How to make an electronic signature: Sign documents from anywhere with your phone

In today’s digital age, the ability to create and save digital signatures has become an invaluable skill. Whether you're signing contracts, authorizing documents, or adding a personal touch to your digital correspondence, mastering the creation and application of digital signatures opens a world of convenience and security in our increasingly online interactions. 

In this simple, easy-to-follow guide, we’re walking you through the steps of creating a digital signature, empowering you with a versatile and secure way to authenticate your documents without a pen and paper. Here’s how to create and save digital signatures using your phone or computer in just a few easy steps.

Watch the video above to learn how to create a digital signature using your phone or computer.

How to create a digital signature using your phone or computer

• Begin by using PDF viewer software like Preview, which often comes pre-installed on Mac computers. These programs already include tools specifically designed for creating digital signatures, making the process simple.
• Within the chosen program, locate the tool designated for "managing signatures." In Preview, the navigation path to follow is Tools< Annotate < Signatures < Manage Signatures. This feature is where the magic happens, allowing you to capture then save your digital signatures for future use.
• To capture your signature, the versatility of your chosen device comes into play. To create your unique digital signature, you can use your trackpad, a mobile phone or tablet or even the camera on your laptop. In most of these scenarios your finger becomes the pen.
• Once you’ve created your signature, simply save and it will store your signature(s) for one-click future use.
• Recognizing the diversity of document requirements, it may be useful to create both a digital name signature and an initial signature and save them. This ensures you're prepared for any document that comes your way.
• Once you’re ready to digitally sign your documents, simply open your document on your Mac using Preview or similar program. Utilize the toolbar to locate your signature. In Preview, the navigation path to follow is Tools< Annotate < Signature.
• Next, select the signature you wish to use.
• With a straightforward drag-and-drop action, position the signature precisely where needed in your document. This is a user-friendly method that ensures efficiency and accuracy.

Tech tips: Make your phone more efficient

Another way to digitally sign a PDF on your iPhone

• Save the document on your phone. If the document you need to sign was sent in an email attachment, open the attachment, select “Share”, then scroll and select “Notes”.
• Open Notes, then tap the document in the note.
• Tap the “Share” button.
• Scroll down and select “Markup”.
• Tap the “Add” button, which is identified by a + sign.
• Select “Signature”.
• Select an existing saved signature or create a new one.
• Adjust the size of the signature box and place it on the document as needed.
• Tap “Done” to finalize the signature.

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