How to sign documents on Mac
macOS Preview lets you add a signature image to PDFs, but it's not a real electronic signature — there's no audit trail, no tamper detection, and no legal record. For enforceable signatures, use SignOwl in Safari or Chrome.
Upload your document
Go to signowl.app and upload your PDF. Drag and drop from Finder, or click to browse. Any PDF works.
Place signature fields
Let AI detect fields automatically, or drag-drop them manually. Assign fields to yourself and other signers.
Sign with trackpad or mouse
Click the signature field and draw your signature using your Mac trackpad or mouse. The drawing canvas supports Force Touch for pressure-sensitive strokes.
Send or download
Sign it yourself and download the completed PDF, or send to others for their signatures. Everyone gets a copy with the audit trail.
Tips
- Use the Mac trackpad for the most natural signature drawing experience
- Preview signatures lack audit trails — use SignOwl for legally binding documents
- Works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and Arc on macOS
Frequently asked questions
Why not use Preview to sign PDFs on Mac?
Preview lets you overlay a signature image but doesn't create a legally binding e-signature. There's no audit trail, no identity verification, and no tamper detection. For enforceable documents, you need a proper e-signature platform.
Do I need to install anything on my Mac?
No. SignOwl runs entirely in your browser. Works in Safari, Chrome, or any modern browser on macOS.
Can I use my iPhone to draw the signature for my Mac?
Not directly through SignOwl, but you can send the document to yourself and sign on iPhone — or draw on the Mac trackpad which works great for signatures.
Ready to send your first document?
Upload a PDF, add signature fields, and send — your signers get a beautiful page on any device. No accounts, no apps, no friction.
Start free — no card needed