How-to guide
How to Sign a PDF Online
Whether you just need to add a signature or first need to redact, reorder, or edit the PDF itself — here's how to do both, free.
Sometimes "sign a PDF" means "edit a PDF" first
A lot of PDFs aren't sign-ready as-is — a page needs removing, a line needs redacting, a typo needs fixing before anyone signs. Docracy's editor handles this directly on the PDF you upload, before you send it:
- Reorder or delete pages
- Redact sensitive text or images permanently
- Add new text anywhere on the page
- Edit existing text directly on the PDF (whiteout-and-redraw, not just an overlay)
Sign a PDF in under a minute
- Upload the PDF — drag and drop, paste a Google Docs link, or choose a free template instead.
- Edit it if needed: reorder pages, redact, or fix text.
- Place signature, date, or text fields wherever they belong.
- Send it. Signers open the link and sign — no account, no software to install.
Need to actually create a signature first, not just place one on a document? See how to create a digital signature
No account needed — for you or your signer
Docracy's free tier lets you upload, edit, and send a PDF for signature without creating an account, for chains of up to 2 signers. The person you send it to doesn't need an account either — they open the link and sign directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign a PDF without downloading any software?
Yes — the entire flow runs in your browser, from upload to signing, on desktop or mobile.
Can I edit a PDF's existing text, not just add new fields?
Yes — Docracy can directly edit existing text on a PDF page (not just paste something over it), plus redact, reorder, and delete pages.
Is signing a PDF online legally valid?
Generally yes, under laws like the U.S. ESIGN Act, UETA, and the EU's eIDAS regulation, provided there's consent, intent to sign, and a retainable record — which is exactly what Docracy's audit trail captures.
What file types can I upload?
PDF is the primary format — you can also paste a Google Docs link and it's converted automatically, free, as long as it's shared as "Anyone with the link can view." Word documents aren't supported directly; export to PDF first. If you don't already have a document, start from one of Docracy's free templates instead.
Upload your PDF and get it signed today.
Upload a PDF now →