Where to find the signature tool in Adobe Acrobat

Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro. Click the Fill & Sign tool in the right panel, or go to Tools > Fill & Sign from the menu bar. You'll see a toolbar appear at the top with options to add text, initials, and a signature.

If you're using Acrobat Pro (the paid version), you also have access to Certifying Signatures, which adds a tamper-evident seal that proves the document hasn't been changed since you signed it. For most everyday signing, the Fill & Sign tool is what you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Click Fill & Sign in the right panel or find it under Tools in the menu to start adding your signature.
  • You can create a signature by typing your name, drawing one with your mouse or trackpad, or uploading an image of your handwritten signature.
  • Once you've created a signature, Acrobat saves it so you can reuse it on future documents without recreating it each time.
  • After signing, save the document with a new filename to preserve the original unsigned version.

Creating a signature from scratch

When you click the signature button in the Fill & Sign toolbar, a dialog box opens with three options: Type, Draw, or Image. Choose the method that matches how you want your signature to look.

Type creates a signature from text — you type your name and Acrobat applies a stylized font. This is the fastest option and works well if you want a clean, consistent signature. Draw lets you use your mouse, trackpad, or stylus to sketch your signature directly on the screen. Image lets you upload a photo of your handwritten signature if you've already signed something on paper and scanned it.

Whichever method you choose, Acrobat stores that signature in your account so you don't have to recreate it. The next time you open Fill & Sign, your saved signature appears as an option.

Placing your signature on the document

After you've created or selected your signature, click where on the PDF you want it to appear. Your signature will be placed at that exact spot. You can resize it by dragging the corners of the box, and you can move it by clicking and dragging the signature itself to a new location.

If you need to sign multiple pages, place your signature on the first page, then navigate to the next page and click where you want it to appear again. Repeat for each page that needs your signature.

You can also add the date and time automatically. In the Fill & Sign toolbar, look for the date option and click it to insert today's date next to your signature. This is useful for contracts, agreements, and other documents where the signing date matters.

The difference between regular signatures and certified signatures

A regular signature (what Fill & Sign creates) shows that you signed the document, but it doesn't prevent someone from editing the file afterward. Once you've signed and saved, another person could theoretically open the file and change the content.

Certified signatures (available only in Acrobat Pro) lock the document after you sign it. If anyone tries to edit the file, the signature becomes invalid and a warning appears. This is important for legal documents, contracts, and anything where you need proof that the document hasn't been altered since you signed it. To create a certified signature, go to Tools > Certificates > Digital Signatures and follow the prompts to set up a certificate.

Saving your signed document

After you've placed your signature, click Apply or Done (the button name varies by version). Then save the document. Use File > Save As and give it a new filename — something like "contract_signed_2024" — so you keep both the original unsigned version and the signed copy.

If you only click Save without using Save As, Acrobat will overwrite the original file. Keeping both versions is useful if you need to prove you had an unsigned copy or if you need to make changes and sign again.

Troubleshooting common signature problems

If the Fill & Sign tool doesn't appear in your right panel, make sure you're using a recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader or Acrobat Pro. Older versions don't have this feature. You can check your version under Help > About Adobe Acrobat Reader and update if needed.

If your drawn signature looks shaky or unclear, try drawing more slowly or using a stylus instead of your mouse. If you're on a laptop trackpad, drawing is harder — the Type or Image options usually work better. If your signature won't stay in place after you save, make sure you're using Save As rather than just Save, and that the file format is PDF.

If you're trying to add a certified signature and the option doesn't appear, you're likely using Acrobat Reader (the free version). Certified signatures require Acrobat Pro. For regular signatures, Reader is enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same signature on multiple documents?

Yes. Once you create a signature in Fill & Sign, Acrobat saves it. Every time you open Fill & Sign on any PDF, your saved signature appears as an option. You can click it and place it on the new document without recreating it.

What's the difference between Adobe Acrobat Reader and Acrobat Pro for signing?

Both let you add regular signatures using Fill & Sign. Acrobat Pro adds certified signatures, which lock the document and prevent edits. If you only need to sign documents, Reader is free and sufficient. Pro costs money but offers certified signatures and other advanced features.

Can someone forge my signature if I use the Type option?

A typed signature is easier to copy than a drawn or handwritten one, since it's just text. For legal documents where forgery is a concern, use the Draw option (your own sketch) or Image option (a photo of your actual handwriting). For everyday forms and PDFs, a typed signature is fine.

Does my signature stay in the document if I email it to someone?

Yes. Once you save the signed PDF, the signature is part of the file. When you email it or share it, the signature goes with it. The recipient sees your signature in the document, but they cannot remove it or edit it (unless they have Acrobat Pro and you didn't use a certified signature).

Can I add a signature to a PDF that's locked or protected?

No. If a PDF is locked for editing, you won't be able to add a signature using Fill & Sign. The document owner would need to remove the protection first. If you don't have permission to unlock it, ask the person who created the PDF to send you an unlocked version.