How to sign a document without printing off and scanning.

(Note: Solution for Apple computer users only)

I recently needed to sign several documents that someone had emailed me. So what did I do ?

I did what I think a lot of people do. I printed off the documents, signed them, scanned them and emailed them back to the person (there were a few more steps i.e. combining several sheets into one document and cursing my scanning software but I wont bore you with that now).
I think most people instinctively use this procedure. I knew there had to be a better way without buying software or subscribing to some kind of service.

Enter Apples ‘Preview’ program.

Here’s how it works.

1) Write our your signature on a blank piece of paper.

 

 

 

 

2) Open Preview

 

 

 

3) Go to Preview–>Preferences –>Signature Tab–>hit Create Signature

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) Hold your paper up to the green light (camera) on top of your computer

 5) Hit accept when it looks ok to you.

 6) Done.

Now that I have it – How Do I Use it ?

Lets say you have a .pdf you need signed.

1) open the .pdf file – using preview – NOT Adobe Acrobat  (right click on file -> open with -> preview)

2) Go to Tools -> Annotate -> Signatures –> and choose your signature.

3) Go to your document and put your cursor near where you want to insert the signature (cursor should turn into small plus sign) then click and drag cursor.

4) Signature appears upon dragging.

5) Resize it or move it to the exact location you want it to go to.

6) Save your document – and yer done !

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I hope you found this little tip helpful.

I know it will save me:

• printing paper
• printer ink
• and time (i.e. not having to scan)

Do you have a short cut that you use that saves time/money ?
Please share it below.