Draw your signature on your phone with a QR code
In the signature dialog, choose Add via QR code and scan the code with your phone's camera. Draw with your finger, tap Use this signature, and it appears on your computer; check it and click Save and sign. The link works once, for 10 minutes.
Updated 2 min read
Drawing a signature with a trackpad or mouse rarely looks right. Your phone's touchscreen does better, and you don't need the PDFBetter app or to sign in on the phone.
Step 1: Open the signature dialog
In the editor, choose Sign → Add signature (or Add initials).
Step 2: Pick your phone
Under Or add it another way, choose Add via QR code. A QR code appears with Waiting for your phone · expires in and a countdown.
Step 3: Scan and draw
Point your phone's camera at the code and open the link. Draw in the Sign here box with your finger; turning the phone sideways gives you more room. Pick a Pen color, and use Undo or Clear to redo it.
Step 4: Send it back
Tap Use this signature. The phone says Return to your computer.
Step 5: Check and place it
On your computer you'll see Received from your phone. Check it, then press Save and sign. Click Save and sign, then click where the signature goes.
Text message or email instead of a QR code
If you can't scan a code, choose Add via text message or Add via email, enter Your mobile number or Your email address and click Send link. Open the message on your phone and draw as above. Both need a free account, and standard message rates may apply. Text messages go to US and Canadian numbers. Add via text message only appears where texting is set up; when it isn't offered, use the QR code or email.
Good to know
- Each link works once and expires after 10 minutes. If it runs out, the dialog shows The link expired or was cancelled.; click Start again for a new one.
- Closing the dialog or choosing another method cancels the link. A phone that opens it then sees Canceled.
- With an account, tick Save for next time before Save and sign to keep the signature for later (manage saved signatures).
- If you got an email titled Draw your signature that you didn't ask for, ignore it. The link does nothing unless someone is waiting for it on their computer.
The phone says “This link expired”.
Links last 10 minutes. On your computer, click Start again and scan the new code.
Does my phone need the PDFBetter app?
No. The link opens in the phone's browser. The iPhone app is for working on documents on the phone itself.
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