How to Sign An Electronic Document on A Mac

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In today’s fast-paced world, electronic documents are the norm, and we find ourselves signing more and more documents electronically. Signing electronically offers convenience, flexibility, and security. However, many people struggle with signing electronic documents on their Macs.

In this blog post, we’ll explore several methods for signing an electronic document on your Mac. We’ll also talk about the challenges you may face when trying to sign an electronic document on your Mac and offer solutions to overcome them.

Video Tutorial:

The Challenge of Signing An Electronic Document on A Mac

Signing an electronic document on a Mac can be challenging. Although many applications support electronic signatures, the process varies depending on the application you are working with. Additionally, depending on the document’s format, you may not be able to sign it electronically unless you convert it to a compatible format.

To help you overcome these challenges, we’ll provide various methods that you can use to sign electronic documents on your Mac. This post will show you how to sign PDF, Word, and Pages documents on your Mac using various tools.

Things You Should Prepare for

Before we start discussing how to sign an electronic document on your Mac, there are a few things that you should prepare. These include:

  • An electronic document that requires your signature.
  • A Mac with an internet connection.
  • A signature image in the correct format if you plan to use a signature stamp (optional).

Method 1: Using Preview Application

The Preview app is a pre-installed application on all Macs. This method is suitable for signing PDF documents and is relatively easy to use—the steps are as follows:

  1. Open the PDF document you want to sign in Preview.
  2. Click on the Markup Toolbar icon located in the top right-hand corner of the screen.
  3. Click the Sign icon that looks like a fountain pen and choose ‘Create Signature from Built-in Camera’ or ‘Create Signature by Clicking Signature’.
  4. If you choose to create a signature using the camera, hold up your signature with your webcam, and Preview will place it into your document. Alternatively, you can use the trackpad to sign your name if you choose ‘Create Signature by Clicking Signature’.
  5. Place the signature in the correct location on the document.
  6. Save the changes to the document.

Pros:

  • Can sign PDF documents easily using a built-in application.
  • Preview app is free and comes with all Macs.
  • Simple and easy to follow process.

Cons:

  • Only applicable to PDF documents.
  • Cannot edit the signature once placed in the document.
  • The digital signature is not as secure as other methods.

Method 2: Using Adobe Acrobat DC

Adobe Acrobat DC is an industry-standard software for PDF documents. An advantage of using Adobe Acrobat DC is that it allows you to create and save your signature for future use. The steps are as follows:

  1. Launch Adobe Acrobat DC and open the PDF document you want to sign.
  2. Select ‘Fill & Sign’ from the menu located on the right-hand side of the screen.
  3. Click on the ‘Sign’ button in the toolbar located at the top of the screen.
  4. Choose ‘Add Signature’ from the drop-down menu.
  5. Choose to create a signature by drawing it with the mouse or trackpad, selecting your signature from an image file or typing your name.
  6. Position the signature at the appropriate location on the document, and then click the ‘Apply’ button.
  7. Finally, save the document with your digital signature.

Pros:

  • Can sign both PDF and non-PDF documents.
  • The ability to save your digital signature for future use.
  • Documents signed with Adobe Acrobat DC are highly secure.

Cons:

  • Adobe Acrobat DC requires a paid subscription.
  • The process can be more complicated than other methods.
  • May not be worth the investment if you only sign documents infrequently.

Method 3: Using Preview with iPhone or iPad

Another way to sign a document on your Mac is to use Preview in conjunction with an iPhone or iPad. This method is best for those who have an Apple device with a camera. The steps are as follows:

  1. Open the PDF document you want to sign in Preview on your Mac.
  2. Click the Markup icon in the toolbar and select the Signature icon.
  3. Select the option to create a new signature from your iPhone/iPad.
  4. On your iPhone/iPad, a prompt will show up asking you to sign your signature on the screen.
  5. Once you’ve signed your signature, it will appear on the screen.
  6. Select the signature and use your mouse or trackpad to place it in the correct location on the document.
  7. Save the changes to the document.

Pros:

  • Not necessary to have Adobe Acrobat subscription.
  • You can create your signature using your iPhone or iPad, making it a convenient option if you use these devices regularly.
  • The signature is saved automatically for future use.

Cons:

  • The process requires having an iPhone or iPad.
  • The process can be more time-consuming than other methods.
  • Not as secure as Adobe Acrobat.

Why Can’t I Sign An Electronic Document on A Mac?

There are several reasons why you may be unable to sign an electronic document on your Mac. Here are some reasons:

1. The Document Is Not in the Correct Format

There are various document formats, and electronic signatures sometimes only work on specific formats. Therefore, you may need to convert your document to a compatible format before attempting to sign it electronically.

2. The Document Is Password Protected

If the electronic document is password-protected, you may not be able to sign it without the password. Contact the sender of the document and request the password to sign the document.

3. You Do Not Have the Right Software

Not all applications are compatible with electronic signatures; you may need to install third-party software before attempting to sign a document electronically.

Fixes:

  • Ensure you have the correct document format before signing electronically.
  • Request the password from the sender if the document is password-protected or ask if they can provide an unprotected copy of the document.
  • Install third-party software if necessary before attempting to sign an electronic document.

Additional Tips

  • When signing a document digitally, ensure that you have read and agreed to the terms and conditions before signing the document.
  • Add your name, the date, and any other information necessary to the signed document to ensure that it remains valid.
  • Save the document in a safe location after signing.

5 FAQs About Signing An Electronic Document on A Mac

Q1: Can I sign non-PDF documents electronically on a Mac?

A: Yes. You can sign non-PDF documents electronically on your Mac using applications such as Adobe Acrobat DC.

Q2: Is an electronic signature as valid as a physical signature?

A: Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding and as valid as physical signatures in most countries.

Q3: Can I use my touchpad instead of a mouse to sign the document?

A: Yes, you can use a touchpad to sign documents electronically.

Q4: Can I edit or remove my electronic signature from a document after adding it?

A: No, once you have added an electronic signature to a document, you cannot edit or remove it. You will need to create a new signature if changes are necessary.

Q5: Do I need an internet connection to sign an electronic document on my Mac?

A: It depends on the method you are using. Some methods require an internet connection, while others do not.

In Conclusion

We hope this post has been useful and has helped you sign an electronic document on your Mac with ease. In summary, there are various methods to sign electronic documents on a Mac that are safe, efficient, and legally binding. If you need to sign an electronic document on your Mac, now you know the steps to follow using Preview, Adobe Acrobat DC, or your iPhone/iPad with Preview.