How to Create an Electronic Signature and Sign Documents Online

Need to sign a PDF or online document without printing it?

You can create an electronic signature in minutes using your computer, phone, tablet, or an eSignature app.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• how to create an electronic signature online
• how to make an e signature for PDFs
• how to convert a handwritten signature into an eSignature
• how to create a reusable signature on desktop or mobile

Quick Answer: How to Create an Electronic Signature

1. Open the document or PDF you need to sign
2. Choose an eSignature tool or app
3. Type, draw, or upload your signature
4. Place the signature in the document
5. Save or send the signed file

You can create an electronic signature using:

• Adobe Acrobat
• Mac Preview
• Your phone camera
• Touchscreen devices
• Fill

Electronic signatures are commonly used for contracts, forms, agreements, invoices, and other online documents.

How to Sign Documents Online

You can sign documents online using a computer, phone, or tablet without printing or scanning paperwork.

Most eSignature tools allow you to:

• upload PDFs
• create or upload signatures
• sign documents electronically
• request signatures from others
• download signed copies instantly

Online document signing is commonly used for:

• contracts
• forms
• agreements
• HR paperwork
• client documents

If you need to sign a PDF immediately, you can use:

• Fill
• Adobe Acrobat
• Preview on Mac
• browser-based PDF signing tools

What Is an Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature (or eSignature) is a digital version of your handwritten signature used to sign documents online.

Depending on the tool you use, an eSignature can be:

• typed
• drawn with your finger or stylus
• uploaded as an image
• generated automatically by software

Electronic signatures are legally valid in many countries when used through compliant eSignature platforms.

1. Create an electronic signature using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adobe Acrobat is one of the most popular tools for signing PDF documents electronically.

It allows you to:

• type your signature
• draw your signature
• upload an image of your handwritten signature

How to Create an Electronic Signature in Adobe Acrobat

1. Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat
2. Click Fill & Sign
3. Select Add Signature
4. Choose whether to type, draw, or upload your signature
5. Insert the signature into the document
6. Save the signed PDF

This method works well for contracts, forms, and business documents that need PDF signing.

2. Create an Electronic Signature on Mac Using Preview

Mac users can create and save signatures directly in the built-in Preview app.

Once saved, your signature can be reused across PDF documents.

How to Create an ESignature in Preview

1. Open a PDF in Preview
2. Click the Markup icon
3. Select the Signature tool
4. Create a signature using:

• your trackpad
• your camera
• your iPhone or iPad

Save and insert the signature into the PDF. This is one of the easiest ways to sign PDFs on a Mac without installing additional software.

Read Further: How to sign documents on Mac

3. Convert Your Handwritten Signature Into an Electronic Signature

If you want your eSignature to look more natural, you can convert your handwritten signature into a digital image.

This is a popular option for:

• contracts
• freelance agreements
• business documents
• client paperwork

How to Convert a Signature Into an ESignature

1. Sign your name on white paper using dark ink
2. Take a clear photo using your phone
3. Crop the image closely around the signature
4. Remove shadows or background if needed
5. Save the file as PNG or JPG
6. Upload it into your eSignature software

You can then reuse the same signature whenever you need to sign documents online.

4. Create an Electronic Signature Online Using Fill

If you frequently sign documents online, using a dedicated eSignature platform can save time.

With Fill, you can:

• create reusable signatures
• sign PDFs online
• request signatures from others
• track signed documents
• manage documents in one place

How to Create an Electronic Signature on Fill

1. Create a free account on Fill
2. Open your dashboard
3. Go to Settings → My Signatures
4. Choose to:

• type your signature
• draw your signature
• upload a handwritten signature image

Save your signature for future use. Once saved, you can quickly sign documents online from your computer or mobile device.

How to Create an Electronic Signature for PDFs

PDFs are the most common file type used for electronic signatures.

Most PDF signing tools allow you to:

• add signatures
• place initials
• fill out forms
• send documents for signature

You can create electronic signatures for PDFs using:

• Adobe Acrobat
• Preview on Mac
• Fill
• mobile PDF apps
• browser-based signing tools

If you regularly work with PDFs, using a reusable signature can speed up document signing significantly.

Read Further: How to sign a PDF for free

How to Generate an Electronic Signature Online

Online signature generators allow you to create a signature instantly without installing software. Most eSignature tools also let you upload a scanned signature image.

Here's what you can do:

• type your name in signature fonts
• draw your signature
• download the signature image
• reuse the signature for documents

Online generators are useful when you need a quick signature for:

• PDFs
• contracts
• forms
• email attachments

How to Create a Transparent Signature PNG

Many people convert handwritten signatures into transparent PNG files so they can reuse them in PDFs, contracts, and online forms.

How to Make a Signature Transparent

1. Sign your name on white paper
2. Take a clear photo or scan your handwritten signature
3. Upload the image into a background remover or editing tool
4. Remove the white background
5. Save the signature as a transparent PNG

Transparent signature files work best because they blend naturally into documents without showing a white box around the signature.

Read Further: How to create transparent signature

What’s the Difference Between an Electronic Signature and a Digital Signature?

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same.

Electronic Signature

An electronic signature is any electronic method used to sign a document.

Examples include:

• typed names
• drawn signatures
• uploaded signature images

Digital Signature

A digital signature uses encryption and authentication technology to verify document integrity and signer identity.

Digital signatures are commonly used in:

• enterprise workflows
• government systems
• compliance-heavy industries

For most everyday document signing, an electronic signature is sufficient.

Benefits of Using Electronic Signatures

Electronic signatures help simplify document workflows by allowing people to sign documents from anywhere.

Benefits include:

• faster document turnaround
• no printing or scanning
• easier remote signing
• reusable signatures
• secure document tracking
• reduced paper usage

They are commonly used by:

• businesses
• freelancers
• HR teams
• legal teams
• real estate professionals
• remote workers

Final Thoughts

Creating an electronic signature is easier than ever.

Whether you use:

• Adobe Acrobat
• Preview on Mac
• a mobile device
• a touchscreen tablet
• an online eSignature platform like Fill

—you can sign documents online in just a few minutes.

For users who regularly work with PDFs, contracts, or online forms, having a reusable electronic signature can make document signing much faster and more convenient.

FAQs About Electronic Signatures

How do I create an electronic signature for free?

You can create a free electronic signature using tools like Fill, Adobe Acrobat, Preview on Mac, or mobile signing apps.

Can I create an electronic signature on my phone?

Yes. Most smartphones allow you to draw, upload, or save signatures using signing apps or PDF editors.

Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Electronic signatures are legally valid in many countries when used according to applicable laws and regulations.

Can I upload a handwritten signature?

Yes. You can photograph your handwritten signature and upload it as an image.

What file type should I use for a signature image?

PNG is usually preferred because it supports transparent backgrounds, though JPG also works.

Can I reuse my electronic signature?

Yes. Most eSignature apps allow you to save and reuse signatures across documents.

How do I scan my signature for online documents?

You can:

1. Sign white paper using dark ink
2. Take a clear photo or scan it
3. Crop the image
4. Remove the background if needed
5. Save as PNG or JPG
6. Upload it into your eSignature software

This directly targets high-intent long tails.