Source: https://mactoolbox.app/how-to-sign-a-pdf-on-mac

# How to sign a PDF on Mac

By Nikhil Barik · Published November 3, 2026

## Quick answer

Open the PDF in Preview, show the Markup toolbar and click the Sign button to create a signature. Sign PDF in Toolbox does the same job: draw or type a signature, place it on the page and export a signed copy, all on your Mac.

## The built-in way: Preview

Preview can sign any PDF without extra software.

1. Open the PDF in Preview.
2. Click the Markup button (the pen tip icon) to show the Markup toolbar.
3. Click the Sign button, then create a signature with your trackpad, your Mac's camera or an iPhone or iPad.
4. Click the signature to place it, then drag it into position and resize it.
5. Choose File > Save.

Preview keeps your signatures so you can reuse them in other documents.

## The Toolbox way: Sign PDF

Sign PDF lets you draw your signature or type it in a handwriting style, then place it anywhere on a document. Saved signatures are kept for next time. You do not need an account, and the PDF stays on your Mac.

1. Open Sign PDF and drop in a PDF.
2. Click New Signature and draw or type it, or pick a saved one.
3. Place the signature on the page, then move or resize it.
4. Click Export Signed PDF.

A new signed copy is saved and the original stays unchanged.

## What a signature here means

Both Preview and Sign PDF place an image of your signature on the page, like signing on paper. Neither is a certificate-based digital signature. Check whether the person asking for your signature needs a certified one before you send the file.

## Tips and troubleshooting

- To remove a saved signature in Sign PDF, right-click it in the list and choose Delete Signature.
- If you prefer typing, choose Type in the signature creator and pick a style.
- Sign a copy of the file and keep the original, so you can fix a misplaced signature without starting over.

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I sign a PDF on my Mac?**

Open it in Preview, show the Markup toolbar and click Sign. Or drop the PDF into Sign PDF in Toolbox, create a signature, place it and click Export Signed PDF.

**Can I type my signature instead of drawing it?**

Yes. In Sign PDF, choose Type in the signature creator and pick a style.

**Is this a certified digital signature?**

No. It places an image of your signature on the page, like signing on paper. It is not a certificate-based digital signature.

**Is the PDF uploaded anywhere?**

No. In Sign PDF the document stays on your Mac, and you do not need an account.

## Tools mentioned

- [**Sign PDF**: Draw or type your signature and place it on a document.](https://mactoolbox.app/sign-pdf-mac)
- [**Fill & Flatten Forms**: Fill in PDF forms, add text where there are no fields, and flatten the answers so they print and can’t be changed.](https://mactoolbox.app/fill-pdf-form-mac)
- [**Merge PDFs**: Combine several PDFs and images into one document.](https://mactoolbox.app/merge-pdf-mac)

## Keep reading

- [Sign PDF](https://mactoolbox.app/sign-pdf-mac)
- [Docs](https://mactoolbox.app/pdf-tools-mac)
- [All guides](https://mactoolbox.app/guides)