Here’s Our Step-by-Step Guide on How to Sign a PDF on Mac

Quick Summary

This guide outlines how to sign PDFs on a Mac, detailing both the built-in Preview app and advanced options like SignWell. It emphasizes the convenience, security, and legal compliance of digital signatures, highlighting SignWell’s advantages, including user-friendly features, real-time tracking, and detailed audit trails. Whether for personal or professional use, the article helps users find the best solution for their PDF signing needs.

Struggling with Signing PDFs on Your Mac?

Adding your signature to a PDF on a Mac doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few clicks, you can sign forms, contracts, and other essential documents, right from your Mac. 

Whether you need a quick, personal signature for one document or a legally binding e-signature solution for professional use, you’ve got options that are simple to use and accessible.

In this article, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about signing PDFs on a Mac. From using advanced tools like SignWell to macOS’s built-in Preview app, we’ll walk you through the best methods to meet your signing needs.

But first…

Why Trust Us?

At SignWell, we’ve helped over 61,000 businesses securely manage their digital files, from PDFs to images and other essential documents, with our trusted e-signature tool. With extensive experience in digital documentation and signature solutions, we understand the importance of secure, seamless PDF signing workflows.

What Is Digital Signing on a Mac?

Digital signing on a Mac refers to the process of adding a secure, legally binding signature to electronic documents, such as PDFs, without the need for physical paperwork.

When you digitally sign a document, you create a unique electronic representation of your signature that verifies your identity and expresses your consent. This process often involves cryptographic technology to ensure the authenticity and integrity of the signed document.

Why Sign PDFs Digitally on Your Mac?

  • Convenience: Digital signatures streamline workflows by allowing you to sign documents instantly from your Mac, eliminating the need to print, sign by hand, and scan back.
  • Enhanced Security: Digital signing tools often offer encryption and audit trails, making the process more secure than traditional signatures.
  • Cost-Efficiency: Going digital reduces expenses related to printing, scanning, and storing physical documents, especially valuable for businesses with frequent signing needs.
  • Professional Appearance: Digital signatures provide a clean, polished look that’s easy to share, essential for formal documents like contracts or agreements.
  • Legal Compliance: Most digital signing platforms, like SignWell, comply with U.S. and international e-signature laws, ensuring that your signed documents are legally binding.

How to Sign a PDF on Mac (2 Methods)

Method 1: How to Sign a PDF Using SignWell

SignWell is an intuitive, legally binding e-signature platform designed to simplify the document signing process. Unlike basic tools, SignWell offers advanced features that streamline digital signing for both personal and professional use. 

With compliance with U.S. and international e-signature laws, it’s ideal for contracts, agreements, and any documents that require a secure, traceable signing process.

Step 1: Sign Up for a Free SignWell Account

  • Visit the SignWell website.
  • Create an account by signing up with your Google account or using your email and password. It’s FREE.

Step 2: Upload Your PDF Document

Once logged in:

  • Click the “New Document” button.
  • Select “Upload Document” and choose your PDF file from your device.

Step 3: Add Recipient Information

Enter the necessary contact details:

  • Add the names and email addresses of those who will sign the PDF.
  • Include your own contact if you need to sign the document as well.
  • Click “Prepare” to proceed.

Step 4: Add Signature Fields to Your PDF

On the document preview page:

  • Drag and drop signature fields to the desired locations on your PDF.
  • Customize other fields if needed, such as dates or initials.

Step 5: Send the Document for Signing

  • Click “Send” at the top right.
  • Personalize your message and, if necessary, set the signing order for multiple signers.
  • Review and click “Send” to email the PDF to recipients.

Step 6: Monitor Document Status and Send Reminders

Track your document’s progress:

  • Monitor who has opened and signed the PDF.
  • Enable automated reminders to prompt recipients.
  • Receive notifications when all parties have signed.

Step 7: Save Your Signed PDF

  • Once fully signed, download the completed PDF or save it in your SignWell account for future access.
  • To download, click “Save As” from your document dashboard.

Method 2: How to Sign a PDF Using Preview on macOS

Preview is a versatile, built-in app for macOS that lets you view and edit PDF files and images. Most Mac users know Preview as a quick tool for opening PDFs, but it also offers basic editing features—including the ability to add digital signatures to documents. 

For personal use or simpler signing tasks, Preview provides a convenient, straightforward way to add signatures without any additional software.

Step 1: Open the PDF in Preview

  • Locate the PDF you need to sign and open it in Preview.
  • Double-click the file if Preview is set as the default app or right-click, select “Open With”, and choose “Preview”.

Step 2: Create Your Signature

  • Click the Markup Toolbar (pencil icon).
  • Select “Signature” > “Create Signature”.
  • Choose one of the following methods:
    • Trackpad: Draw your signature and press any key to save.
    • iPhone/iPad: Create a signature on your connected device.
    • Camera: Sign on paper, hold it up to your Mac’s camera, and Preview will capture it.

Step 3: Insert Your Signature

  • Go to “Signature” in the Markup Toolbar and select your saved signature.
  • Click on the PDF to place the signature. Adjust its size and position by dragging the corners.

Step 4: Adjust the Signature Size and Position

  • Click on the signature to select it, then resize and reposition as necessary to fit the form or designated area.

Step 5: Save the Signed PDF

  • Go to File > Save to embed the signature permanently.
  • If you prefer to keep an unsigned copy, choose File > Export and save the signed version separately.

Bonus Method: Using SignWell’s FREE PDF Sign Tool

At SignWell we also offer a free, secure PDF signing tool that allows you to upload, sign, and download documents effortlessly. It’s easy to use, legally binding, and compliant with both U.S. and international e-signature laws, ensuring your documents are signed with confidence and privacy.

Step 1: Prepare the PDF You Want to Sign

Make sure the PDF you need to sign is already saved or downloaded onto your device. If not, take the necessary steps to save it before proceeding.

Step 2: Visit the SignWell PDF Sign Tool Page

  • Open a new tab on your Mac browser and navigate to the SignWell PDF sign tool page: SignWell PDF Sign Tool.
  • Once the page is loaded, you’ll see a marked box prompting you to drag and drop your PDF or a yellow button to choose your PDF file. No sign-up required.

  • Click the button and select the PDF you previously saved to your computer. You can upload up to three PDFs at a time.
  • After selecting your document, you’ll be given two toggle options:
    • Include Audit & Lock: Adds an audit trail and locks the PDF from changes after signing.
    • Wet Sign Effect: Adds a “wet sign” effect to the signature if you prefer a more traditional appearance.

Step 3: Sign the Document

  • After selecting your preferences, click Sign PDF(s). Your document will open in a dedicated preview page.
  • On the left side, you’ll see fields you can drag and drop onto your document where you want to sign, including:
    • Signature
    • Initials
    • Checkbox
    • Text and Date

  • Drag the Signature field to the area where you’d like to sign. You’ll have three options to add your signature:
    • Type: Type your name and choose a font style.
    • Draw: Draw your signature using your mouse or touchpad.
    • Upload: Upload an image of your signature.

Step 4: Download the Signed PDF

  • After placing your signature, click Continue to Download at the top right corner of the preview page.

  • You’ll be taken to the download page. It may take a few seconds to process your completed document. Once it’s ready, click on the Download button to save your signed PDF.

Note: All uploaded files are securely processed and automatically deleted after signing to ensure your privacy, including any personal data uploaded for the secure audit.  

Why SignWell Is the Best Way to Sign PDFs on Mac

While macOS Preview offers basic PDF signing capabilities, SignWell provides significant advantages for both personal and professional use:

Legally Binding Signatures

SignWell’s eSignatures are compliant with U.S. and international laws, ensuring that your signed documents carry the same legal weight as traditional handwritten signatures.

User-Friendly Interface

SignWell’s intuitive platform makes it simple to upload, prepare, and send documents for signing, regardless of technical expertise.

Advanced Features

SignWell supports features such as reusable templates, predefined signature fields, and customizable workflows. These tools streamline the signing process for documents that require multiple signatures or repeated use, saving you time and ensuring consistency.

Real-Time Tracking and Notifications

With SignWell, you can monitor the status of your documents in real time, know who has signed, and send automated reminders to recipients. This is especially useful for contracts, agreements, and time-sensitive documents.

Detailed Audit Trails

Each signed document comes with an audit report detailing timestamps and actions, providing transparency and an extra layer of security for professional and legal documentation.

Multi-Device Access

Access SignWell on any device, allowing you to manage and sign documents from your computer, tablet, or phone, making it convenient for users on the go.

Streamline PDF Signing Process With SignWell

Signing PDFs on a Mac can be done using the built-in Preview app or through more advanced solutions like SignWell. While Preview covers basic needs, users requiring more flexibility and professional features will find greater benefits in specialized tools.

SignWell stands out as a robust eSignature solution with legally binding signatures, real-time tracking, and the ability to create reusable templates. Its user-friendly platform streamlines document management, making it ideal for business and personal use.

Sign up for a free SignWell account and enhance your PDF signing experience today.