader is available for both Android and iOS, making it a flexible option for mobile users.

To sign documents with Acrobat Reader on your mobile:

1. Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Reader.
2. Tap on the “Fill & Sign” option.
3. Choose “Sign,” then either type or draw your signature.
4. Position the signature and save the file.

Using the Files App on iPhone or iPad

For iPhone or iPad users, there’s no need to download any third-party software to sign PDF documents. With the Files app, you can easily add a signature to a PDF document. Here’s how:

1. Open the PDF document in the Files app.
2. Tap the “Mark Up” option.
3. Select the pen tool, and draw your signature.
4. Save the document with your signature attached.

Alternative Methods: Microsoft Word and More

If you’re working with a document in Microsoft Word, you can also digitally sign it using the “Pen” feature. Simply insert an image of your handwritten signature into the document. Alternatively, you can print out the document, sign it manually, then take a photo of it with your smartphone.

Types of Digital Signatures

Now, let’s take a closer look at the three main types of digital signatures, which vary in their legal validity and security:

Simple Electronic Signature (EES)

This is the most basic form of digital signature and the one we’ve discussed in this article. EES includes signatures that are drawn with a touchscreen or scanned versions of handwritten signatures. These can be easily created and used for informal agreements, such as signing terms and conditions or confirming estimates and orders. While they are quick and free to use, they have little probative value in court because they can be easily forged.

Advanced Electronic Signature (FES)

The Advanced Electronic Signature (FES) offers more security than the simple electronic signature. It uses encryption and security keys to ensure that the signature can be traced back to the original signer. This type of signature is legally secure and can be used for signing important documents like employment contracts or rental agreements. However, to use FES, you’ll need additional services and tools, such as Adobe Acrobat Sign.

Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)

For documents that legally require a handwritten signature, the Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the most secure option. It provides the highest level of legal validity and is often used for contracts like fixed-term employment agreements or rental contracts. However, it comes with the highest requirements, such as a qualified digital certificate and a traceable identity check. You will need to work with a qualified e-signature provider, such as Skribble or InSign, to use this type of signature.

Conclusion

Digital signatures have become an essential tool in today’s fast-paced world, simplifying the process of signing documents. While there are different types of digital signatures, the Simple Electronic Signature (EES) is usually sufficient for personal and informal use, and it can be created and used free of charge. Whether you’re using Adobe Acrobat Reader, PDF Reader, or other apps, signing documents digitally has never been easier. However, for important legal documents, you may need to consider the more secure Advanced or Qualified Electronic Signatures for greater legal assurance.