Signing documents digitally has become an essential skill in today’s paperless environment. On a Mac, this process is streamlined thanks to macOS’s built-in tools and third-party applications that allow users to easily add their signature to PDFs, Word documents, and other file types. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to sign documents on a Mac:
Using Preview for Signing PDFs
Preview is the default application on Mac for opening PDF files and images. It also offers tools for annotating and signing documents.
Step 1: Open Your Document
- Locate the PDF file you need to sign.
- Double-click the file to open it in Preview. If it doesn’t open in Preview by default, right-click the file, choose “Open With,” and then select “Preview.”
Step 2: Access Signature Tools
- In Preview, click on the “Markup Toolbar” icon (it looks like a pencil tip) in the upper right corner of the window.
- Click on the “Sign” button within the Markup Toolbar, which looks like a signature.
Step 3: Create Your Signature
There are several ways you can create your signature using Preview:
– Trackpad: Click “Click Here to Begin,” and then use your finger to draw your signature on the trackpad. Press any key when finished.
– Camera: Sign your name on white paper and hold it up to your Mac’s camera. Make sure your signature is level with the blue line in the camera view. The camera will capture a clean version of it.
– iPhone or iPad: If you have an iOS device that supports Handoff or is logged into iCloud, you can use it to create your signature directly from your device.
Step 4: Insert Signature into Document
- After creating your signature using one of these methods, click “Done.”
- Position your cursor where you want your signature in the document.
- Simply click on one of your saved signatures added through any method above.
Step 5: Adjust Size and Position
Once added into the document:
– You can drag around your signature to move it.
– Dragging its corners allows you adjust its size.
Finally, save or export your signed document by clicking “File” > “Save” or “File” > “Export.”
Using Mail for Signing Documents Attached in Emails
If someone sends you a document for signing via email using Apple Mail:
Step 1: Open Email Attachment
Open Apple Mail app:
– Locate and open email with attachment meant for signing.
Step 2: Use Markup Tool
Without leaving Mail:
– Hover over attachment thumbnail at email’s bottom.
– Click arrow icon that appears leading upwards (“action”) button then select “Markup.”
Follow similar steps as outlined above under Preview (Steps 2–5) starting from accessing markup tools inside Mail itself.
Third-party Applications
For more advanced features such as requesting digital verification or adding encrypted signatures:
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
A robust tool especially helpful if dealing with frequently signed professional documents:
1. Install Adobe Acrobat Reader DC from Adobe website.
2. Open document within application; navigate ‘Tools’ > ‘Fill & Sign.’
3. Create/signature options available directly as part of feature set.