There are a lot of softwares offering e-signatures, but most of the time they come with a price. But how do you do an e-signature without paying at all? Here are some ways you can do e-signature for free:

Steps to E-Sign Using Microsoft Word:

  1. Write your signature on paper.
     

    • Using a white paper and a marker, write your signature legibly.
       

  2. Take a photo of your signature.
     

    • By using your phone, simply take a picture of the signature you just did.
       

  3. Send the image to your email.
     

    • Email the picture to yourself and or you can even send it to yourself using social media.
       

  4. Download the image from your email.
     

    • Open the email and save the image as a png or jpeg. If not, look for an image converter to make it so.
       

  5. Open your Word document.
     

    • Locate and open the file you want to sign.
       

  6. Insert the image into Word.
     

    • Go to Insert → Pictures → select your saved signature image.
       

  7. Resize the image how you like.
     

    • Drag the corners to adjust the size so it fits naturally in the document.
       

  8. Crop out any extra space.
     

    • Click the image → go to Picture Format → click Crop → trim any excess around your signature.
       

  9. Convert the image to black and white.
     

    • Still under Picture Format → click Color → select Black and White for a cleaner look.
       

  10. Add a signature line (optional).
     

    • Go to Insert → Text group → Signature Line.
       

    • Fill in your name, title, and email address.
       

  11. Move the signature image behind text.
     

    • Click your signature → click Layout Options → choose Behind Text so it aligns properly with the signature line.
       

  12. Save your signature and line as a reusable block.
     

    • Highlight both the image and the signature line.
       

    • Go to Insert → Quick Parts → click Save Selection to Quick Part Gallery.
       

    • Name it something like “My Signature” and click OK.
       

  13. Use your saved signature again later.
     

    • The next time you need to sign a document:
       

      • Go to Insert → Quick Parts (usually on the right-hand side).
         

      • Click on your saved signature block to instantly insert it into the new document.
         

Steps to Sign a PDF Document Using Adobe Acrobat

If you’re working with a PDF document, the easiest way to sign it is by using Adobe Acrobat. The steps below will help you do it for free and without printing anything.

  1. Download Adobe Acrobat (if you don’t have it).
     

    • Visit the Adobe website and download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free.
       

  2. Open your PDF document.
     

    • Locate the file you want to sign.
       

    • If it doesn’t automatically open with Adobe Acrobat, right-click the file and select Open with → Adobe Acrobat.
       

  3. Click the pen icon.
     

    • On the left-hand side, find the pen-shaped icon (this is the Fill & Sign tool).
       

    • Click on it to begin signing.
       

  4. Select “Add Signature.”
     

    • A small menu will appear—click “Add Signature.”
       

  5. Type your name.
     

    • A window will open where you can type your name.
       

    • Acrobat will style the text to look like a handwritten signature.
       

  6. Place your signature.
     

    • After creating the signature, click and drag it to where it needs to go in the document.
       

  7. Save the signed PDF.
     

    • Click on the menu icon (three lines or “File” tab) → select Save As.
       

    • Rename the file (e.g., “Signed_Document.pdf”) so you keep the original unchanged.
       

  8. You’re done!
     

    • You can now attach the signed PDF to an email or upload it anywhere it’s needed.

 

How to Send a Signed Document

Once you've signed your document—whether it's a Word file, a PDF, or something signed through a tool like SignFast—sending it is usually the easiest part.

Here are a few simple ways to send it:

  • Email (most common):
    Attach the signed document to an email and send it to the other party. This is the most widely used and professional method.
     

  • Messenger apps:
    You can even send it to messenger apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Viber whichever is more convenient for you, especially if it doesn’t need to be as formal as sending it through email.
     

  • Shared cloud folder:
    Upload the signed file to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive, and make sure to never forget share the access to people intended.
     

  • Continue the signing process:
    Send the file through one of the options above. If there are others who still need to sign, make sure they know where, usually it is a field where it has their name on and is blank.
     

Save a copy for your records:
Make a folder to organize your document properly, and do not forget to rename it into something that makes sense hierarchically so it will be easier to find later on.