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How to Use
- 1Draw your signature on the canvas using mouse or touch, or switch to Type mode to generate a styled text signature.
- 2Adjust pen color and thickness.
- 3Click "Download PNG" to save the signature as an image.
- 4Or upload a PDF, position the signature, and click "Embed in PDF" to download the signed document.
About Electronic Signature Maker
The Electronic Signature Maker lets you create a handwritten-style signature by drawing with your mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen, or by typing your name in a handwriting font. The signature can be exported as a transparent PNG image for insertion into any document, or embedded directly into a PDF file — all without leaving your browser.
Electronic signatures have become legally recognized in most major jurisdictions worldwide. In the United States, the ESIGN Act (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 2000) gives electronic signatures the same legal weight as handwritten ones for most commercial transactions. In the European Union, the eIDAS Regulation (electronic IDentification, Authentication and trust Services) provides a comprehensive legal framework for electronic signatures. Similar legislation exists in Canada (PIPEDA), the UK (Electronic Communications Act), Australia, Japan, and many other countries.
Common use cases include signing contracts and agreements, approval forms and purchase orders, NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements), rental and lease agreements, invoices and receipts, permission slips and consent forms, internal company documents, and freelance work agreements. Any situation where a traditional wet ink signature would be used can typically be replaced with an electronic signature for routine business documents.
The drawing canvas supports adjustable pen color and thickness, allowing you to create a signature that looks natural and professional. Use a stylus on a tablet for the most realistic handwriting appearance, or draw with your mouse for a quick signature. The Type mode generates a styled text signature from your typed name — useful when you need a clean, consistent signature without drawing. Both modes produce a transparent background, so the signature blends naturally over any document background.
The PDF signing workflow lets you upload a PDF document, position your signature anywhere on any page, and download the signed document — all in your browser. The tool uses the pdf-lib library to embed the signature image into the PDF file structure, producing a standard PDF that can be opened in any PDF viewer. This is the same library used by many professional document management tools.
All processing happens entirely in your browser using the HTML5 Canvas API for signature drawing and pdf-lib for PDF manipulation. Your documents and signatures never leave your device — no server upload, no cloud storage, no account creation, and no third-party access to your files. This is fundamentally more private than cloud-based e-signature services like DocuSign or Adobe Sign, which process your documents on their servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a drawn signature legally valid?
In most jurisdictions, yes — for routine commercial and business documents. The US ESIGN Act and the EU eIDAS Regulation give electronic signatures legal validity equivalent to handwritten signatures for most purposes. However, certain documents (real estate deeds, wills, court orders, notarized documents) may have specific requirements that vary by jurisdiction. For high-stakes legal documents, consult a legal professional about the requirements in your jurisdiction.
Does my PDF leave my device?
No. All PDF processing uses the pdf-lib JavaScript library running entirely in your browser. Your document is read into browser memory, the signature is embedded, and the result is generated as a downloadable file — all without any network request. Nothing is uploaded to any server at any point.
Can I sign on a touchscreen?
Yes. The canvas fully supports touch events, so you can draw your signature with a finger on a phone or tablet, or with a stylus for more precise control. Stylus input on tablets like the iPad (with Apple Pencil) or Samsung Galaxy Tab (with S Pen) produces the most natural-looking signatures.
What PDF format is supported?
Standard PDF files (version 1.3 and later), which covers virtually all PDFs in circulation today. Encrypted or password-protected PDFs that require a password to open are not supported — you need to unlock them first. PDFs with owner-level restrictions (print/edit restrictions) can usually be signed without issues.
Can I download just the signature without a PDF?
Yes. Click Download PNG to save your signature as a transparent PNG image file. You can then insert this image into Word documents, Google Docs, email messages, web forms, or any application that accepts images. The transparent background ensures the signature overlays naturally on any document.
How does this compare to DocuSign or Adobe Sign?
Cloud-based services like DocuSign and Adobe Sign offer advanced features including audit trails, multi-party signing workflows, identity verification, and tamper-evident seals. This tool focuses on the core signing action — creating and applying a signature to a document — with the critical advantage that your document never leaves your device. For simple signing needs where privacy matters, this tool is the better choice. For complex multi-party signing workflows with legal audit requirements, consider a dedicated e-signature platform.
Can I position the signature anywhere on the page?
Yes. After uploading a PDF, you can place the signature at any position on any page of the document. Drag the signature to the exact location where you want it to appear — typically the signature line at the bottom of a contract or agreement. Resize as needed to fit the available space.
Is a typed signature as valid as a drawn signature?
Legally, yes — in most jurisdictions, both typed and drawn electronic signatures carry the same legal weight. The key legal requirement is intent to sign, not the method of creation. A typed name in a signature font is just as valid as a hand-drawn signature for most business documents. The drawn option simply provides a more personal, handwritten appearance that some signers prefer.