Open the document in Preview and click the Markup button, then select the Signature tool to create or insert a saved signature. 2. Create a signature using the trackpad or use your iPhone camera for higher quality, which requires both devices to share an Apple ID with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Handoff enabled. 3. Once created, the signature is saved system-wide and can be reused in apps like Mail, Notes, or PDF editors, and can be managed or deleted via the Signature panel in Preview. 4. For efficiency, reuse signatures by saving a PDF template or exporting the signature as a PNG image to drag into future documents. Electronic signatures made this way are legally binding in many countries, including the U.S., under ESIGN and UETA laws when all parties agree.

Signing a document on a Mac is simple, whether you're using a built-in tool like Preview or a third-party app. Here’s how to do it efficiently using native macOS features.

1. Use the Markup Tool in Preview to Add a Signature

The easiest way to sign a PDF or image document on a Mac is through Preview, which comes pre-installed.

Steps:

• Open the document in Preview (right-click the file > Open With > Preview).
• Click the Markup button (it looks like a pen tip in a circle) in the toolbar.
• Click the Signature button (it looks like a scribble line).
• If you haven’t created a signature yet, select Create Signature.
• Use your trackpad to draw your signature with your finger or a stylus.
• Click Done to save it.
• Now, click on the signature you created and drag it into the document where you want it.
• Resize or reposition it as needed.

Tip: You can save multiple signatures (e.g., formal vs. casual) by drawing different versions during setup.

2. Insert Your Signature Using Trackpad or Camera

macOS lets you create a signature using either your trackpad or an iPhone camera.

Using iPhone (recommended for better quality):

• In the Signature window, click Camera instead of Trackpad.
• Use your iPhone to sign your name on the screen—it syncs via iCloud.
• This usually gives a cleaner, more natural-looking signature.

This feature requires:

• Both devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi enabled.
• Handoff enabled in Settings.

3. Save and Reuse Your Signature

Once created, your signature is saved in the system and available across apps that support the Markup tools—like Mail, Notes, or third-party PDF editors.

• To manage or delete signatures: Go back to the Signature panel in Preview and click the (–) button under your saved signatures.

4. Sign Multiple Documents Efficiently

If you sign documents often:

• Keep a PDF template with your signature already placed.
• Or save your signature as a small PNG image (export from Preview) and drag it into any document.

Note: For legal validity, most electronic signatures created this way are considered binding in many countries, including the U.S. under ESIGN and UETA laws—especially if all parties agree to electronic signing.

Basically, just open the file in Preview, use Markup to create or insert your signature, and place it where needed. No extra software required for most everyday uses.

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