How to Create a Digital Signature for Free (2 Min, Any Device)

# How to Create a Digital Signature: Complete Guide 2026

A digital signature is your legal stamp on electronic documents. This guide shows you how to create one in minutes on any device.

What is a Digital Signature?

Digital Signature: An electronic mark that proves:

• Your identity (authentication)
• Your intent to sign (non-repudiation)
• Document hasn't been altered (integrity)

Legal Status: Legally binding in 180+ countries under:

• ESIGN Act (USA)
• UETA (Most US states)
• eIDAS (European Union)
• Electronic Transactions Act (Australia, Canada, etc.)

Types of Digital Signatures

1. Drawn Signature

Sign with mouse, finger, or stylus

• Most natural-looking
• Quick and easy
• Works on all devices
• Best for: Contracts, forms, PDFs

2. Typed Signature

Type your name in signature font

• Fast to create
• Professional appearance
• Multiple font choices
• Best for: Quick approvals, internal docs

3. Image Upload

Upload photo of handwritten signature

• Most authentic look
• Reusable across documents
• One-time setup
• Best for: Formal agreements, legal docs

4. Certificate-Based (Advanced)

Uses cryptographic certificate

• Highest security level
• Required for some industries
• More complex setup
• Best for: Government, healthcare, finance

How to Create Digital Signature Online (Fastest Method)

Using SignQuick (Recommended)

Step 1: Go to SignQuick.com

• No account needed for first signature
• Works on any device
• Free for up to 3 documents/month

Step 2: Upload Your Document

• Drag & drop PDF, Word, or image file
• Or click "Upload Document"
• Files encrypted during upload

Step 3: Create Your Signature

Choose method:

• Draw: Use mouse or touchscreen
• Type: Select signature font
• Upload: Photo of handwritten signature

Step 4: Place Signature

• Drag signature to desired location
• Resize as needed
• Add date and initials if required

Step 5: Download

• Click "Finish & Download"
• Get signed PDF instantly
• Original document encrypted

Time: 2-3 minutes total

Cost: Free (up to 3 docs/month)

How to Create Digital Signature on Windows

Method 1: Using Adobe Acrobat

Step 1: Open PDF in Adobe Acrobat

• Right-click PDF → Open with Adobe Acrobat

Step 2: Click Fill & Sign Tool

• Tools → Fill & Sign
• Or press Alt+F, I

Step 3: Click Sign

• Click "Sign" button in toolbar
• Select "Add Signature"

Step 4: Create Signature

• Draw with mouse
• Type your name
• Upload image of signature

Step 5: Place and Save

• Click where signature should go
• Resize as needed
• File → Save

Pros: Built into Adobe

Cons: Requires Adobe subscription ($15-30/month)

Method 2: Using Microsoft Word

Step 1: Open Document in Word

• Double-click to open

Step 2: Insert Signature Line

• Insert → Signature Line → Microsoft Office Signature Line
• Fill in signer info

Step 3: Double-Click Signature Line

• Choose signature method
• Type or draw signature

Step 4: Save as PDF

• File → Save As → PDF

Pros: Free with Microsoft 365

Cons: Limited signature customization

Method 3: Using SignQuick Desktop

Step 1: Install SignQuick

• Download from signquick.com
• Install in 30 seconds

Step 2: Open PDF

• Drag PDF into SignQuick
• Or click "Open Document"

Step 3: Add Signature

• Click "Sign"
• Create or select saved signature
• Place on document

Step 4: Download

• Click "Download Signed PDF"
• Saved to Downloads folder

Pros: Fast, unlimited signatures

Cons: Requires app install (30 seconds)

How to Create Digital Signature on Mac

Method 1: Using Preview (Built-in)

Step 1: Open PDF in Preview

• Double-click PDF (opens in Preview by default)

Step 2: Click Signature Button

• Toolbar → Show Markup Toolbar
• Click signature icon

Step 3: Create Signature

Options:

• Trackpad: Sign with finger
• Camera: Hold written signature to camera
• Draw: Use mouse

Step 4: Place Signature

• Click where signature should appear
• Resize by dragging corners

Step 5: Save

• File → Save (⌘S)

Pros: Built into macOS, free

Cons: Basic features only

Method 2: Using SignQuick Mac App

Step 1: Download SignQuick

• Visit signquick.com/mac
• Install in one click

Step 2: Create Signature

• Click "Create Signature"
• Draw with trackpad/mouse
• Or upload image
• Saved for future use

Step 3: Sign Documents

• Open any PDF
• Click saved signature
• Place on document
• Download

Pros: Better than Preview, unlimited use

Cons: Requires quick download

How to Create Digital Signature on iPhone

Using SignQuick iOS App

Step 1: Download App

• App Store → Search "SignQuick"
• Install (free)

Step 2: Open Document

• Tap "+" → Choose PDF
• From Files, Email, Photos, or Camera

Step 3: Create Signature

• Tap "Sign"
• Draw with finger on screen
• Use Apple Pencil for best results
• Or type name

Step 4: Place Signature

• Drag signature to position
• Pinch to resize
• Tap checkmark

Step 5: Share

• Tap "Done"
• Share via Email, Messages, AirDrop
• Or save to Files

Time: Under 1 minute

Using iOS Markup

Step 1: Open PDF

• In Files, Mail, or Photos

Step 2: Tap Markup

• Tap share icon → Markup

Step 3: Add Signature

• Tap "+" → Signature
• Create new or use saved

Step 4: Place and Save

• Drag to position
• Tap "Done"

Pros: Built into iOS

Cons: Less professional, basic features

How to Create Digital Signature on Android

Using SignQuick Android App

Step 1: Install App

• Google Play → "SignQuick"
• Install free app

Step 2: Import Document

• Tap "+" → Select PDF
• From Drive, Email, Downloads, or Camera

Step 3: Create Signature

• Tap "Add Signature"
• Draw with finger
• Use stylus for best results
• Or upload photo

Step 4: Sign Document

• Tap signature to place
• Drag to position
• Pinch to resize

Step 5: Save & Share

• Tap "Finish"
• Download or share
• Saved to device automatically

Features:

• Works offline
• Saves signatures for reuse
• Multiple signature styles
• Free for 3 docs/month

How to Create Professional-Looking Signature

Tips for Drawn Signatures

• Use a stylus or Apple Pencil (if available)
• Much cleaner than finger
• More control
• Natural pen feel

• Sign quickly and smoothly
• Don't draw slowly
• Natural motion looks better
• Practice 2-3 times first

• Use black or dark blue
• Most professional colors
• Black is safest choice
• Avoid colors like red, green

• Keep it simple
• Don't add unnecessary flourishes
• Legibility matters
• Match your real signature

Tips for Typed Signatures

• Choose appropriate font
• Script fonts for formal docs
• Simple fonts for casual docs
• Popular: Allura, Pacifico, Dancing Script

• Proper capitalization
• First and last name capitalized
• Middle initial optional
• Example: "John A. Smith"

• Add personal touch
• Slight italic angle
• Consistent style
• Professional appearance

Creating Secure Certificate-Based Signature

For high-security needs (government, healthcare, finance):

Step 1: Get Digital Certificate

Purchase from:

• DigiCert ($179/year) - Most trusted
• GlobalSign ($149/year) - Enterprise
• IdenTrust ($199/year) - Government

Step 2: Install Certificate

• Download .pfx file
• Double-click to install
• Follow wizard
• Set password

Step 3: Configure Adobe Acrobat

• Edit → Preferences → Signatures
• Add digital ID
• Select certificate

Step 4: Sign Documents

• Tools → Certificates → Digitally Sign
• Select certificate
• Place signature
• Enter password

When Required:

• Government contracts
• HIPAA-compliant healthcare
• Financial regulations
• Legal court filings

Saving Your Signature for Reuse

SignQuick (Encrypted Storage)

• Create signature once
• Name it (e.g., "Formal", "Initial", "Quick")
• Saved with AES-256 encryption
• Access across all devices
• Never shared or sold

iOS/Mac Markup

• Create signature in Markup
• Automatically saved to iCloud
• Available on all Apple devices
• Syncs automatically

Adobe Acrobat

• Save signature in profile
• Reuse across documents
• Sync with Adobe account
• Requires subscription

Legal Validity

Digital Signatures Are Legally Binding If:

• Signer Identity Verified
• Email verification
• Phone/SMS verification
• Multi-factor authentication

• Intent to Sign Demonstrated
• Signer took action to sign
• Wasn't accidental
• Clear acceptance

• Audit Trail Exists
• Who signed
• When signed
• IP address
• Document version

• Document Integrity Preserved
• Can't be altered after signing
• Tamper-proof
• Original preserved

Requirements Met By:

• ✅ SignQuick: All requirements
• ✅ Adobe Sign: All requirements
• ⚠️ Preview/Markup: Basic only
• ✅ DocuSign: All requirements

Common Questions

Q: Is a digital signature the same as an electronic signature?

A: Often used interchangeably, but technically:

• Electronic signature: Broad term for any electronic signing
• Digital signature: Specific type using encryption

Q: Can I use the same signature on paper and digitally?

A: Yes! Most people use their regular signature for both.

Q: How do I sign multiple pages?

A: Use e-signature platform that supports multi-page:

• SignQuick: Auto-detects signature fields
• Place signature on each required page
• Initial other pages if needed

Q: Can I create different signatures for different purposes?

A: Yes! Many people have:

• Formal signature (legal docs)
• Quick signature (internal docs)
• Initials (multi-page docs)

Q: Are free digital signatures legal?

A: Yes! Free digital signatures from SignQuick, Preview, etc. are fully legal for most uses.

Conclusion

Creating a digital signature takes 2-3 minutes and works on any device. For unlimited professional signatures, use SignQuick.

Create your first digital signature: Try SignQuick Free →

FAQ

How do I create a digital signature for free?

Go to SignQuick.app, upload your PDF, and create your signature by drawing with your mouse/finger, typing your name in a signature font, or uploading a photo of your handwritten signature. Place it on the document and download — no account needed, completely free for up to 3 documents per month.

Is a digital signature the same as an electronic signature?

They are often used interchangeably, but technically differ. An electronic signature is any electronic mark showing intent to sign (drawn, typed, clicked). A digital signature specifically uses cryptographic encryption for extra security. For most business documents, both are equally legal and valid.

Are digital signatures legally binding without a notary?

Yes. Digital signatures are legally binding in 180+ countries under laws like the ESIGN Act (US), eIDAS (EU), and UETA. A notary is only required for specific document types like real estate deeds, wills, and court filings — not for standard business contracts, NDAs, or forms.

Can I use the same digital signature on my phone and computer?

Yes. Tools like SignQuick save your signature securely and sync it across devices. Create your signature once on any device, and it is available on your phone, tablet, and computer. This ensures a consistent, professional appearance on every document.

How do I create a digital signature on my iPhone or Android?

Download a signing app like SignQuick from the App Store or Google Play. Open your PDF, tap "Sign," and draw your signature with your finger or stylus. Place it on the document, then save or share. The entire process takes about 60 seconds.

Related Reading

Explore more resources on electronic signatures:

• [How to Sign a PDF Online](/blog/pdf-signature-online-complete-guide)
• [E-Signature Mistakes to Avoid](/blog/esignature-mistakes-avoid-best-practices)
• [Bulk Send E-Signatures Guide](/blog/bulk-sending-esignatures-mass-documents-guide)
• [Best E-Signature Software 2026](/blog/best-e-signature-software-2026)