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A contract is shown on a tablet with a place to sign.

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How to Make an E-Signature Online.

Create an e-signature with Adobe Acrobat to quickly and easily sign documents wherever you are. Whether you want to create a digital or electronic signature (e-signature), the process is fast and easy.

E-signatures are as convenient as digital signatures but require less authentication. You can sign a PDF or other document quickly and securely with an e-signature. Learn how to sign with an electronic signature with Adobe below.

What you’ll learn.

Key takeaways.

  • You can easily create e-signatures online for free on a range of platforms, including Adobe Acrobat online.
  • When you create an e-signature, you can choose from a range of signature types, whether that’s text, images, or even drawings for e-signatures that appear handwritten.
  • Digital signatures and e-signatures vary slightly, with the latter being better for general use.
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Create a signature online.

Say goodbye to paper documents. Creating an electronic signature in a PDF file is easy with Acrobat. Start signing documents faster and more efficiently – right from your mobile device to improve your digital workflows.

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What’s the difference between an electronic signature vs a digital signature?

While there may not be many obvious differences between an e-signature and a digital signature at first glance, they each have distinct purposes:

  • An e-signature is a broader term that covers sounds or symbols used to sign a legal contract. It typically relies on basic user authentication, like emails or passwords.
  • A digital signature is a more advanced and secure type of signature, more like a unique fingerprint. It uses cryptographic technology to authenticate the signer’s identity and ensure that the document hasn’t been tampered with. Digital signatures are often required in highly regulated industries.

For routine tasks that require a basic level of security, the speed and convenience of an e-signature may be more suitable than a digital signature. However, for situations requiring the highest level of trust and legal compliance, digital signatures are essential.

Fortunately, with Adobe, you can create both e-signatures and digital signatures, so you can be prepared for any requirement.

How to create an electronic signature.

Creating an e-signature only takes a couple of quick and easy steps. Follow this simple 7-step guide to get started.

1. Click review and sign the link in an email.
Firstly, make sure you trust the sender and the files received by email. If so, open the email with the document to sign, and click the link labelled “Click here to review and sign...”
A screenshot of an email showing a blue link with a red box around it that reads Click here to review and sign Summary.
2. Click the signature prompt in the document.
Click the “Click here to sign” field in the document.
Screenshot of a document with a "Click here to sign" field in the upper-right corner, marked up by a red box.
3. Create electronic signature.
A pop-up window will open, allowing you to create your electronic signature in the signature field.
Screenshot of a pop-up window with an Acrobat signature field that reads “Type your signature here.
4. Select signature option.

Choose from four easy options:

  • Type your name
  • Draw with a mouse
  • Upload an image of your signature
  • Draw your e-signature with your finger or stylus on a touch screen.
Screenshot of a pop-up window with an Acrobat signature field and a red box around the top bar menu that shows Type, Draw, Image and Mobile as available options.
5. Sign document.
Select Apply to add your e-signature to the signature line and preview the signed document before you approve it.
Screenshot of a pop-up window with an Acrobat signature field and a drawn signature on it.
6. Finalise signature.
Select “Click to Sign” at the bottom to finalise your electronic signature.
Select “Click to Sign” at the bottom to finalise your electronic signature.
7. Send.
Adobe Acrobat will automatically send you and the document owner the final signed document.
Screenshot of a pop-up window with a document on the left and a confirmation message on the right that the document has been successfully signed, as well as a CTA button to download a copy.
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How to create a digital signature.

Digital signatures are simple to apply to new and existing documents. Here are the steps for how to use the Acrobat digital signature solution.

1. Click review link and opt to digitally sign.
Click the review link and opt to sign PDFs digitally. In the email you received from the document sender, click the “Click here to review and sign” dialogue box, then click the “Click to digitally sign” button.
2. Select signature source and select name.
Choose to sign with a cloud signature using your digital ID certificate provider. If you haven't got a digital ID certificate, sign up with a digital ID provider in the next step.
3. Sign in and apply a digital signature.
Select the name of your digital ID certificate provider. If you haven't got a digital ID certificate, visit the provided link to get a digital ID.
4. Preview signature.
View a preview of your signature. Click ‘‘Edit Signature’’ to manually sign via mouse or touch screen, or upload an image of your signature, then select OK. This will then become associated with your digital signature.
5. Authenticate the signature.
Finally, select “Click to Sign” and enter your digital ID provider’s PIN and one-time passcode to authenticate your digital signature.
6. Send your signed document.
Select “Click to Sign” at the bottom to finalise your electronic signature.
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What is the best e-signature maker?

The best e-signature maker is one that offers ease of use, robust security and functionality, and seamless PDF integration. Adobe Acrobat Sign stands out by supporting both e-signatures and digital signatures, integrating with your Adobe Acrobat Cloud, and supporting Microsoft Word. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises alike.

While Docusign is another trusted e-signature platform widely used by businesses and individuals, Adobe Acrobat Sign offers unique advantages and enhanced tools. Particularly for those already within the Adobe ecosystem.

Try to look for the following in your e-signature software:

  • Ease-of-use across platforms
  • Intelligent features and workflow tools
  • Compatibility with other file types (such as Microsoft Word, PDFs, and Google Drive)
  • Security, such as encryption or audit trails
  • Flexibility in signature creation (typing, images, drawing to sign).

Learn more about Adobe Acrobat Sign today.

How to make an e-signature: FAQs.

How do I create my own signature?
You can create an electronic or a digital signature using the Acrobat e-signature tool. Click the review link and choose to e-sign. From there, select a signature source and name, then sign in to apply your electronic signature. Next, you can preview your signature and authenticate it.
How do I make my e-signature handwritten?
You can make your e-signature look handwritten with Acrobat. In fact, there are four ways to create an electronic signature: type your name, upload an image file of your handwritten signature, draw your e-signature with a cursor, or sign with your finger or stylus on a touch screen device.
Are Acrobat electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid and enforceable in nearly every industrialised country around the world, with an increasing number of countries beginning to enact e-signature laws.

In 2000, the United States passed the ESIGN Act, making e-signatures legal for virtually all uses. The European Union introduced the Electronic Identification and Trust Services Regulation (eIDAS), which took effect on July 1st, 2016, and was further updated on May 20, 2024. Other countries have enacted similar laws as well.

To learn more, visit our Electronic Signatures are Legal page.

What devices does Acrobat support?
Acrobat supports document signing on practically any modern device, including smartphones, tablets and desktop computers such as Macs and PCs.
Can I create e-signatures for free?
Yes, you can easily create e-signatures online for free with a variety of e-signature creators – including free tools from Adobe Acrobat. Try Adobe Fill & Sign and create an e-signature online for free in seconds. Drag, drop, and sign – it’s that easy to make an e-signature online.
When should I use an online signature?
You should use an online signature, or rather, an e-signature, when you need to sign documents online. This could be for signing a contract remotely, an NDA, a rental agreement, or approving something at work. You could even create an e-signature to confirm a holiday you’ve planned. Just remember, electronic signatures are legally binding, just like a physical signature.

More resources.

Useful PDF tools

Whether it’s e-signatures or document edits, Adobe Acrobat offers a range of incredible PDF tools to bring your documents to life. Try Adobe Acrobat online today.

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