How to eSign a PDF in Singapore: 4 Ways for Businesses

PDF files are widely used for contracts, forms, quotations, HR documents, and other business records. When a document needs a signature, printing it, signing by hand, scanning it, and sending it back can add unnecessary steps.

There are several ways to sign a PDF without printing it. You can use a PDF application such as Adobe Acrobat, sign directly from an iPhone or iPad, or use an eSignature platform such as Mekari Sign for documents that involve multiple people.

The right method depends on the document and signing process. A simple form may only need a signature placed on the page, while a business agreement may require signer verification, multiple recipients, and a record of the signing activity.

How to Sign a PDF?

1. Use Adobe Acrobat to Add a Signature to a PDF

Adobe Acrobat lets you fill out and sign PDF documents. You can create a signature by typing or drawing it, or upload an image of your signature.

To sign a PDF with Adobe Acrobat:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
2. Select E-Sign > Fill & Sign.
3. Upload or open the PDF you want to sign.
4. Select Add signature and create your signature.
5. Place the signature in the required section.
6. Complete the other required fields.
7. Save the signed PDF.

Best for: Individuals who need to sign an occasional PDF or use certificate-based digital signatures.

2. Use Mekari Sign to eSign a PDF

Mekari Sign lets you upload a PDF, add signers, place signature fields, and send the document for signing online.

To eSign a PDF with Mekari Sign:

1. Log in to Mekari Sign and go to Documents.
2. Click Upload document and upload your PDF.
3. Under Document Compliance, select Local and choose SingPass.
4. Add the people who need to sign or receive the document.
5. Place the required signature fields on the PDF.
6. Review the document and click Send document.
7. The signer completes the signing process through Singpass.

Mekari Sign also provides an audit trail to help track document activity and signing records. It also supports certificate-based digital signatures in Singapore for documents that require a Digital ID.

Best for: Business documents that require multiple signers, identity verification, or a traceable signing process.

3. Sign a PDF on iPhone or iPad

You can add a signature to a PDF directly from an iPhone or iPad using Apple’s Markup feature.

To add a signature on iPhone or iPad:

1. Open the PDF on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Open the Markup tools.
3. Tap the Add button.
4. Select Add Signature.
5. Create or select your signature.
6. Place the signature where required.
7. Save or share the signed PDF.

Best for: Individuals who need to sign a PDF quickly from a mobile device.

4. Use an Online PDF Signing Tool

Online PDF signing tools let you upload a document, add a signature, and save the completed PDF through a browser.

To sign a PDF online:

1. Open an online PDF signing tool.
2. Upload your PDF.
3. Choose the option to add or create a signature.
4. Place the signature in the required section.
5. Complete any other required fields.
6. Save or download the signed PDF.

For business documents, check how the service handles document storage, access, security, and signing records before uploading sensitive information.

Best for: Occasional PDF signing when you do not need a structured signing workflow.

Which Is the Best Way to Sign a PDF?

For a simple PDF that only needs your signature, Adobe Acrobat or an iPhone can be enough. For documents that involve multiple people, identity verification, or signing records, an eSignature platform is generally more suitable.

Are Electronic Signatures Valid for PDFs in Singapore?

Singapore’s Electronic Transactions Act 2010 provides a legal framework for electronic records, electronic signatures, and electronic contracts. It includes provisions covering requirements for writing, signatures, retention of electronic records, and the formation of contracts.

However, the Act also contains specific requirements and exclusions. The appropriate signing method therefore depends on the type of document, transaction, and requirements that apply.

For business documents, it is also useful to consider how the signing process identifies the signer, records the signing activity, and helps demonstrate document integrity. The distinction between electronic and digital signatures can also affect which signing method is appropriate.

What Should You Check Before Signing a PDF?

1.Check the final document version

Make sure you are signing the latest version of the document. Check important details such as names, dates, amounts, and contract terms before signing.

2. Check the signature fields

Make sure your signature is placed in the correct section and does not cover important text or information.

3. Check the signer details

For business documents, confirm that the correct person is signing and has the required authority to sign the document.

4. Keep the completed document

Save the final signed PDF and any relevant signing records so the document can be retrieved when needed.

How Can Businesses Sign PDFs More Efficiently?

Signing one PDF manually is usually straightforward. The process becomes harder when documents need to move between employees, customers, suppliers, or other parties.

An eSignature workflow can bring document preparation, signer assignment, signing, and tracking into one process. It can also make it easier to keep signed files organised as part of broader document management practices.

This is particularly useful for recurring documents such as employment agreements, sales contracts, vendor agreements, and internal approvals. Mekari Sign lets businesses send documents to the relevant signers, track document activity, and retain an audit trail of the signing process.

Explore Mekari Sign for business eSigning