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 on behalf of someone else in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Please fill and sign this PDF form for [person's name]...…+

Please fill and sign this PDF form for [person's name]. The form is about [describe purpose], and the details to use are: [list details].

when the reply comes backWould you like help checking the form before sending?

BImprove — “do it better”Review the filled PDF for [person's name] and make sure...…+

Review the filled PDF for [person's name] and make sure all information is correct, clear, and matches their documents.

when the reply comes backDo you need to fill out more forms for someone else?

CDecide — “help me choose”Which way should I sign for [person's name]: type, draw, or image?…+

Which way should I sign for [person's name]: typing their name, drawing a signature, or adding an image of their signature? Please explain the best option.

when the reply comes backWant tips on keeping information private when filling forms?

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.

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

On behalfDoing something for someone else, not for yourself.ExampleThe assistant signed the letter on behalf of her manager who was out of the office.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Improve sign‑off certainty across engagements

FAQ

about this task

To fill and sign a PDF form for someone else, open the form in Adobe Acrobat, type in their information in the right fields, and use the Sign tool to add their name or signature. Make sure you have their permission to do this.

Signing a PDF on behalf of someone means you add their name or signature to the document because they cannot do it themselves. You should only do this if they have asked you or given you permission.

It is okay when the person asks you to help, such as a parent helping a child, or if you have written or clear permission. Always respect privacy and legal rules.

When you fill a PDF for someone else, you use their details, not yours, and you must be careful to copy everything correctly. You also need to be sure you have their permission.

Double-checking is important because mistakes can cause problems for the person you are helping. You want to make sure all their details are correct and nothing is missed.

Fill and sign a PDF form on behalf of someone else

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help