How to sign a PDF
on your iPad.
The iPad is a good place to sign: the page is close to paper size and you can write with Apple Pencil. Here's how to sign a PDF on iPad with eSign, from opening the file to sending the signed copy back.
Updated By Alina Bohuslavska, maker of eSign
Open the PDF in eSign (from Mail, Files or the camera), tap +, choose Signature, pick or create your signature and drag it onto the signature line. Tap Share to send the signed PDF back by email, Messages or AirDrop.
Sign a PDF on iPad in five steps
- 1
Open the document
Tap Sign a document. Scan a paper copy with the camera, pick a photo, or browse to a PDF, Word file or image in Files. You can also tap Share on an attachment in Mail or a file in Files and choose eSign.
- 2
Tap + and choose Signature
The document opens full screen, and on iPad most pages are readable without zooming. Tap the + button at the bottom to see everything you can add: a signature, text, a stamp or a form field.
- 3
Pick or draw your signature
Choose a saved signature, or tap + to create one. Draw it with Apple Pencil or your finger, type your name, or scan your signature from paper. It's saved for next time.
- 4
Drag it onto the line
Your signature lands on the page. Drag it to the signature line and use the corner handle to resize it. Add the date or your initials from + > Form field.
- 5
Share the signed PDF
Tap Share and choose PDF, or Flattened PDF for a final copy that can't be edited. Send it by Mail, Messages or AirDrop, or save it to Files.
Signing with Apple Pencil
Use Apple Pencil (or your finger) to draw your signature once and reuse it on every document. You can also tap Markup in the editor to write, underline or highlight on the page with the standard Apple drawing tools.
Is it the same app as on iPhone?
Yes. eSign is one app for iPhone and iPad, with the same steps on both. On the larger iPad screen your saved documents show in a wider grid. One Pro purchase covers iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same Apple ID.
What if the document isn't a PDF?
eSign converts Word (.docx), rich text, plain text, HTML and images, including HEIC and multi-page TIFF, into a signable PDF on your iPad. Pages, Numbers, Excel and PowerPoint files open as a snapshot of their first page, which is usually the page that needs signing.
Can I sign a PDF on iPad for free?
Yes. You can sign and share your first 2 documents with eSign for free, with no account. eSign Pro unlocks unlimited signing if you sign often.
Common questions
How do I sign a PDF on my iPad without printing it?
Open the PDF in eSign, tap +, choose Signature and drag your signature onto the line. Then tap Share to send the signed PDF. No printer or scanner is involved.
Can I sign a PDF on iPad with Apple Pencil?
Yes. Draw your signature with Apple Pencil when you create it, then place it on any document. You can also write on the page with Apple Pencil in Markup.
Can I sign a PDF from the Mail app on iPad?
Yes. Tap the attachment, tap Share and choose eSign. Sign it, then share the signed copy back through Mail.
Do I need to buy eSign again for iPad?
No. eSign is one app for iPhone and iPad, and one Pro purchase covers iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same Apple ID.
Is my document uploaded anywhere?
No. eSign signs documents on your iPad. The file only leaves your iPad when you share it.
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