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 mobile device authentication 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 using my phone…+

Help me fill and sign the PDF form [describe or upload PDF] using my mobile device and authentication.

when the reply comes backNeed tips for making your signature look neat on mobile?

BImprove — “do it better”Check my filled PDF for mistakes or missing info…+

Review my filled PDF form [describe or upload PDF] and suggest any improvements or missing information before I sign.

when the reply comes backWant to know how to save or send your signed PDF?

CDecide — “help me choose”Which mobile signing method is safest and easiest…+

Which is the safest and easiest way to fill and sign a PDF form using my mobile device authentication? List my options.

when the reply comes backCurious about other ways to sign documents digitally?

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.

Mobile device authenticationProving your identity using your phone or tablet.ExampleYou receive a code on your phone to confirm your identity when logging into a new website.

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 open the PDF form in an app like Adobe Acrobat on your phone, type in your information, and use your finger or a stylus to add your signature. The app may ask you to confirm your identity before saving the signed form.

Mobile device authentication means the app checks that you are really you, often by using a password, fingerprint, or face scan on your phone before letting you sign the PDF form.

Most PDF forms can be filled and signed from your phone, but some forms might have special security or need certain apps. Always check if the form opens correctly in your app before starting.

Signing a PDF form on your phone can be just as safe as on a computer if you use a trusted app and secure your device with a password or biometrics like fingerprint or face scan.

Some PDF forms need extra steps, like authentication, to make sure only the right person can sign. This helps keep your information and signature secure.

Fill and sign a PDF form with mobile device authentication

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help