How to Add a Signature Image to a PDF

The simplest approach on desktop

1. Open the PDF in your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) or in Preview on Mac.
2. Use the annotation or signature tool built into the viewer.
3. Insert your Signova signature image into the signature field or position it manually.
4. Save the PDF as a copy so the original remains untouched.

On Mac with Preview

1. Open the PDF in Preview.
2. Click the markup toolbar icon (the pencil tip).
3. Select the Signature tool.
4. Import your Signova image or use the trackpad option to draw.
5. Drag the signature to the correct position.
6. Save.

Free tools that work well

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) — Fill and Sign feature on desktop
• Smallpdf or ILovePDF — for quick online edits
• Preview on Mac — built-in and reliable
• Google Drive PDF viewer — basic but functional for simple placements

Getting a clean result

• Use a transparent PNG to avoid a white box appearing over the document
• Resize the signature to roughly match the size of the signature field
• Check the final PDF on a second device before sending it

What to avoid

Avoid taking a screenshot of the PDF and placing the signature on an image file. That approach produces a lower-quality result and is harder to edit later if corrections are needed.

Work directly in a proper PDF tool to keep the document clean and the text layer intact.