How to Sign a PDF on Mac: 4 Free and Easy Ways

As people become more conscious about being environmentally friendly, many businesses decide to switch to paperless document flow. Today we will show you 4 ways how to sign a PDF on Mac quickly and without resorting to complex and expensive programs. This will help business owners and workers digitalize their contract signing and create an electronic signature.

1. Sign a PDF on Mac online with PDF Candy

This popular online service allows you to add a signature to PDF on Mac in just a few simple steps. All you need is your computer connected to the Internet. Follow the instructions below to sign a PDF online on iMac or MacBook.

Open the online PDF signer.
Next, upload the document using the "+ Add file" button. Do this by dragging the files from your device's internal memory or uploading directly from Google Drive and Dropbox.
When the PDF document opens, click the "Add Signature" tool in the left column of the working window.
Type your initials with the keyboard, draw your signature with the mouse or trackpad, or insert an image.
Adjust the size of the signature to match the document lining.
Select the "Export File" button to sign your PDF on Mac. Save the document or transfer it back to the cloud.

Sign PDF on macOS

On the download page, you will find supplementary instruments for other manipulations with your PDF file, such as setting a password. You can merge PDFs, sort or delete pages, compress, and more.

Pros of signing PDF documents on Mac with PDF Candy

Free to use way to go paperless;
Does not require downloading and installing additional software;
Works on all models of iMac and MacBook and all versions of iOS;
Ability to choose any browser to add a signature to a PDF file;
Fast data processing due to modern algorithms;
Availability of additional free online PDF tools to further work with the PDF.

2. How to sign a PDF on Mac with Preview

This option to add a hand-written signature to PDF involves the use of the pre-installed application of your MacBook or iMac. The program has several useful features that many new users disregard because they are unaware of their existence. Follow the steps below to use the built-in utility for signing PDF files on your Apple computer.

Open the PDF file you want to sign with the Preview.
If your Markup Toolbar is hidden, open it with the icon next to the search area.
Then click the "Signature" icon. Use the trackpad to create the signature electronically or sign on white paper and transfer the signature using the "Camera" option.
Move your signature to the desired location on the document. Modify the size if needed.
Save the changes to sign a PDF on Mac.

Now you can proceed and send the signed paper to a recipient. Locate the PDF and email it. In case your file is too big to be sent, you can first compress your PDF and forward a lighter form.

Pros of using Preview to sign a PDF document on Mac

Ability to transform a live signature on paper into the digital one;
The program is already pre-installed on your PC;
Supports new and old versions of the Apple software.

Cons of Preview when used as a desktop PDF signer

You have to know the meaning of all the icons in the application to find the right one;
No possibility to immediately share the signed document as the app works offline;
Does not save the original unsigned file;
Complex signatures may lose details while being transformed from paper.

3. How to sign PDF files on Mac using DocuSign

This is a service that helps quickly add a signature to a PDF and can be used on a Mac. The online toolkit is suitable for use in the corporate setting as you can assign documents to specific individuals. To learn how to utilize the resource, see the below instructions.

Purchase an access code or sign up for a 30-day free trial.
Type your first and last names in the corresponding areas, add your phone number, and select "Next."
The platform will email you a confirmation link to the electronic address provided, and click "Confirm Email." Set a password. Just like that, you have a profile with DocuSign.
Go to the "Signatures" menu and determine your signing style by choosing "Create Signature".
Upload the document(s) to sign PDF on Mac online.
In the dropdown list "Recipients," you can add other signers or indicate that you are the only signer. Click "Sign" in the bottom right corner.
Add your signature or initials, and adjust the sizing and position. Hit "Finish" to complete the signing.

The signed PDF will be available in the "Completed" folder. If you sign a scanned contract, you are capable of performing optical character recognition of the PDF and saving the content for reference.

Pros of utilizing DocuSign to sign a PDF on your Mac online

Allows to designate receivers and set reminders to sign documents.

Cons of DocuSign online PDF signer for Mac

Confusing desktop interface for iMac users due to the layout of the website;
All recipients have to have a profile with the portal to receive documents;
In the trial version, the signature is surrounded by the service's name and the user's account number;
Some functions are exclusive to those having paid access.

4. Using Adobe Acrobat Reader to add a signature to PDF on Mac

The standard Acrobat Reader also offers to sign a PDF on Mac electronically. The user is able to make a new signature or insert an existing one into the PDF file. See the step-by-step guide to read how to put a signature on PDF on Mac.

Open the PDF document you have to sign in Adobe Acrobat using the field "Open File." There is also an alternative to select the tool "Fill & Edit" from the "Recommended tools for you" area.
In the menu on the left, choose "Add Signature" or "Add initials," depending on what is relevant to you. You can type, draw in the field, or upload an image with your pre-made signature.
Change the size and position of the signature. Save the signed PDF.

After you save your signed paper, you can add page numbers to the file to facilitate a fast page search.

Pros of signing PDF on Mac with Acrobat Reader

Friendly interface, understandable on an intuitive level;
An app designed specifically for Apple computers.

Cons of using Reader as a tool to sign a PDF file on Mac

Limited choice of styles for typed signatures;
Many features of the software are available with a paid account.

Conclusion

Now you know 4 different ways how to sign a PDF on Mac fast and efficiently. All four methods are valid and effective but based on different principles. Some offer more tools, some specialize in remaining basic; some are online services, while others are offline software. Choose the one that works best for you!

How to Sign a PDF on Mac