PDFs are one of the most common formats for sending and receiving important documents. And electronic signatures have cut hours from the traditional approval process. Adding a simple signature to a PDF document on your macOS (Mac OS X) computer is easier than ever.
In this article, we’ll cover two ways of signing PDFs – using Mac’s pre-installed Apple Preview app or using modern software like PandaDoc. Generally speaking, Preview is sufficient for those that only want very basic eSignature functionality. Alternatively, if you want a broader set of features and more sophisticated security, a smart app might be the way to go.
Let’s take a look at each.
How to sign a PDF on Mac with Preview
To add an electronic signature to a PDF document using Apple Preview, follow the steps below:
Locate the PDF document you want to sign. Right-click and select Open with and Preview.
Click the Show Markup Tool icon (of a blue tip of a pen in a small circle) and select the Sign button.
Follow the on-screen prompts. You have two options to create signatures:
Use your trackpad to hand-draw a signature.
Using your camera by handwriting e a signature on a blank piece of paper and holding it up to the camera.
Once you are happy with the signature click Done, select the signature you wish to use and drag it to the appropriate area in the document. Your signature will be saved for future use.
Should you use special software?
For Mac users, eSignLive has proven to be one of the best signature app for Mac(macOS 10.14 included). Like PDFelement and DocuSign, eSignLive allows you to easily sign documents even when you do not have great computer skills. ESignLive is also very secured due to the fact that it offers some extra layer of authentication which will guarantee that you documents are safe. KEY FEATURES Sign Documents.Sign any document for FREE; no pen or paper required.Create your signature and initials using your finger/stylus, uploading a picture of your signature, or selecting one of the preformatted styles.Add text to your document such as name, company, address, date, and more. How to sign a document on Mac with your iPhone or iPad in Quick Look; How to sign a document on Mac with your iPhone or iPad in Preview; How to sign a document on Mac with your iPhone or iPad in Quick Look. Open a Finder window on your Mac by clicking the Finder icon. Find and click once on the file you want to sign. In the event a digital document needs to be signed, like a form or a letter, macOS includes a way to add your signature without needing to print out the pages and rescan them. AppleInsider shows.
If you require a wider set of features than those offered in Preview, you may want to consider using an application or software. Either of them have the following benefits:
They can be used with different document formats
Modern tools enable you to quickly add fully-secure signatures to a variety of documents – whether Microsoft Word, PDF, Google Docs, and more – without the need to use the specific tools available in individual pieces of software.
They enable you to sign across devices
Modern tools are compatible across devices, allowing you to access and sign documents securely from a smartphone, tablet or desktop computer (including Windows, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android, Chrome OS, Linux – whatever platform you prefer). They can even be used to sign documents in-person with a touch-screen.
Extra security is provided
Modern tools provide an extra layer of security to documents approved with electronic signatures. Whenever a recipient signs using PandaDoc, a time and date-stamped certificate that includes the signer’s name, email, and IP address is automatically generated and attached to the document.
This makes verification much easier if issues arise at a later stage. Furthermore, smart apps are usually fully compliant with legislation like ESIGN and eIDAS.
They benefit both senders and recipients
Because a solution like PandaDoc provides instantly-accessible documents to recipients, most senders find they acquire signatures in a fraction of the time it usually takes. Signees simply need to click on a box and type in their name, without any knowledge of how to use signature software. Companies that use smart signature tools often see a significant boost to their close rate.
How to sign a PDF on Mac with PandaDoc
Mac Document Signing App Template
To add a signature to a PDF document on Mac using PandaDoc, just follow the steps below:
Log into the PandaDoc app and click on the “New Document” button.
Upload the document you want to sign by either dragging it into the upload area or clicking Choose A Local File.
Once the document has uploaded, it will be visible in the PandaDoc editor.
Select the Signature block from the menu on the right of the screen and drag it to the area of the document you wish to sign.
Click on the signature box and select yourself as the recipient. You may need to add your details if they are not already saved.
Click again on the signature box and enter your signature by either choosing a digital signature already created, hand-drawing the signature, or uploading it manually.
Click the Complete button and download the document in your desired format or send it directly back to the original sender using PandaDoc.
Conclusion
Open Word Document On Mac
Modern tools offer an array of features not included in Preview. If you regularly sign documents electronically, then opting for a solution like PandaDoc can save you a significant amount of time.
Along with the option to enter your signature in multiple ways – by drawing, typing, uploading an image, etc. – you can also effortlessly sign documents across multiple formats and devices. And because of the additional security features, all of your documents will have a complete, securely-stored paper trail should any future verification issues arise.
If you would like to give PandaDoc a test-drive, you can sign up for a completely free 14-day trial.
My Documents On Mac
Code signing your app assures users that it is from a known source and the app hasn’t been modified since it was last signed. Before your app can integrate app services, be installed on a device, or be submitted to the App Store, it must be signed with a certificate issued by Apple.
Common Tasks
To avoid potential issues with common tasks involving code signing, follow these best practices:
New Enterprise iOS Distribution Certificates will be issued using a new version of the Apple Worldwide Developer Relations Certification Intermediate Certificate. Apple development certificates will continue to be issued by the version of the Apple Worldwide Developer Relations Certification Intermediate Certificate that expires on February 7, 2023, so you should keep both versions installed on your development systems and servers.
Xcode 11.4.1 or later is required to sign apps using certificates issued with the new intermediate certificate. If you are unable to upgrade to a compatible version of Xcode, you can continue to sign your apps using the command line. Download and install the new intermediate certificate to ensure that you can successfully sign apps with a newly created Enterprise iOS Distribution Certificate.
WWDR Certification Intermediate Certificate (Expires February 7, 2023) WWDR Certification Intermediate Certificate (Expires February 20, 2030)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I transfer my code signing certificates and provisioning profiles to another Mac?
Review the instructions in Export signing certificates and provisioning profiles.
What does “Valid Signing Identity Not Found” mean and how do I resolve it?
Follow the steps outlined in If a signing certificate or private key is missing.
How do I resolve a code signing build error?
See the list of published solutions in If a code signing error occurs.
How do I revoke or delete my certificates and start over?
Use the process outlined in View or remove a signing certificate in your keychain.
Do I need to define a custom Code Signing Entitlements file in Xcode?
To understand when entitlements are required and how to configure them properly, see Add a capability to a target.