How do I add my signature to a PDF document in Acrobat Reader?

Open the PDF in Acrobat Reader. Click 'E-Sign' in the right panel. Select 'Add e-sign' and choose to type, draw, or upload your signature. Place the signature on the document and save.

What is the difference between an 'e-signature' and a 'digital signature' when signing a document?

An e-signature, like the one from Fill & Sign, is a simple electronic mark showing agreement. It's often legally binding. A digital signature is more complex. It uses a digital certificate to prove the signer's identity and that the document has not changed since it was signed. Digital signatures offer higher security and verification, while e-signatures are for general agreement.

If I need to sign many documents every day, can I automate the 'Fill & Sign' process?

No, you cannot automate the 'Fill & Sign' process. This feature is designed for you to manually add your signature to documents. It is a client action, meaning you must perform the steps yourself within the Acrobat application. There is no special tool or API for automatic self-signing.

Why is 'Fill & Sign' useful for everyday tasks like signing a permission slip?

It saves time by letting you sign digitally instead of printing, signing, and scanning. You can sign from anywhere, using your computer or mobile device. It helps keep your documents digital, reducing paper use and making them easy to store.

How does Acrobat ensure my e-signature is secure and cannot be easily copied by others?

Acrobat helps secure your e-signature by embedding it directly into the PDF. Once saved, it becomes part of the document, making it harder to remove or alter without detection. While a simple e-signature isn't as robust as a digital signature with encryption, Acrobat's tools help maintain the document's integrity. Always save your signed PDF to protect your work.

Fill and sign a PDF form for multiple recipients in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Help me fill and sign this PDF form for multiple people...…+

Help me fill and sign this PDF form for multiple recipients: [describe the form and list the recipients].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips for organizing signed forms?

BImprove — “do it better”How can I make my filled and signed PDF forms...…+

How can I make my filled and signed PDF forms for several recipients look more professional and clear?

when the reply comes backNeed help sending the forms to each recipient?

CDecide — “help me choose”What is the best way to fill and sign a PDF...…+

What is the best way to fill and sign a PDF form if I need to send it to several people at once?

when the reply comes backWant to know how to track who has signed?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file you want to fill out in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Select Fill & Sign from the right pane or the toolbar.
3
Click Fill & Sign to activate the tool for self-signing.
4
Click anywhere on the document where you want to add text, then type your information.
5
To add checkmarks or other symbols, use the toolbar options that appear after activating Fill & Sign.
6
To add your signature or initials, click the Sign button in the Fill & Sign toolbar, then choose Add Signature or Add Initials and follow the prompts.
7
Drag your signature or initials to the appropriate place in the document.
8
Save the filled and signed PDF by selecting File > Save.
Best practiceIf you need to reuse your signature, Acrobat lets you save it for future documents.

In the appWith the API

You can resize or move text fields and signatures after placing them by clicking and dragging their edges.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

PDF formA PDF file that asks you to fill in answers or information.ExampleYou download a PDF form from the tax website and type your financial details into the fields.

RecipientThe person who receives the document and needs to sign it.ExampleThe recipient opens the email to find the document waiting for their signature.

SignTo add your signature, showing you agree or approve.ExampleYou sign the rental agreement to confirm you accept the terms and conditions.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Improve sign‑off certainty across engagements

FAQ

about this task

You can use Adobe Acrobat to fill out the form and add your signature, then save a copy for each recipient with their details. This way, each person gets a personalized and signed form.

Signing a PDF form for someone else means you add your signature to show you approve or agree, but you should only do this if you have permission. Usually, each person should sign their own form.

If each recipient needs their own information on the form, you should fill and sign a separate copy for each one. If the form is the same for everyone, you might be able to use one version.

Adobe Acrobat is trusted and lets you fill, sign, and save PDF forms easily. It helps make sure the forms look neat and are accepted by most organizations.

Filling and signing a PDF form is done on your computer, making it faster and easier to send to many people. Hand signing means printing, writing, and scanning, which takes more time.

Fill and sign a PDF form for multiple recipients

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help