The days of printing a document, signing it by hand, scanning it back in, and then emailing it are behind us. Electronic signatures — or e-signatures — let you sign documents digitally in seconds, directly on your screen. They are faster, cheaper, more convenient, and in most cases, just as legally valid as a handwritten signature.
In this guide, we will explain what an electronic signature is, when you can use one, and how to sign a PDF online using Toolzilla — for free, with no software installation required.
What is an Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature is any digital method used to indicate agreement or approval of a document. This can be as simple as a typed name, a scanned image of a handwritten signature, or — as with Toolzilla — a signature drawn directly on screen using a mouse, touchpad, or touchscreen.
Electronic signatures are not the same as digital signatures (which use cryptographic certificates and are a more technical, formal method). For the vast majority of everyday documents — agreements, letters, forms, approvals — a drawn e-signature is perfectly appropriate and widely accepted.
Are Electronic Signatures Legally Valid?
In most countries, yes. Electronic signature laws have been enacted in many jurisdictions worldwide, recognising e-signatures as legally binding for most types of agreements. The key principle in most laws is that a signature is valid if both parties intend to sign and agree to use electronic means.
However, there are exceptions. Certain documents — such as wills, some real estate transactions, and court filings — may require wet (physical) signatures in some jurisdictions. Always check the specific requirements for your document type and location.
When to Use an Electronic Signature
E-signatures are appropriate and commonly accepted for:
- Employment contracts and HR documents
- Business agreements and proposals
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
- Consent forms and authorisations
- Freelance contracts and invoices
- Internal approvals and sign-offs
- Rental agreements (in many jurisdictions)
- Permission slips and school forms
How to Sign a PDF Using Toolzilla — Step by Step
- Go to Document & File Tools from the Toolzilla home page and accept the Terms of Use.
- Select eSign / PDF Filler from the tool menu.
- Upload your PDF by clicking Browse Files or dragging it onto the upload area.
- Draw your signature in the signature canvas that appears below. Use your mouse, touchpad, or finger on a touchscreen. Take your time — slow, deliberate strokes produce the cleanest results.
- Choose the placement of your signature using the dropdown: bottom right, bottom left, bottom centre, or top right.
- Click Apply Signature & Download. Your signed PDF will be generated and downloaded automatically.
The entire process takes less than a minute. Your PDF is processed entirely in your browser — it is never uploaded to any server.
Tips for a Professional-Looking E-Signature
- Use a touchscreen if available. Signing with a finger or stylus on a tablet or phone produces a more natural signature than a mouse.
- Sign slowly. Rushing produces jagged, uneven lines. Take your time to recreate your natural signature.
- Use a stylus or Apple Pencil for the cleanest, most pen-like result.
- Clear and redo if needed. Use the Clear button to erase and try again until you are happy with the result.
- Check the placement. Open the downloaded PDF to confirm the signature is positioned where you intended before sending.
What About Multi-Page Documents?
Toolzilla's eSign tool applies your signature to the last page of the PDF — which is the standard position for most agreement signatures. If you need to sign on a specific page in the middle of a document, consider splitting the PDF first to isolate that page, signing it, and then merging it back with the rest of the document using the PDF Merger tool.
Summary
Electronic signatures have transformed the way we handle documents. They eliminate the need for printing, scanning, and mailing — saving time, paper, and money. Toolzilla's eSign tool makes the process free, simple, and completely private. Draw your signature, place it on your PDF, and download — in under a minute, entirely in your browser.