Method 1: Sign PDF using Microsoft Edge on Windows
Windows 10 and 11 include Microsoft Edge as the default PDF viewer. Edge has a built-in annotation tool that lets you draw a freehand signature directly on a PDF. Open your PDF in Edge (right-click the file, Open with, Edge). Click the Draw icon in the top toolbar. Draw your signature with your mouse, touchpad or stylus. Click Save at the top right. The signature is embedded into the PDF as a drawn annotation.
Limitation: Edge's draw tool embeds your signature as an image annotation, not a formal electronic signature field. For legally binding e-signatures under ESIGN Act or eIDAS, use a dedicated tool like PDFWix Sign PDF.
Method 2: Sign PDF using PDFWix in Chrome or Edge
- Open PDFWix Sign PDF in any browser — Chrome, Edge or Firefox.
- Upload your PDF — it stays in your browser, never uploaded to any server.
- Click Add Signature. Choose from three options: Draw (freehand with mouse or touch), Type (choose from handwriting fonts), or Upload (photo of your handwritten signature).
- Position the signature on the page by dragging.
- Click Download. The signed PDF saves to your Windows Downloads folder.
Method 3: Print to PDF after drawing in MS Paint or Snipping Tool
For very simple signatures: take a screenshot of a blank page, draw your signature in Paint, save as PNG. Then open the PDF in Edge, click the image icon in the toolbar, insert the PNG signature image onto the PDF, and Save. This is the most basic approach but produces a valid visual signature for most informal documents.
Which signature method is legally valid?
Under the ESIGN Act (US) and eIDAS (EU), a simple electronic signature — any mark that indicates intent to sign — is legally valid for most commercial contracts, NDAs and agreements. Drawing, typing or uploading a signature image all qualify as simple electronic signatures. For higher-value transactions (real estate, mortgages, regulated financial instruments), an Advanced Electronic Signature or Qualified Electronic Signature may be required. See our full guide on electronic vs digital signatures.