On Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can use the Microsoft Edge browser to sign or add your signature to a PDF document for free. There is no need to install additional software or print the document. For instance, I recently received a financial document that required my signature. Rather than installing yet another software, I simply opened the PDF in the Edge browser, added my signature, saved it, and sent the file via email. As you can see, the entire process is not only streamlined but also easy. In this tutorial, I will guide you step-by-step in adding your signature to a PDF using the Microsoft Edge browser. Let’s get started.
Important Note: Adding a signature in Microsoft Edge is an annotation, not a digital signature. Annotations are simple and quick but lack the security and legal validity of digital signatures, which use cryptographic methods to verify authenticity and ensure document integrity.
Sign PDF in Microsoft Edge (Add Signature)
To add a signature to PDF in the Microsoft Edge browser, follow the below steps:
- Right-click on the PDF document
- Select the Open with > Microsoft Edge option.
- Click the Draw icon on the top navigation bar.
- Click the dropdown icon next to it.
- Select a color and set the pen thickness using the slider.
- Find the field where you want to add your signature in the PDF doc.
- Write the signature with your mouse or touchscreen.
- Click the Save As icon on the top nav bar.
- Go to a folder, enter a name in the “File name” field, and click Save.
- With that, you’ve added your signature to a PDF using Edge.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, open the PDF document you want to sign in Edge. You can drag and drop the PDF file into the Edge window or right-click on the PDF file and select Open With > Microsoft Edge.
Once the PDF opens in Edge, you’ll see annotation tools on the top command bar. Click the Draw icon, then click the dropdown icon next to it and choose a color. Typically, black works fine. After that, set the pen thickness using the “Thickness” slider.
Once the pen is ready, find the field where you want to sign and scribble your signature with your mouse or touchscreen.
If you make a mistake, click the Eraser icon and erase the signature by clicking and dragging over it.
Alternatively, you can type your signature. Click the Add Text icon, click where you want to sign, choose the Text Color, and type your signature. Black is usually fine. You can adjust the font size with the Increase text size (A^) and Decrease text size (Aˇ) icons.
After signing, click the Save icon or press Ctrl + S to save the document. To save a copy without modifying the original, click the Save As icon.
For the Save As option, enter the file name, select a destination, and click Save.
That’s it! You’ve successfully added your signature to the PDF document in Microsoft Edge.
Wrapping Up — Adding Your Signature to PDF Using Microsoft Edge
As you can see, thanks to the Microsoft Edge browser and its PDF annotating tools, it is quite easy to add your signature to a PDF document. Keep in mind that you are adding a regular signature and not a proper e-signature (electronic signature) or digital signature. A digital signature is encrypted and authenticates the document. If you are trying to sign a legal document or any other PDF that requires your authentication, you should add a real e-signature or digital signature. For that, you can use PDF editing software like Acrobat or Smallpdf.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
Tutorial update to include new information and update steps to match upgraded Edge browser.
