How to Sign and Date a PDF

Adding an electronic signature to a PDF document is essential for contracts, agreements, and official forms.

If you’re signing a business proposal, a legal agreement, or a simple PDF form, doing it digitally saves time and eliminates the hassle of working with paperwork and hard copies.

With Xodo Sign, you can sign documents and add dates to any PDF file. The process is secure, legally binding, and works in any browser.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to sign and date a PDF quickly and correctly.

How to sign and date a PDF online with Xodo Sign

1. Log into or create a Xodo Sign account

Create a free account, if this is your first time using Xodo Sign.
If you're already a member, log into your Xodo Sign account.
Or, you can start a free trial (no credit card required) to test out all of Xodo Sign's features.

2. Upload your PDF to Xodo Sign

In your Dashboard, go to Documents and click on the + icon.
Click Choose Files.
Locate and upload your PDF file.
Alternatively, you can either drag and drop your PDF into the file upload area, or you can access and upload it from your cloud storage account: Dropbox, GoogleDrive, OneDrive.

Uploading a PDF for signing and dating to Xodo Sign

3. Add signers and set preferences

Choose your signing options: Just You, You and Others, or Others Only.
Enter names and emails for each signer.
Assign roles: Signer or CC.
Optional: Set a signing order and enable SMS or PIN authentication.
Add a subject line and message.
Adjust your settings: enable reminders, turn on required form completion, add an expiration date.
Click Prepare to continue.

Add signers, roles, and settings to your PDF using Xodo Sign

4. Insert your signature, date, and other signing fields

Insert signing fields for yourself and other signers.
Click your name on the right-hand panel.
Drag a Signature Field to the correct spot.
Sign it by either drawing, typing, or uploading an image of your signature.
Click Sign.
Drag a Date Signed field onto the page where needed.
Add text, checkmarks, or other fields as required for your signers.
Click Send. Xodo Sign will email your signers a link to the document to sign.

Insert signature and date fields with Xodo Sign

5. Monitor and track your document

Go to your Dashboard.
Under Documents, find and select your document.
View and track who has signed it and who hasn't.
Xodo Sign lets you send reminders to those who still need to add their signature.

After everyone has signed, you can download the PDF and share the document as needed. Moreover, you can view the document's full audit trail, by going to Actions > Audit Trail.

Xodo Sign features for your signing workflows

If you need more than basic signing, Xodo Sign offers features that make the signing process faster and tailored to your workflow:

Legally valid e-signatures: Sign with confidence knowing that all e-signatures added with Xodo Sign are in compliance with ESIGN and UETA standards.

Verify your signers' identity: Get an added layer of security with signer authentication via SMS or PIN to prevent any unauthorized access.

Save custom signatures for future use: Store and save different versions of your e-signature and initials for quick and easy signing.
Set a customizable signing order: Decide who signs first and who should get final approval. Xodo Sign can keep your signing workflow organized.
Edit PDFs before sending: Edit PDF text or make last minute redactions with Xodo Sign's advanced file editor. Send out accurate contracts and agreements for signing.

Track and record a detailed audit trail: Track your document through every step of the signing process. Ensure compliance and security for all your signed documents.
Integrate with your existing cloud storage: Connect to your Google Drive, Box, OneDrive or Dropbox to upload, access, and save files easily from anywhere.

These advanced features help you and your team streamline signing workflows, improve efficiency and keep documents signed, secure and accessible.

Frequently asked questions

Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes. Electronic signatures are legally binding under laws like the ESIGN Act and UETA. They’re widely accepted for business and personal documents.

How can I create an electronic signature for a PDF?

You can draw your signature using a mouse or touchpad, type it using a keyboard, or upload an image of your handwritten signature. E-signature platforms, like Xodo Sign supports all options.

How do I sign a PDF online?

You can use Xodo Sign. It lets you e-sign PDFs in browsers, like Microsoft Edge, for free with basic features. You can start a Xodo Sign free trial (no credit card required) to test out the advanced e-signing tools available.

How to digitally sign a PDF with timestamp?

In Xodo Sign, upload your PDF file, then while preparing the document for signing drag a signature field and a Date field onto the page. Once you sign the PDF, the system will automatically add a timestamp as part of the audit trail.

Can you date a PDF?

Yes, you can date a PDF using an electronic signature tool like Xodo Sign. When you sign a PDF, add a Date field during the preparation process. This ensures the PDF document includes the correct date.

Is dating a PDF mandatory?

For most legal documents, yes. Adding a date ensures clarity and compliance. Most e-signature platforms automatically record the actual signing date.

Can you backdate a digital signature?

No, you should not backdate a digital signature. It can invalidate the document and be considered fraudulent. If needed, indicate an earlier effective date within a text field.

How to sign and date a PDF on iPhone?

You can sign a PDF on iOS using Xodo's built-in eSign PDF feature. Download and install the Xodo iOS app. Then follow these steps:

Open the app, tap on eSign PDF from the Toolbox menu, and select your PDF.
Tap on the Signature tool and then draw, type, or upload an image of your signature. Tap on Done.
Select it from the drop-down list of signatures and tap on the page to place it.
To add a date, tap on the Date tool at the top and tap on the page to insert the current date. Tap on Finish.

Note this method is ideal for quick approvals and does not provide an audit trail or other features for compliance. For full details, read our guide on How to Sign a PDF on iOS (iPhone and iPad).

Instantly sign and date PDFs online

Xodo Sign makes signing and dating PDFs simple, secure, and legally compliant. Add signatures and dates from any device, keep your documents protected, and complete any agreement in minutes.

From PDF editing and encryption to e-signing and audit trails, Xodo Sign has advanced features you can trust every time.

Manage and sign your documents the right way. Start now with Xodo Sign.

‍

Reena Cruz

With over 18 years in digital document management, Reena has covered everything from PDFs and e-signatures to workflow security and productivity tools.

At Apryse, she helps Xodo and Xodo Sign users simplify how they edit, manage, and sign documents across desktop, web, and mobile.