DeskKit guides / PDF guide
How to sign a PDF: draw, type or upload a signature
By DeskKit, an AK Software Labs product.
Adding a visible signature to a PDF is useful for forms and routine paperwork. DeskKit supports drawing a signature, typing one in a handwriting font or uploading a signature image. These methods place an image on a page; they do not create a certificate-based digital signature.
Choose a method
Open DeskKit Sign PDF and select your document. Draw your signature on the canvas with a pointer or supported touch device. Alternatively, type supported text and prepare it as a signature, or select your own signature image. Only use a signature you are authorised to place on the document.
Drawn signatures are useful when you need your own writing style. Typed signatures use the bundled Caveat font for supported Latin and Cyrillic characters. Uploading an image lets you reuse an existing scan. A transparent background generally blends better with the PDF than a large white rectangular background.
Set pages, size and placement
Choose the page or page range, then set the image size and position. Leave enough room around printed labels and dates. Avoid applying the signature to all pages unless the recipient asks for it. Review the downloaded result on every selected page before sending it.
Complete the rest of the document
If the PDF contains interactive fields, use PDF Forms. For a flat form or a small text correction, use the free PDF editor. Fill the content first and add your visible signature after the layout is complete, keeping a copy of the original document.
Image signatures and digital signatures differ
A certificate-based digital signature includes verification information and can show whether a document changed after signing. A drawn, typed or uploaded image does not provide that verification. Check the recipient’s requirements if a process requires a signing certificate or an approved signing service. Editing a PDF with an existing digital signature can invalidate it.
Save and handle your signature carefully
Rename the finished file so you can distinguish it from the unsigned version. Inspect the page size, placement and readability in a PDF viewer. On a shared device, close the document and remove downloaded copies when you no longer need them. Avoid sharing a reusable signature image publicly.
DeskKit processes this tool on the AK Software Labs VPS after your upload consent. Temporary job files are removed after completion or failure. See the privacy policy for details, including request metadata and advertising services.