HOW TO SIGN A PDF ONLINE

How to Sign a PDF Online

Upload your PDF to eSignly, place a signature field where it belongs, then sign the document or send it to others. The steps below explain both options.

Sign your PDF in four steps

  1. Open eSignly and upload the PDF you need to sign.
  2. Add a signature field at the place where the signature belongs. Add date or other fields if the document requires them.
  3. Complete your signature and review the document before finishing.
  4. Finish the workflow: keep the completed document or send it to the other people who need to sign.

Signing steps depend on whether you are preparing a document or responding to a signing request. If someone sent you a request, use its link and follow the on-screen instructions; account requirements can vary by workflow.

Explore eSignly plans

Need a different format? See how to add a signature to a Word document, or learn what an electronic signature audit trail records.

The Reality of Modern Document Workflows

You have a PDF that needs a signature, and you need it done now. The old way—print, sign, scan, email—is slow, messy, and insecure. You need a better system.

The eSignly Advantage

eSignly provides a simple, fast, and legally binding way to sign PDFs online from any device.

But we don't just stop at the signature. We give you a complete platform to manage your entire document workflow, from sending and tracking to storing and securing your most important agreements. See the available plans and choose the signing workflow that fits your needs.

TRUSTED BY GLOBAL LEADERS
aditech
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caterpillar
coast
ebay
fdc
gearupme
holiday
legalzoom
liugong
nokia
provoke
sitezeus
spirit
tiktok
tigerrock
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zealth
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Sign Your PDF in 3 Simple Steps

Skip the printer and scanner. Our platform streamlines your document workflow, allowing you to get binding signatures in minutes, not days.

1. Upload Your Document

Simply drag and drop your PDF, Word document, or image file directly into our secure dashboard. We support all standard file formats, and your documents are encrypted from the moment they land on our servers.

2. Add Your Signature

Place your signature, initials, date, or custom form fields exactly where they are needed. Our intuitive editor works flawlessly on any device—desktop, tablet, or smartphone—for a seamless signing experience.

3. Finalize & Send

Send the document to the people who need to sign. They can open the request and follow its instructions; account requirements depend on the workflow. Review the completed document and its available completion record.

Why eSignly is More Than Just a Signature

Legally Binding

Don't just place an image of a signature. Create a legally enforceable record. eSignly complies with the US ESIGN Act and global regulations, providing a court-admissible Certificate of Completion with every signed document.

Bank-Grade Security

Your documents are sensitive. eSignly identifies SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications and uses AES-256 bit encryption in transit and at rest. If your work is subject to HIPAA or GDPR, confirm the applicable product, configuration, and contractual requirements with eSignly before use.

Complete Audit Trail

Know exactly what happened and when. We track every event—from when the document was opened, viewed, and signed—and provide a detailed, tamper-proof log. This offers more proof than a traditional wet signature.

Works on Any Device

Sign from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The steps and account requirements can vary depending on whether you are preparing a document or responding to a signing request.

Faster Than Paper

Digital signing can remove printing, scanning, shipping, and some manual follow-up from a document workflow. The time saved depends on the document and the people involved.

Reusable Templates

Stop re-creating the same documents over and over. Save any document as a template, complete with signature and form fields, and reuse it in seconds. Perfect for sales contracts, HR forms, and NDAs.

Real-Time Tracking

End the guesswork. Your dashboard shows you the real-time status of every document you send. Get instant notifications when a document is opened and signed, so you always know what to do next.

Free Plan

The free plan includes 3 documents and unlimited signatures. Review the current plan details before getting started.

Grows With You

From a single user to a global enterprise, eSignly scales to meet your needs. Add team members, create custom branding, and integrate with your favorite tools using our powerful eSignature API.

Ready to Automate Your Document Workflow?

Explore the Free Plan

Perfect for freelancers, small businesses, and teams. Get up and running in minutes with a plan that scales with your growth. Review the available plan details and limits before signing up.

Enterprise & API Solutions

Need custom integrations, advanced compliance, or high-volume API access? Talk to our experts to design a solution that fits your technical and security requirements.

Explore digital document signing with eSignly. Compare available plans and choose the workflow that fits your needs.

Security & Compliance You Can Trust

eSignly identifies ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certifications. If your workflow is subject to HIPAA, GDPR, or 21 CFR Part 11, confirm the relevant product scope, configuration, and contractual requirements before use.

ISO 27001

Demonstrates a certified, systematic approach to managing information security.

SOC 2 Type II

Audited proof that we securely manage your data to protect the interests and privacy of our clients.

HIPAA Requirements

If your workflow handles Protected Health Information (PHI), confirm the required safeguards and product scope with eSignly before use.

GDPR Requirements

Review the data handling, jurisdiction, and contractual requirements that apply to your use case.

21 CFR Part 11

Provides the necessary controls for electronic records and signatures required by the FDA for life sciences organizations.

PCI DSS

Confirms our systems are secure for handling payment card information, relevant for billing and payment forms.

AES-256 Encryption

The gold standard for data encryption, protecting your documents both at rest on our servers and in transit over the internet.

REST API

A modern, predictable API standard that allows your developers to easily integrate our services into any application.

Webhooks

Enable real-time, event-driven automation by pushing status updates to your systems as they happen.

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Allows your employees to log in using your company's existing identity provider, improving security and user convenience.

Salesforce Integration

Automates your sales process by connecting the #1 CRM directly to your eSignature workflow.

Google Workspace

Seamlessly integrates with your productivity suite, allowing you to sign from Gmail and save to Drive.

Microsoft 365

Connects with your Microsoft ecosystem for easy document management and user authentication.

AWS Infrastructure

Leverages the world's leading cloud provider for unmatched reliability, scalability, and security.

Uptime SLA

A contractual guarantee of our platform's availability, giving you confidence in our service reliability for your critical business processes.

Proven Results for Every Industry

See how organizations leverage eSignly to eliminate paper, accelerate workflows, and ensure total compliance.

Real Estate

Real Estate Agency Accelerates Deal Closures by 60% with Instant PDF Signing

Client: Pinnacle Homes Realty (Rachel Manning, Owner)

The Problem: The agency's reliance on wet signatures created significant bottlenecks. Delays of even a few hours could mean losing a deal. They needed a way to get legally binding signatures instantly.

Outcome: Document turnaround reduced from 48 hours to 1 hour. 60% faster deal closures. Estimated $500 monthly savings per agent.

Technology

Mid-Sized Tech Firm Automates HR Onboarding and Achieves 100% Compliance

Client: Innovatech Solutions (Garrett Vaughn, HR Director)

The Problem: The manual onboarding process was not scalable, leading to errors, lost documents, and compliance risks. The HR team needed a centralized, secure system for onboarding paperwork.

Outcome: 95% reduction in time to complete paperwork. 100% completion and compliance rate. 40 hours saved per month for the HR team.

Enterprise Software

Enterprise Sales Team Integrates eSignature API with Salesforce, Shortening Sales Cycle by 12 Days

Client: Quantum Corp (Veronica Dale, VP of Sales Ops)

The Problem: The disconnect between Salesforce and contract signing created inefficiencies. Sales reps were manually generating contracts, and leadership lacked visibility into the pipeline status.

Outcome: Sales cycle shortened by 12 days. Reduced contract error rate by 98%. 15% increase in sales productivity.

Choose the Smarter Way to Sign

Stop settling for manual bottlenecks, insecure "Fill & Sign" tools, or expensive, bloated software. When you compare eSignly against the alternatives, the decision to modernize your workflow becomes obvious.

Manual / Paper

  • High administrative cost
  • Slow turnaround (days)
  • No secure audit trail
  • High risk of errors/loss

Basic "Fill & Sign"

  • Limited legality
  • Capabilities and certifications vary by provider
  • No workflow automation
  • Fragmented user experience

eSignly

  • Legally binding (US/Global)
  • ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certifications; confirm HIPAA/GDPR requirements for your workflow
  • Full workflow automation
  • Instant ROI & Efficiency

Frequently Asked Questions

Is eSignly legally binding?

Yes. eSignly signatures are legally binding under the U.S. ESIGN Act, UETA, and international standards like eIDAS. Every signature includes a tamper-evident audit trail that provides stronger evidence than traditional wet signatures.

Do my signers need an account to sign?

It depends on the signing workflow. If you received a request, open its link and follow the instructions shown. Account requirements may differ between responding to a request and preparing or sending a document, so check the prompts for your workflow.

How secure is my data?

eSignly identifies SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications and AES-256 bit encryption at rest and in transit. If your use case is subject to HIPAA or GDPR, confirm the applicable product scope, configuration, and contractual requirements with eSignly.

Is there a free plan available?

Yes. The free plan includes 3 documents and unlimited signatures. Visit the pricing page for current plan details and limits.

Can I sign documents on my phone?

Yes. Whether you are using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer, eSignly is fully responsive. Your signers can complete documents instantly from anywhere, on any device with an internet connection.

What is an audit trail?

Every document comes with a Certificate of Completion. This includes a time-stamped, tamper-proof record of every event: when the document was sent, viewed, and signed, along with the signer's IP address. It is court-admissible proof.

Do you offer an API for developers?

Yes. Our robust REST API is designed for developers. It is well-documented and allows you to embed the entire signing experience directly into your own website or application. You can have your first document signed via API in minutes.

Can I reuse my documents?

Absolutely. Stop re-creating documents. Upload your frequently used forms once, add your signature and form fields, and save them as templates. Reuse them in seconds to slash your administrative time.

What is your refund policy?

We believe in our value. We offer a pro-rata refund policy if you are not satisfied with our service. We don't lock you into restrictive contracts; we want to earn your business every month.

Can eSignly support HIPAA or GDPR requirements?

Suitability depends on your use case, product scope, configuration, and contractual requirements. Contact eSignly to confirm whether the available service meets your requirements before using it for regulated data.

Join 100,000+ Users Who Trust eSignly

Hear directly from the professionals and organizations who have transformed their document workflows.

Avatar for Paige Ford

Paige Ford

Founder, Spark Creative Co.

"eSignly is a lifesaver for my small agency. It's incredibly easy to use, and it makes us look so much more professional to our clients. Getting contracts signed used to be a hassle, now it's the easiest part of my day."

Avatar for Thomas Lamb

Thomas Lamb

Sales Manager, ProBuild Supplies

"Our sales team can now get quotes approved and signed on the same day. The ability to track when a client opens the document is a huge advantage. Our closing rates have definitely improved since we switched to eSignly."

Avatar for Kaitlyn Drummond

Kaitlyn Drummond

Paralegal, Sterling Legal Group

"The audit trail and Certificate of Completion are what sold us on eSignly. It gives us the confidence that our signed documents are secure and legally sound. It's an essential tool for any modern law practice."

Avatar for Orlando Gilbert

Orlando Gilbert

IT Consultant, OG Tech Solutions

"As a solo consultant, I need tools that are efficient and affordable. eSignly's free plan is fantastic, and the platform is rock-solid. I can send service agreements and get them signed before I even start a project."

Avatar for Mallory Pace

Mallory Pace

HR Generalist, HealthFirst Clinics

"We use eSignly for everything from new hire onboarding to physician credentialing. The HIPAA compliance was a critical factor for us. It has streamlined our processes while ensuring we protect patient and employee data."

Avatar for Cameron Avery

Cameron Avery

Lead Developer, Appify Inc.

"We needed to build signing into our application's user registration flow. The eSignly API was straightforward to implement, and the documentation was excellent. We were up and running in just a couple of days."

Comprehensive eSignature Solutions for Every Business Need

Instant PDF Signing

The core of our service. Upload any PDF, DOC, or DOCX file, place fields for signatures, text, and dates, and send it to anyone. It’s the fastest way to get a legally binding signature on your document.

  • Get documents signed in minutes, not days.
  • Works with PDF, Word, and other common formats.
  • Simple drag-and-drop interface requires no training.

Complete Audit Trail

Every signed document is accompanied by a Certificate of Completion. This legally robust document provides a comprehensive audit trail, including signer IP addresses, timestamps, and a record of all events.

  • Provides stronger legal evidence than wet signatures.
  • Ensures compliance with industry regulations.
  • Builds trust and transparency with all parties.

Reusable Templates

Standardize your most-used documents. Convert any file into a template with predefined roles and fields. This saves hours of administrative work and ensures consistency across your organization.

  • Reduce document preparation time by up to 90%.
  • Eliminate errors from manual document creation.
  • Onboard new team members faster with standardized forms.

Bulk Sending

Send the same document to hundreds of recipients at once, each with their own unique copy to sign. Ideal for policy updates, permission slips, or any mass communication requiring a signature.

  • Save hours compared to sending documents one-by-one.
  • Easily track the signature status of each individual recipient.
  • Maintain privacy between recipients.

Advanced Form Fields

Go beyond simple signatures. Collect structured data from your signers using text fields, checkboxes, dropdown menus, and more. Use data validation logic to ensure you get the correct information every time.

  • Reduce data entry errors and incomplete forms.
  • Automate data collection during the signing process.
  • Create dynamic forms that adapt to user input.

In-Person Signing

Capture signatures face-to-face on a tablet or computer. Perfect for client intake forms, service agreements, or waivers. The signer uses your device to sign, and the document is instantly secured in your account.

  • Eliminate paper forms in your office or at events.
  • Provide a modern, professional experience for your clients.
  • Instantly digitize and file signed documents.

Custom Branding

Deliver a consistent brand experience. Add your company logo and brand colors to the emails and signing pages your recipients see. This builds trust and reinforces your professional image.

  • Increase trust and signature completion rates.
  • Strengthen your brand identity at every touchpoint.
  • Provide a seamless experience for your customers and partners.

Team Management

Collaborate effectively and maintain control. Invite team members, share templates, and get full visibility into all documents across your organization. Assign user roles and permissions to control access.

  • Centralize all company agreements in one secure place.
  • Improve team productivity and collaboration.
  • Maintain strict control over sensitive documents.

eSignature API Integration

Automate your business. Integrate eSignly's powerful signing capabilities directly into your own website, CRM, or custom application. Our REST API is robust, well-documented, and easy to implement.

  • Create fully automated, end-to-end document workflows.
  • Embed the signing experience directly into your user interface.
  • Get your first API document signed in under an hour.

Real-Time Notifications

Stay informed without checking your dashboard. Receive automatic email notifications when a document is sent, viewed, or signed. This allows you to take immediate action and keep processes moving.

  • Eliminate the need for manual follow-ups.
  • Improve responsiveness to clients and partners.
  • Keep all stakeholders informed automatically.

CRM Integration

Connect eSignly to your source of truth. With pre-built integrations for platforms like Salesforce, you can automatically trigger signature requests and save signed documents back to the correct record.

  • Eliminate manual data entry between systems.
  • Give your sales team full visibility within the CRM.
  • Speed up your quote-to-cash cycle.

Cloud Storage Integration

Automatically sync your signed documents to the cloud storage services you already use, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Keep your documents organized and accessible your way.

  • Ensure your records are always backed up and organized.
  • Simplify document archival and retrieval.
  • Integrate eSignly into your existing file management workflow.

Regulatory Compliance Modules

For healthcare and life sciences workflows, confirm whether the product scope, configuration, and contractual terms meet your HIPAA or 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

  • Operate confidently in highly regulated industries.
  • Simplify audits with built-in compliance controls.
  • Protect sensitive patient or research data.

Embedded Signing

Provide a completely seamless signing experience by embedding the eSignly process directly within your own website or application. The user never has to leave your platform, creating a frictionless workflow.

  • Increase conversion rates for onboarding or checkout.
  • Maintain full control over the user experience.
  • Perfect for SaaS platforms, financial services, and online forms.

Website Signing Widget

Allow visitors to sign documents directly from your website. Embed a self-service signing widget for standard agreements like NDAs or terms of service. The visitor fills out and signs the document, and you receive the completed copy.

  • Automate the collection of standard legal agreements.
  • Reduce friction for new user or partner sign-ups.
  • Capture leads and agreements 24/7 without manual intervention.

Choose Your Delivery Model

SaaSManagedAPI

SaaS Plans (Self-Service)

Ideal for: Individuals, small teams, and departments who want a ready-to-use solution.

Includes:

  • Access to the eSignly web application.
  • Features based on your chosen plan (Free, Professional, Business).
  • Email and chat support.
  • Instant setup and ability to start sending documents in minutes.

Timeline: Immediate Access

Monthly or annual subscription per user. Start with our Free plan.

Enterprise Plan (Managed)

Ideal for: Large organizations with complex needs for security, compliance, and integration.

Includes:

  • All Business plan features.
  • Single Sign-On (SSO).
  • Options for HIPAA and 21 CFR Part 11 workflows; confirm suitability for your requirements.
  • Dedicated account manager and priority support.
  • Custom onboarding and training for your teams.

Timeline: Custom Onboarding (1-2 weeks)

Custom annual pricing based on volume and features. Contact sales for a quote.

API Plan (Integration)

Ideal for: Businesses and developers who want to integrate eSignature functionality into their own applications or websites.

Includes:

  • Access to our full REST API and webhooks.
  • Developer sandbox for testing.
  • Comprehensive API documentation and support.
  • Volume-based pricing for signatures.

Timeline: Get your first API call working in minutes.

Monthly subscription with a set number of API calls, plus overages. Volume discounts available.

The Future of Document Intelligence

eSignly is evolving. We are shifting from simple signature capture to intelligent, automated document lifecycle management. Our 2026 roadmap focuses on AI-driven capabilities that turn static files into actionable business assets.

AI-Powered Data Extraction & Smart Routing

Stop manual data entry and human-led filing. We are rolling out AI-driven document analysis that automatically scans your uploaded documents, extracts key contract terms, dates, and values, and routes them to the appropriate CRM or ERP system instantly. This transforms your documents from static PDFs into a dynamic stream of business intelligence, allowing your team to scale operations without increasing headcount or slowing down your workflows.

The Impact: Reduce manual processing time by up to 85% and virtually eliminate data entry errors, freeing your team for high-value strategic work.