How to sign a PDF digitally and securely (100% free and local)

Whether renting a property, signing an employment contract, or authorizing a school document, **signing PDF files digitally** has become part of our daily routine. However, finding a secure, fast method that doesn't charge you to do it can be a real headache.

In this article, we are going to explain in detail how to sign any PDF document completely interactively in seconds, 100% free of charge and ensuring maximum security for your signature.

The big security problem with signing PDFs online

When you use most online signing services, something very delicate happens: you have to upload your private document and the image of your handwritten signature to a third-party server. What do they do with your signature? Where is it stored? Nobody assures you of that.

Your signature is your legal identity. Letting it circulate through remote servers of unknown companies is a risk you should avoid at all costs.

"With ReaderPDF's new interactive signing tool, the entire signing process happens 100% locally on your device. Your file and handwritten signature never touch the internet or remote servers."

How to sign your PDF in ReaderPDF: Step by Step Guide

To sign your document using our local premium suite, simply follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Upload your PDF

Go to our PDF Tools section and choose the **"Sign PDF"** option. Upload your document by dragging it into the box or selecting it from your folder. An interactive preview of the document will load immediately.

Step 2: Create your signature

ReaderPDF offers you three super simple and elegant methods to create your digital signature:

• 1. Draw: Use your mouse on the computer or your finger/stylus if you are on a phone or tablet to draw your stroke naturally directly on the screen. You can choose between black, blue, or green ink.
• 2. Type: Type your first and last name in the box, and select one of our elegant cursive fonts (like Caveat or Alex Brush) to make it look like a real fountain pen signature.
• 3. Upload Image: If you already have your signature scanned or photographed with a transparent background in PNG format, upload it directly.

Once you are satisfied, press **"Confirm"**.

Step 3: Position and adjust the signature

The signature will appear as an interactive floating box over your PDF page. You can easily drag it anywhere on the sheet and adjust its size by stretching it from the circular node in the bottom right corner. If your PDF has multiple pages, you can navigate between them using the previous and next buttons to sign the exact page.

Step 4: Apply and download

Once located in the perfect place, click on **"Apply Signature and Download"**. The pdf-lib library will handle "burning" the signature onto the physical layer of the document with precise mathematical coordinates and the browser will automatically download your signed and ready PDF.

Advantages of signing with ReaderPDF

• Impenetrable privacy: No file uploads, everything runs locally in the browser.
• Time saving: You don't need to print, sign on paper, scan, and re-send. You do everything in 30 seconds.
• Total compatibility: The resulting PDF is standard and readable by any reader like Adobe Acrobat, browsers, or official systems.
• Mobile-friendly design: Sign comfortably using the touch screen of your mobile phone.

Written by Mateo Rosales

Mateo Rosales is the Editorial Director of ReaderPDF. Committed alongside our technical team to the development of local and secure web tools to enhance accessibility, reading, and school productivity without compromising your privacy.