How to sign a PDF on a Mac with PushPDF
Prepare the PDF, place your signature and verify the download, with troubleshooting for common signing mistakes.
By PushPDF · Updated
Prepare the document before signing
Start with the final PDF. If someone sent you a Word document, convert it first and check its layout. Complete any merging, page selection or compression before you place a signature so there is a clear final version.
Keep the original file. Use a filename that distinguishes the signed copy, such as Agreement-signed.pdf, so you do not accidentally email the unsigned version.
Open the signing tool
In your Mac browser, open PushPDF's Sign PDF tool and sign in. Select your document, review the pages and use the available signature controls to add your signature. Place it in the intended signature area without covering the surrounding text.
For a long agreement, check the page number and the signer label before placing the signature. A signature under the wrong party's name is a problem that a successful download alone will not reveal.
Check the downloaded result
Download the signed PDF, open it and verify that all pages remain present and readable. Inspect the signature at normal reading size. Confirm the name and date fields are complete if the document requires them.
If the signature is too large or on the wrong page, return to the original and create a corrected signed copy. Send the checked version and keep it in your records. Follow the recipient's instructions if they require a specific signing service or signature method.
Troubleshoot the right workflow
If your file is a DOCX rather than a PDF, use Word to PDF first. If the PDF will not open, check that it is not damaged or protected in a way that prevents processing; obtain an accessible copy from the sender when needed.
If you need a client's signature, use Request signatures instead of adding a signature on their behalf. The two tools are separate in the tools list so you can select the action that matches who needs to sign.