How to Sign a PDF on Mac

A simple step-by-step guide to sign a pdf on Mac using PDFWix's free online tools.

How it works

  1. Open in Preview — Double-click the PDF — it opens in Preview by default.
  2. Open Markup — Click the Markup toolbar icon (pencil tip) to reveal the annotation tools.
  3. Create or pick a signature — Click the Signature icon, then Create Signature via Trackpad, Camera, or iPhone — or pick a previously saved one.
  4. Place and resize — Drag the signature onto the signature line and resize using the corner handles.
  5. Save — Press Cmd-S — Preview flattens the signature into the PDF, ready to send.

Frequently asked questions

What's the easiest way to sign a PDF on Mac?

Open the PDF in Preview, click the Markup toolbar (pencil tip), click the Signature icon, capture your signature once via Trackpad / Camera / iPhone, drag it onto the page, and Cmd-S to save. Built in since OS X Yosemite, still the best option on Sequoia in 2026.

Is Mac Preview's signature feature legally valid?

Yes — Preview produces a simple electronic signature flattened into the PDF, which meets U.S. ESIGN Act and eIDAS basic-signature requirements. Sufficient for the vast majority of contracts. Advanced or qualified signatures need a dedicated trust service provider.

Why use PDFWix to sign on a Mac if Preview already does it?

On your own Mac, you usually shouldn't — Preview is excellent. PDFWix is for signing on a borrowed Mac without storing your signature in their Preview, or signing inside a browser workflow without breaking out to a separate app.

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