How to sign a PDF for free: all methods

1 min read·25 July 2026

Signing a PDF can be done in multiple ways — from a simple digital signature to a legally qualified e-signature. Here you see which method to use when, and how to do it for free via PDFrust.

Simple digital signature

Via PDFrust's signature tool you draw your signature on the touchscreen or trackpad (or upload a photo of it). The signature is placed as an image on the PDF. This is sufficient for most informal and business situations.

Signature via image

Draw your signature on white paper, take a photo, and remove the background (make it transparent). Upload it as a PNG to the signature tool and place it in the right spot in your document.

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When is a simple signature enough?

For most business documents (quotes, order confirmations, rental agreements) a simple digital signature is sufficient. The document and signature together form evidence of agreement.

Qualified e-signature

For official documents (notarial deeds, government forms) a qualified electronic signature (QES) is sometimes required. This requires a certified identity provider and a recognised certificate authority — not available via PDFrust.