Forum Discussion
How to sign a PDF on laptop—do I need an electronic or digital signature?
Hi everyone, I need to sign a PDF on my laptop, but the different signing options are a little confusing. Some guides explain how to type a name, draw a signature, or upload a signature image, while...
A digital signature requires a signing certificate and its associated private key. Some tools require you to supply your own. If you don’t have one, a service such as eSignGear can apply a platform-provided digital certificate to seal the document, making later changes detectable.
eSignGear is a web-based tool, with a free allowance of two document sends per month. To sign a PDF:
- Upload the document and select “You” to sign it yourself.
- Right-click to add a signature block. Type, draw, or upload your signature, then position it.
- Add a date if needed and click “Finish and Sign” to complete the process and download the signed document.
The handwritten mark is the visible electronic signature; the digital certificate provides the document’s cryptographic protection. A platform certificate isn’t the same as a personal certificate issued in your name, so check the recipient’s requirements if they specify one.