Is a typed signature legally binding?

In the U.S. and EU, yes — for most document types. Under ESIGN and UETA, a typed signature counts as an electronic signature as long as both parties consented to electronic signing and the signer intended to be bound. There are carveouts (wills, some family-law and real-estate documents) where wet signatures are still required.

Do I need a DocuSign account to receive a signed document?

No. If you just need to sign a PDF someone sent you, you can sign it locally with a browser-based tool and send the signed PDF back by email. You only need a DocuSign account if you're initiating signature requests yourself.

Can the recipient tell I used a free tool instead of DocuSign?

Not typically. A signed PDF looks the same whether the signature was added in a browser tool, DocuSign, or Adobe Reader. DocuSign includes a branded certificate page; a simple signed PDF doesn't. For most business contexts, nobody notices.

What's the difference between signing and digital signing?

Signing (e-signing) adds a visible signature. Digital signing additionally applies a cryptographic hash tied to a certificate, so any modification after signing invalidates the signature. Digital signing requires a certificate from a trusted authority.

Can I sign a PDF on my phone?

Yes. Most browser-based signers work on mobile, and drawing your signature on a phone screen often looks more natural than drawing with a mouse. iOS and Android also have built-in Markup features for signing PDFs.

How to Sign a PDF Online Free (2026)

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