# Sign PDF for researchers

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

Arthize lets researchers and academics 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 researchers sign a PDF

A researcher merges a paper with its appendices, extracts a results table into Excel for re-analysis, and compresses the figure-heavy submission under a journal's upload limit — privately.

**Built for papers.** Whether it's papers, datasets, appendices, Arthize's sign pdf keeps the work inside your private workspace. Unpublished work and grant applications are confidential; a private workspace keeps them out of public tools.

## 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 researchers 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 researchers and academics can use it for papers without a confidentiality risk.

### Is it private to sign a PDF sensitive papers?

Yes. Unpublished work and grant applications are confidential; a private workspace keeps them out of public tools. 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.