How to get a PDF signed online
5 steps to get a PDF signed online quickly and securely, with no software installation required.
Certyneo Team
Editor — Certyneo · About Certyneo
A PDF signed in a few minutes
Getting a PDF signed online takes less than 5 minutes with an electronic signature platform. No need for Adobe Pro, no need to print, no need to scan.
The 5 steps
1. Choose a platform
Select a platform compliant with eIDAS (Certyneo, Yousign, DocuSign…). A free plan is enough to get started.
2. Upload the PDF
Drag and drop your file into the interface. Most platforms accept:
- PDF (native format, recommended)
- Word (automatically converted)
- Images (to be avoided if possible)
3. Add the signers
Enter the name and email of each signer. For advanced signature (AES), also add the phone number (OTP SMS).
4. Place the signature fields
Drag a "Signature" field to the desired location on the page. For multiple signers, one field per person with different colours.
5. Send
Click "Send". Each signer receives an email with a secure link. You track the status in real time.
What the signer receives
- an email with a unique link
- opening the PDF in the browser
- a click on "Sign"
- possibly an OTP code via SMS (for AES)
- immediate confirmation
Total time for the signer: 1-3 minutes.
Best practices
- Review the PDF before sending (no corrections possible once signed)
- Set an expiry date (15-30 days)
- Enable automatic reminders
- Test first with a non-critical document
Common mistakes
- Uploading a poor quality scan (unreadable on mobile)
- Forgetting a signature field
- Entering the wrong email
- Sending without testing
How Certyneo helps you
Certyneo allows you to send a PDF for signing in less than 3 minutes: drag-drop the file, add signers, place fields, send. Free plan to get started, no account needed for the signer.
Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution
FAQ
Do you need Adobe Acrobat Pro?
No. An online platform is enough.
Does the signer need an account?
No, just their email.
Can you sign from a phone?
Yes, all modern platforms are mobile-first.
How long does it take to sign?
1-3 minutes for the signer.
Is it free?
Free plans exist (3-10 signatures/month).
Conclusion
Getting a PDF signed online has become trivial. In less than 5 minutes, you send, the signer signs, you receive the signed document with legal proof.
Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.
Try Certyneo for free
Send your first signature envelope in less than 5 minutes. 5 free envelopes per month, no credit card required.
Go deeper
Reference articles on this topic.
Go deeper
Our comprehensive guides to master electronic signature.
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