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How to Sign PDFs in Google Chrome Without Downloading

January 30, 2024 1.6K views

Chrome's default PDF viewer is excellent for basic tasks like viewing and printing. However, for tasks involving annotation and signing, the process might be a bit tricky. In this guide, we simplify the steps to sign a PDF using PDF signer Chrome extension, ensuring you understand and remember the process for the long run. You never know when this knowledge might come in handy.

How to Sign PDFs in Google Chrome Without Downloading


Sign a PDF in Chrome Using an PDF Signer Extension

The most effective method to sign a PDF in Chrome is by using a PDF signer extension. However, it's crucial to ensure that the signer extension is lightweight to prevent any strain on your Chrome browser. That's why we recommend the WPS PDF extension – a streamlined PDF extension that discreetly resides in the corner of your Chrome browser. Not only does it serve as a Chrome PDF signer application, but it also offers additional functionalities.

With WPS PDF extension, you can effortlessly view and edit your PDFs in Chrome, allowing you to annotate, add comments, and save copies. It's a versatile solution that simplifies the process. Let's explore how to download and utilize the WPS PDF extension for signing PDFs in Chrome:

Step 1: The WPS PDF extension, like any other Chrome extension, is available on the Chrome Web Store. Simply search and click on "Add to Chrome" to gain access to the WPS PDF extension.

WPS PDF Extension in Chrome Webstore


Step 2: Once the download is complete, the WPS PDF extension will be present in Chrome's extensions. You can view it by clicking on the Extension icon in the Chrome toolbar.

WPS PDF Extension


Pro tip: Since the WPS PDF extension offers more than just PDF signing, consider pinning it for quick access to advanced PDF tools with just a click.

Step 3: Now that you have the WPS PDF extension, click on the settings icon. This is crucial because, by default, Chrome is set as the default PDF browser.

WPS PDF Extension settings icon


Step 4: In the settings, make sure that "Open PDFs in WPS PDF Extension" is enabled using the toggle.

Open PDFs in WPS PDF Extension


Step 5: Simply click on any PDF while browsing, and it will open in the WPS PDF extension. To sign your PDF, click on the "Draw Freehand" icon in the hover menu on the left side of the screen.

WPS PDF Extension Draw Freehand


Tip: In a professional setting, it's best to select the black color for signing your PDFs.

Step 6: Use your mouse to sign your PDF. Left-click and sign away.

Step 7: After selecting the "Draw Freehand" option, click on the "Thickness" option to adjust the thickness settings according to your preference.

WPS PDF Extension Thickness of


Tip: If you didn't get the signature right, simply press "Ctrl + Z" to undo and try again.

Step 8: To save the signed PDF, click on the "Save" icon denoted by a floppy disk on the top left side of the screen.

WPS PDF Extension Save signed PDF


The WPS PDF extension proves to be a highly useful tool. Not only does it allow you to sign your PDFs, but it also serves as an excellent alternative to the native Chrome PDF viewer. It boasts an intuitive interface and is easy to navigate. Compared to other PDF extensions, WPS PDF is renowned for its office suite solutions, reflecting their expertise in the field. Moreover, it's completely free to use, unlike other PDF extensions in Chrome.

If you want to delve deeper into how to annotate PDF files directly in Google Chrome, click on the article link below to learn more information.

"How to Annotate PDF Files in Google Chrome(3 Common Methods)"

Sign a PDF in Chrome Using Google Docs

The next option is to use Google Drive to sign your PDF, although it's not a direct solution, it effectively gets the job done. Let's walk through the steps needed to sign your PDF using Google Drive:

Step 1: Ensure your PDF is uploaded to your Google Drive. Click on the "New" button at the top left side of your page.

Google Drive New files


Step 2: Click on "File Upload" and browse through your local files to upload your PDF to your Google Drive.

Google Drive file upload


Step 3: Once uploaded, double click on the PDF to open a preview.

Step 4: The native Google Drive PDF viewer has limited editing functionalities. Click on "Open with Google Docs" to make your PDF editable.

Google Drive open PDF with Google Docs


Step 5: To sign your PDF document, click on the "Insert" tab in the menu.

Step 6: Since there's no direct method to sign a PDF in Chrome using Google Drive, select "Drawing" in the insert tab and then click on "New".

Step 7: In the drawing window, click on the Arrow next to the Line icon and select "Scribble" to add your signature.

Step 8: Use your mouse to add your signature and then click on "Save and Close".

Step 9: The signature will be added to your PDF; adjust the size as needed.

Step 10: Now, save your PDF. Go to the File menu and click on "Download". As we need a PDF document, select the .PDF format.

Tip: The uploaded PDF is converted into a Word document, which might affect formatting. Ensure to fix any formatting issues.

The only drawback to this method is the potential loss of formatting. However, it is quite handy as it saves a copy of the signed PDF on the cloud, making it easily accessible and shareable with others.

Sign a PDF in Chrome Using Adobe Acrobat

The last method involves using Adobe Acrobat's online PDF signer, an efficient tool enabling users to easily upload and sign their PDFs in Chrome. Let's go through the steps to sign a PDF using Adobe Acrobat's online PDF signer:

Step 1: Firstly, visit the official Adobe website in the Chrome browser.

Step 2: To access the free online PDF signing tool, sign up on their website by clicking on the "Sign in" button at the top right of the page.

Adobe Sign-in


Step 3: Once signed in, hover over the "E-Sign" tab in the main menu and select the "Add a Signature" option.

Adobe E-Sign tools


Step 4: You'll be redirected to the E-Sign online tool page. Click on the "Add File" button to upload the PDF you wish to sign.

Adobe Acrobat Add a Signature tool


Step 5: Once uploaded, the PDF will open in Adobe's built-in PDF viewer. Click on "Add a Signature" on the left panel.

Adobe E-sign online Add a Signature



Step 6: Users can add their signatures in different ways. Select the "Type" tab to type your signature.

Adobe Type Signature


Step 7: Users can also choose the "Draw" tab to draw their signature using their mouse or add an image of their signature. Once done, click on "Save" to save your signature.

Adobe Draw Signature


Step 8: Your saved signature will appear in the left panel. To add your signature, click on the signature you uploaded and then use your mouse to add it to the PDF.

Adobe Add Signature to PDF


Step 9: Adjust the size of your signature on the PDF to finalize your signed PDF.

Adobe Resize Signature on PDF



Step 10: To save a copy of your signed PDF, simply click on "Download", or users can also share a link to their signed PDF by clicking on the Link icon.

Adobe Download and Share signed PDF


Adobe is renowned in the world of PDF, providing valuable and effective PDF solutions, and their online PDF signing tool is no different. The only drawback is the associated price tag, which may be out of reach for many users.

WPS PDF Extension: Read and Comment PDF files

The WPS Office PDF tool is renowned for its advanced features, affordability, and compatibility with various office suites, earning it the top spot in the PDF tool market. With the introduction of the WPS extension, it closely follows as an exceptional extension tool, offered completely free of charge. Beyond basic viewing and printing, it facilitates effective collaboration, enhancing shareability. While editing features are currently somewhat limited, users can comment and annotate, making it a perfect choice for both students and professionals seeking a reliable PDF solution.

WPS PDF Extension


Using the WPS extension, you can prevent PDFs from opening in Chrome, both for local files and those found on the internet. To enable this feature, you need to change the default PDF viewer of the Chrome browser:

Step 1: Click on the WPS PDF extension in your Chrome toolbar, then click on the Settings icon.

WPS PDF Extension settings


Step 2: To allow the WPS PDF extension to open PDF files on the internet, enable the first option, which is "Open PDFs in WPS PDF Extension".

Step 3: To open local files, click on "Open Local PDFs in WPS PDF Extension".

Open Local PDFs in WPS PDF Extension


Step 4: In the Chrome Extension settings page, enable the "Allow access to file URLs" option, and that's it.

WPS PDF Extension Allow access to file URLs


Enabling both of these options will make the WPS PDF extension your default PDF viewer and editor in the Chrome browser.

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FAQs about pdf signer chrome extension

Q1. How do I add a digital signature slot to a PDF?

To include a signature block using Adobe Acrobat in your PDF documents, follow these steps:

Step 1: Access the PDF using Adobe Acrobat.

Step 2: Navigate to the top left corner and select Tools.

Step 3: In the Forms & Signature sections, opt for Prepare Form.

Step 4: Initiate the process by selecting Start.

Step 5: Click on the Add a Signature block icon located in the tools ribbon.

Step 6: Position the block by moving your cursor to the desired location and clicking.

Step 7: After you have positioned the new signature block, click anywhere outside it. Finally, remember to save your changes and close the document.

Q2. How do you make a PDF so it can be signed?

Here is a clear and concise step-by-step guide on creating a signable PDF using Smallpdf's eSign tool:

Step 1: Access Smallpdf's eSign tool.

Step 2: Click Choose File to upload your document.

Step 3: After it loads, select Invite signees.

Step 4: Provide the signee's name and email in their respective input fields.

Step 5: Specify the signing location.

Step 6: Click on Review & Send.

Q3. What are the advantages of using the PDF signer Chrome extension?

PDF signer Chrome extensions provide numerous advantages:

  • Efficiency: Quickly sign PDF documents directly within your Chrome browser, saving time and streamlining the signing process.

  • Accessibility: Access your PDF signer extension from anywhere with an internet connection, providing flexibility and convenience.

  • Security: Benefit from secure encryption methods, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your digital signatures.

WPS PDF: Your Trusted PDF Tool

PDF tools are essential in various life stages, be it academic, professional, or domestic, as documentation consistently plays a role. Trusting a reliable PDF tool is crucial to avoid last-minute issues, and WPS Office has consistently proven itself as a valuable assistant. While PDF signer chrome extensions are great for its simplicity, affordability, and convenience, WPS PDF is a great tool that ensures a phenomenal and secure experience. Download WPS PDF now for a trustworthy and efficient PDF solution.

15 years of office industry experience, tech lover and copywriter. Follow me for product reviews, comparisons, and recommendations for new apps and software.