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 with accessibility features 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 with accessibility...…+

Help me fill and sign this PDF form with accessibility features for [describe form or upload].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips for making your form more accessible?

BImprove — “do it better”Can you make this PDF form easier to fill and sign...…+

Can you make this PDF form easier to fill and sign for people with disabilities? [describe needs or upload form]

when the reply comes backNeed help checking if your signature looks correct?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I use a digital signature or type my name...…+

Should I use a digital signature or just type my name when signing this PDF form for [describe purpose]?

when the reply comes backWant to save a copy for your records?

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

PDFA common file type used to share documents that look the same everywhere.ExampleShe saved the brochure as a PDF so everyone would see the exact same layout and fonts.

AccessibilityMaking sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use something.ExampleThe website was designed with Accessibility in mind, so screen readers can easily navigate it.

Digital SignatureAn electronic mark on a document that proves who signed it and that the document has not changed.ExampleA digital signature on your tax return confirms you submitted it and that its contents are unchanged.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Improve sign‑off certainty across engagements

FAQ

about this task

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, click on the fields to type your answers, and use the 'Sign' tool to add your signature. Save the file when you're done.

An accessible PDF form has clear labels, can be read by screen readers, and lets users fill out and sign it using a keyboard or assistive technology.

Yes, you can add a digital signature or type your name directly in the PDF using tools in Adobe Acrobat, so you don't need to print anything.

A digital signature is more secure and official, but some forms accept a typed name. Check what the organization asks for before choosing.

Using accessibility features makes sure everyone, including people with vision or mobility challenges, can complete and sign the form easily.

Fill and sign a PDF form with accessibility features

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help