How to Sign a PDF in Google Chrome (2026)

Why Sign PDFs in Chrome?

Google Chrome is the most popular web browser in the world, and for good reason. It runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Chromebooks. If you need to sign a PDF quickly, doing it right inside Chrome means zero software installs, zero account signups, and zero time wasted.

Whether you received a contract via email, downloaded a tax form, or need to approve an invoice, this guide covers every practical way to sign a PDF without ever leaving your browser.

Method 1: Use a Browser-Based PDF Signer (Recommended)

The fastest way to sign a PDF in Chrome is with an online tool like SigPDF. It works entirely in your browser, and your files never leave your device.

How it works:

1. Open Chrome and go to sigpdf.com
2. Drag your PDF onto the upload area
3. Click "Add Signature" and draw your signature with your mouse or trackpad
4. Click on the PDF page to place your signature
5. Download your signed document

Why this is the best option:

• Works instantly — no setup, no account
• Your PDF is processed locally in your browser, so nothing is uploaded to a remote server
• Works on any device running Chrome, including Chromebooks
• Takes less than 60 seconds from start to finish

Method 2: Chrome Extensions

There are several Chrome extensions that add PDF signing capabilities. These install directly into your browser and add a toolbar button you can click when viewing a PDF.

How to find one:

1. Open the Chrome Web Store
2. Search for "PDF signer" or "electronic signature"
3. Choose an extension with good reviews and install it
4. Open your PDF in Chrome and use the extension toolbar

Pros:

• Convenient if you sign PDFs regularly
• Some extensions remember your signature

Cons:

• Extensions can access your browsing data — read the permissions carefully
• Many free extensions add watermarks or limit the number of documents
• Some extensions upload your files to external servers
• Extension quality varies widely, and some are abandoned or poorly maintained

Best for: People who sign PDFs very frequently and want a toolbar button always available.

Method 3: Google Docs via Chrome

Since Chrome integrates with Google's ecosystem, you can use Google Docs as a workaround for signing simple PDFs.

How it works:

1. Upload your PDF to Google Drive
2. Right-click the file and select "Open with > Google Docs"
3. The PDF converts to an editable document
4. Insert a signature image (you'll need to create one separately)
5. Download the file as a PDF

Pros:

• Free with any Google account
• No additional software needed

Cons:

• PDF formatting often breaks during conversion — tables, images, and layouts may shift
• You need a pre-made signature image file
• The workflow involves multiple steps and is slow
• Not suitable for PDFs with complex layouts or forms

Best for: Very simple, text-only PDFs where layout doesn't matter.

Method 4: Chrome's Built-In PDF Viewer (Limited)

Chrome has a basic built-in PDF viewer, but it is worth noting that it does not include a signature feature as of 2026. You can view and print PDFs, but not add signatures directly.

If you open a PDF in Chrome and need to sign it, your best bet is to use a browser-based tool like SigPDF to handle the signing without leaving Chrome.

Signing PDFs on a Chromebook

Chromebook users have fewer options than Windows or Mac users since they cannot install traditional desktop software. This makes browser-based tools especially valuable.

Your best options on a Chromebook:

1. Online PDF signers — Tools like SigPDF work perfectly on Chromebooks since they run entirely in the browser
2. Android apps — Chromebooks that support the Google Play Store can install Android PDF signing apps
3. Google Docs — The workaround described above works on any Chromebook

For most Chromebook users, a browser-based signer is the most straightforward choice. There's nothing to install, and it works the same as it would on any other computer.

Tips for a Clean Signature in Chrome

Drawing a signature with a mouse can feel awkward. Here are some tips to get a better result:

• Slow down. Move your mouse slowly and deliberately rather than rushing through the strokes.
• Use your whole arm. Rest your elbow on the desk and move from the arm rather than just the wrist.
• Try a trackpad. On a laptop, the trackpad can sometimes give smoother strokes than a mouse.
• Use a touchscreen. If your device has a touchscreen, drawing with your finger or a stylus produces the most natural-looking signature.
• Practice first. Most signing tools let you clear and redraw. Take a couple of attempts to get one you're happy with.

Are Signatures Made in Chrome Legally Valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures created in a browser are legally valid under the ESIGN Act in the United States, eIDAS in the European Union, and similar laws in most other countries. The method you use to create the signature — whether by mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen — does not affect its legal standing.

What matters legally is that the signer intended to sign the document and that there's a way to associate the signature with the signer. For most everyday documents like contracts, agreements, NDAs, and invoices, a simple electronic signature is perfectly sufficient.

For more details on signature legality around the world, see our guide to e-signature laws by country.

Quick Comparison

| Method | Speed | Privacy | Cost | Chromebook? | |--------|-------|---------|------|-------------| | Browser-based signer | Fastest | Files stay local | Free | Yes | | Chrome extension | Fast | Varies by extension | Free/Paid | Some | | Google Docs | Slow | Google servers | Free | Yes | | Chrome PDF viewer | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |

Start Signing PDFs in Chrome Now

The simplest way to sign a PDF in Chrome is to open SigPDF in a new tab. Upload your document, draw your signature, place it, and download the signed file. The entire process takes under a minute, there is nothing to install, and your document never leaves your browser.

Sign Your PDF in Chrome →