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How to sign a PDF in Preview on a Mac

Checked 20 September 2026

If you are on a Mac, Preview will probably do this job and it is already installed. It fills form fields, lets you drop a text box onto a flat form, and captures a real signature three different ways — then syncs it to your other Macs through iCloud.

We would rather tell you that than pretend you need us. Here is how, and where it runs out.

Step by step

  1. 1Open the PDF in PreviewDouble-click the file. If something else opens it, right-click → Open With → Preview.
  2. 2Fill in the fieldsApple's guidance is simply: "Click a field in the form, then type your text."
  3. 3Add a text box if the form is flatApple documents the workaround: "If a PDF won't allow you to type directly into the form, you can add a text box instead." Show the Markup toolbar and use the text tool, then drag the box into place.
  4. 4Create your signatureIn the Markup toolbar choose the signature tool, then capture one using the trackpad, the Mac's camera, or your iPhone or iPad. The iPhone option gives the cleanest result.
  5. 5Place it and saveClick your saved signature, drag it into position and resize it. Save with Command+S. If you use iCloud Drive, the signature is available on your other Macs.

What Preview can't do

  • Mac only. The same document on a phone or a Windows machine needs a different tool.
  • Nothing is flattened, so the recipient can still move or delete your additions.
  • No date or tick fields, and no Word export.
  • Signatures saved in Preview stay on that Mac — awkward on a shared or work machine.

Finish it here instead

Type onto the page, tick the boxes, add the date and a signature you can reuse, then save a flattened PDF. It runs in this browser — your file is not uploaded.

or drop a file here · nothing is uploaded

Questions

Can Preview type on a scanned PDF?
Yes, by adding a text box on top. It will not recognise the text in the scan, but you can type over it wherever you like.
Where are Preview signatures stored?
On the Mac, and synced through iCloud Drive to your other Macs if that is turned on.

Sources

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