# Sign PDF for journalists

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/for/journalists/sign-pdf_

Arthize lets journalists and newsrooms sign a PDF in a private workspace — free, with no watermark. Signing a PDF lets you draw, type or add a digital signature and fill form fields, so you never print, sign and rescan a document again.

## Why journalists sign a PDF

A journalist OCRs a scanned document dump so it's searchable, extracts key tables into a spreadsheet, and redacts a source's identifying details plus metadata before publishing.

**Built for FOIA releases.** Whether it's FOIA releases, leaked documents, reports, Arthize's sign pdf keeps the work inside your private workspace. Source protection is paramount; documents must be handled privately and metadata stripped before publishing.

## What matters when you sign a PDF

A clear electronic signature is legally valid for everyday agreements in most countries.

Cryptographic digital signatures bind the signature to the document for higher assurance.

You can fill form fields and sign in the same tool without printing.

## How to sign a PDF

1. **Open the sign tool** — Sign in and open the sign-and-fill tool.
2. **Create your signature** — Draw it, type it in a signature font, or use a digital certificate.
3. **Place it and fill the form** — Drop the signature where it belongs and fill any fields, dates or checkboxes.
4. **Download the signed PDF** — Save the signed document with no watermark.

## FAQ

### How do journalists sign a PDF for free?

Signing a PDF lets you draw, type or add a digital signature and fill form fields, so you never print, sign and rescan a document again. On Arthize it's free with no watermark, and the file is deleted after the job — which is why journalists and newsrooms can use it for FOIA releases without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to sign a PDF sensitive FOIA releases?

Yes. Source protection is paramount; documents must be handled privately and metadata stripped before publishing. Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job.

### How do I sign a PDF online for free?

Signing a PDF lets you draw, type or add a digital signature and fill form fields, so you never print, sign and rescan a document again. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Is an electronic signature on a PDF legally valid?

Signing a PDF lets you draw, type or add a digital signature and fill form fields, so you never print, sign and rescan a document again. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.