How to Add a Signature to PDF on iOS 15

iOS 15 features a built-in PDF editor powered by the native Markup tool, allowing users to sign documents quickly without requiring third-party applications. This integrated system allows you to create, store, and position handwritten signatures across native apps like Files, Mail, and Safari, securely syncing your signatures across your Apple devices.

Accessing the Integrated PDF Editor

The integrated PDF editor in iOS 15 is accessible wherever the Markup tool is available, most commonly within the native Files app.

  1. Open the Files app and select the target PDF document.
  2. Tap the Markup icon (resembling a pen tip inside a circle) located in the upper-right corner of the screen to open the editing toolbar at the bottom.

Creating and Inserting a Signature

Once the Markup interface is active, adding a signature involves just a few taps:

  1. Tap the Plus (+) button located on the right side of the bottom toolbar.
  2. Select Signature from the pop-up menu.
  3. If you have previously saved a signature, tap it to insert it immediately onto the document.
  4. If no signature exists, or if you wish to create a new one, tap Add or Remove Signature, then tap the Plus (+) icon.
  5. Sign your name on the blank canvas using your finger or an Apple Pencil, then tap Done.

Positioning and Resizing the Signature

After the signature is inserted, it appears as a floating vector object on the current page:

  • Repositioning: Tap and drag the signature box to the appropriate signature line.
  • Resizing: Drag the blue bounding box handles on the corners to scale the signature proportionally without pixelation.
  • Styling: Tap the signature box to reveal options to change ink color (black, blue, or other standard palette colors) or delete the signature.

Saving and Cloud Synchronization

Once positioned, tap Done in the top-left corner to apply the changes. iOS 15 automatically flattens the signature into the document and saves the updated PDF back to its original location (local storage or iCloud Drive).

Signatures created in iOS 15 are encrypted and stored in your iCloud Keychain, making them automatically available on other iOS, iPadOS, and macOS devices signed into the same Apple ID.