How to sign a PDF on iPhone

How to sign a PDF on iPhone with Scanfone

1. Open the PDF in Scanfone: import it from Files or Mail, or scan the paper document.
2. Choose Sign and draw your signature with your finger.
3. Place the signature on the page and resize it to fit the line.
4. Add text such as your name or the date if the form asks for it.
5. Save, then share the signed PDF by Mail or Messages, or save it to Files.

Before you start

You need the document as a PDF on your phone, or the paper version in front of you. If it arrived by email, save the attachment to Files or share it straight to Scanfone. If it is on paper, scan it first: see how to scan documents on iPhone.

Scanfone's sign PDF tool is free, with no ads and no account. You will not be asked to start a trial at the moment you try to save the signed file. We find that move a bit rude.

Sign a PDF step by step

1. Open the document in Scanfone. Import a PDF from Files, Mail or another app with the share sheet, or scan a paper form with the camera.
2. Tap Sign. Draw your signature with your finger on the screen. Take your time; you can redo it.
3. Place it. Drag the signature onto the signature line and pinch to resize.
4. Fill in the rest. Use add text for your printed name, the date or any short field on the form.
5. Save. The signed PDF is saved in Scanfone.
6. Send it back. Share by Mail or Messages, print it, or save it to Files.

Reuse your signature

You draw your signature once and Scanfone keeps it for next time, so signing the next lease extension, permission slip or invoice takes a couple of taps. Your saved signature stays on your phone.

Signing a paper document

Got a printed contract and no printer to print a fresh copy? Scan it, sign it digitally and send the PDF. Or sign the paper with a pen and scan the signed pages, whichever the other side prefers. Either way, use the Black & white filter for a crisp, photocopy-like result.

Other useful tools while you are there

• Redact: hide your account number or other details before sending.
• Merge PDFs: attach the signed form and your ID copy as one file. See how to merge PDFs on iPhone.
• Page numbers and footer text: helpful for long contracts.
• Watermark: mark a copy as "Copy" or "For rental application only".
• Compress: shrink the file if the email bounces for being too large.

Is a signature drawn on an iPhone legally valid?

In many countries, a simple electronic signature like a drawn signature on a PDF is commonly accepted for everyday paperwork such as forms, letters and many agreements. Some documents need a specific type of signature, a witness or a certified e-signature service. Rules vary by country and by document, so if in doubt, ask the person or organisation asking for your signature. Scanfone is a tool for placing your signature on a PDF; it is not legal advice and not a certified e-signature service.

Keep signed documents safe

Signed contracts and ID copies are worth protecting. Keep them in Scanfone's safe locked folder, locked with a PIN and Face ID. Scanning and editing happen on your phone, and nothing is uploaded unless you turn on Pro sync.

What it costs

Signing, adding text and sharing are free and unlimited. Free PDFs get one small "Scanned free with Scanfone" line under each page, with no watermark over your content. Scanfone Pro removes that line and adds sync and 1 TB cloud backup for $2.99 the first year, then $19.99 a year. No weekly plans. See pricing.

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