Guides / SignSnap
How to sign a PDF on iPhone
You can sign a PDF on iPhone for free with Markup, which is built into the Files app: open the PDF, tap the Markup button, tap the plus button, choose Add Signature and drag it onto the line. If the document is on paper, or you sign things often, a signing app such as SignSnap scans the page with the camera, keeps your signature and initials ready and adds the date in one tap.
Method 1: Markup in the Files app (built in, free)
Every iPhone can do this without installing anything. It works best when the PDF is already on your phone, for example as an email attachment.
- Save the PDF to Files. In Mail, tap the attachment, tap the share button and choose Save to Files.
- Open the Files app, find the PDF and tap it to open it.
- Tap the Markup button (a pen tip inside a circle).
- Tap the plus button, then Add Signature. Sign with your finger and tap Done. iPhone remembers it for next time.
- Drag the signature onto the line and drag its corners to make it fit.
- Tap Done. Files saves the signature into that PDF. Tap the share button to send it back by Mail or Messages.
Method 2: SignSnap (paper documents and frequent signing)
SignSnap is a free iPhone and iPad app from Graysmith Labs made only for signing. It helps most when you were handed paper, when you sign often, or when you want the date next to your signature.
- Open SignSnap and import the PDF from Files or Mail, or scan a paper page with the camera. The scanner finds the edges and straightens the page.
- Create your signature once: draw it with a finger or Apple Pencil, type your name in a script font, or photograph your ink signature on paper. Save your initials the same way.
- Place it on the line and pinch to resize it. Tap Date to stamp today's date beside it.
- Share the signed PDF to Mail, Messages, AirDrop or Files.
No account is needed and documents stay on your iPhone. The first 2 signed documents are free; after that Premium is weekly, monthly or yearly, and new subscribers get a free week.
Which one should you use?
| Markup in Files | SignSnap | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | First 2 documents free, then Premium |
| Paper documents | Scan first in Notes, then open the PDF | Built in scanner |
| Signature styles | Drawn | Drawn, typed or photographed |
| Saved initials | Save a second signature | Yes |
| Date stamp | Type it with a text box | One tap |
| Typing into blanks | Yes, with Add Text | No |
| Account needed | No | No |
For a PDF that needs blanks filled in, such as a lease or an application, see how to fill and sign a lease on your phone.
Is a signature made on an iPhone legally valid?
In the United States, the federal ESIGN Act and the state laws based on UETA generally give electronic signatures the same standing as ink for most everyday contracts, including leases, offer letters and permission slips. Some documents are excluded or need more, such as wills, certain court papers and anything that must be notarized.
If you are not sure, ask whoever sent the document whether a signed PDF is acceptable. This guide is general information, not legal advice.
Questions
Can I sign a PDF on iPhone without downloading an app?
Yes. Open the PDF in the Files app, tap the Markup button, tap the plus button and choose Add Signature. Drag the signature onto the line and tap Done.
How do I sign a PDF that someone emailed me?
Tap the attachment in Mail, tap the share button and choose Save to Files or open it in a signing app such as SignSnap. Sign it, then share the signed PDF back as a reply.
How do I sign a paper document with my iPhone?
Scan it first. SignSnap has a scanner built in that finds the page edges, so you can scan, sign and send in one app. The Notes app can also scan documents into a PDF.
Can I add the date next to my signature?
In Markup, tap the plus button, choose Add Text and type the date. In SignSnap, tap Date while placing your signature to stamp today's date.
Does SignSnap upload my documents?
No. SignSnap needs no account and keeps documents on your iPhone. A file leaves the phone only when you share it.