Software Downloads

The free Acrobat Reader can be used to view, search, print, sign, and annotate PDF files.

See the table below for a comparison of the functionality of Acrobat Reader DC vs. Acrobat Pro DC.

Signing can be done without using the full version of Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, Adobe Sign (Adobe’s E-Signature Service), or any other paid third party PDF signing application.  

• Learn how to add digital signatures with Acrobat Reader DC.

Sign a PDF Using Acrobat Reader DC (Mac & Windows)

Acrobat Reader lets you sign PDFs and incorporate that signature into the file. Note: Some documents have security applied that prohibits electronic signatures. Print such documents and then sign the printed copy.

To sign (or initial) using Acrobat Reader DC:

1. Open the PDF document or form you want to sign (or initial) in Acrobat Reader.
   Note: If you are viewing a PDF on the web, download the PDF first before you sign it.
   
2. If you are prompted to sign in to Adobe DC (Document Cloud), click "Skip."
3. In the toolbar, select the Sign Tool . Important: DO NOT use the "Fill & Sign" Adobe Sign (Adobe’s E-Signature Service) in the sidebar menu, as this is a paid service & not necessary.
4. Select "Add Signature" (or "Add Initials").
   
5. Select one of the 3 options: Type, Draw, or Image:
   
   • Type in your signature (you can change the style & size).
   • Draw your signature with a trackpad or mouse.
   • Upload an image of your handwritten signature.*
6. Once you have created a signature (or initials) to use, use the mouse to move your signature (or initials) into position on the page.
   Note: You can also add text, such as your name, company, title, or the date.
   
7. Save the PDF.
   The signature (or initials) become part of the PDF.

* Notes about using an image as your signature:

• Sign your name in black ink on a clean, blank sheet of white paper. Sign in the middle of the paper so you don't photograph or scan the edges.
• Photograph or scan your signature. If you are taking a picture of your signature, make sure that the page is lit and that no shadows fall across the signature.
• Transfer the photo or scan to your computer. Acrobat Reader accepts JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, TIF, and BMP files. You do not need to crop the image. If the photo or scan is fairly clean, Acrobat Reader imports just the signature.

Sign a PDF Using the macOS Preview App

To sign using the macOS Preview app:

1. Open the PDF document or form you want to sign in the macOS Preview app.
   Note: If you are viewing a PDF on the web, download the PDF first before you sign it.
2. From the Tools menu, select "Annotate," then "Signature," then "Manage Signatures."
3. Select to use either the Trackpad or Camera & follow the on screen instructions to create a signature.
   
4. Once you have created a signature to use, use the mouse to move your signature into position on the page.
   
5. Save the PDF.
   The signature becomes part of the PDF.

Sign a PDF Using Acrobat Reader DC (iOS & iPad OS)

To sign using Acrobat Reader DC (iOS & iPad OS):

1. Open the PDF document or form you want to sign in Acrobat Reader.
2. Click "Fill & Sign."
3. In the lower right corner, click the Pen icon.
4. Select either "Create signature" or "Create initials."
   
   • Use your finger to sign (or initial) in the “Sign/Initial here" box. You can also select an image or use the camera.

Some applications let you use the "Save As" function to save documents as PDFs (without having Acrobat Pro DC). See the chart below to learn more.

Mac Note: Learn how to save a document as a PDF on Mac using the "Print" dialog.

Many programs, including Microsoft Word, have the ability to edit PDF files.

If you need to edit PDFs/PDF forms occasionally (1-2 times a year), you can use a licensed copy of Acrobat Pro DC in the Digital Studio in O'Neill 205 or find a coworker with Acrobat Pro.

If you need to work with Acrobat Pro in your day to day work or need to create or work with PDFs in a way that is not accommodated by an alternative method (such as to edit PDFs, convert PDF files with Word, combine PDFs, compare forms, protect PDFs, collect e-signatures and comments), contact your TC about acquiring an Acrobat Pro DC license. Note: The cost of Acrobat Pro DC licenses must be paid for by your department. Adobe pricing is based on an annual subscription that runs from August to the following August. Licenses are prorated, which means that licenses purchased throughout the year will be charged based on the number of months remaining in the subscription year.

Note: For Mac computers, only the Acrobat Pro DC version is available.