How to sign a PDF on iPad

The iPad is a genuinely good device for reading and marking up documents, but iPadOS still can't restructure a PDF on its own — no merging, no splitting, no page-level editing without a paid app. Safari on iPad runs desktop-class web pages, so a browser tool works properly here rather than in a cut-down mobile view.

Signing is the classic mobile job — a contract arrives by email and you need it signed and returned without finding a printer, a scanner and a pen.

Open Sign PDF →

Step by step on iPad

1Open the Sign PDF tool and upload your document.
2Draw or type your signature in the side panel.
3Click on the page to place it, drag to position, then download the signed PDF.

Tap to browse and choose from Files, iCloud Drive or a connected drive. You can also drag a PDF from the Files app into Safari using Split View.

Where the finished file is saved on iPad

Safari saves to the Downloads folder in the Files app. With Split View you can keep Files open beside Safari and drag the finished document straight into another app.

What iPad can’t do on its own

Markup lets you draw and sign with Apple Pencil, and Files can preview and rename — but combining documents, extracting pages or editing text isn't something iPadOS does without third-party software.

FAQ

Can I use Apple Pencil with this?

For drawing a signature, yes — Apple Pencil works anywhere you can draw with a finger, and gives noticeably better control.

Does this work in Split View alongside other apps?

Yes. Safari on iPad runs the full desktop experience, so you can keep Files or Mail open beside it and drag documents between them.

Is a drawn signature legally valid?

In many places a simple electronic signature is accepted for everyday agreements. For legally-certified digital signatures with a certificate, use a dedicated e-signature service.

Can I place my signature on any page?

Yes — click anywhere on any page to drop your signature, then drag and resize it, and add it in as many spots as you need.

Is pdfcdf free to use?

Yes. Every tool on pdfcdf is completely free, with no account, no watermarks, and no limits on how many files you process.

Are my files safe? Do they get uploaded?

Your files never leave your device. Every tool runs entirely in your browser, so your documents are processed locally and are never uploaded to a server or seen by anyone.

Do I need to create an account or sign up?

No. pdfcdf works instantly with no sign-up, no email, and no software to install — just open the tool and go.

Does it work on mobile phones and tablets?

Yes. pdfcdf runs in any modern browser on phones, tablets, Mac, Windows and Linux — nothing to download.

Ready to sign a PDF on your iPad?

Open Sign PDF →

Same tool, other devices

Sign a PDF on iPhone Sign a PDF on Android Sign a PDF on Mac Sign a PDF on Windows Sign a PDF on Chromebook

Related tools

Fill & Sign Watermark Flatten PDF