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Sign PDF

Sign PDF: get documents signed online, legally valid

With actaSIGN you sign PDF documents directly in the browser — no installation, no software. Choose the right signature level per document: SES, AES or QES. Legally valid in Switzerland and the EU.

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✓ZertES compliant✓eIDAS compliant✓100% in the browser✓Swiss hosting

Sign a PDF in three steps

From upload to legally valid signature — in minutes, entirely online.

1

Upload PDF

Upload your PDF to actaSIGN via drag and drop and place the signature fields where you need them.

2

Invite signers

Add any number of internal and external signers. External signers sign via an email link — no registration required.

3

Sign with legal effect

Each signer signs the PDF at the chosen signature level. The finished document is archived with a complete audit trail.

Which signature level for your PDF?

Not every PDF needs the highest level. actaSIGN supports all three levels — you choose per document.

SES — for everyday use

Internal approvals, minutes, confirmations of receipt: the simple electronic signature is sufficient wherever no formal requirement applies.

AES — for business documents

Contracts, offers, HR documents: the advanced electronic signature identifies signers via email address and mobile number.

QES — for written form

Equivalent to a handwritten signature (CO Art. 14 para. 2bis, eIDAS): the qualified electronic signature for documents with statutory written-form requirements.

Signature levels in detail →

Why actaSIGN for PDF signatures?

Swiss platform, all signature levels, transparent pricing — no hidden costs.

No installation

actaSIGN runs entirely in the browser — on desktop, tablet and smartphone. No software, no plugin, no download.

Legally valid under ZertES and eIDAS

Signatures via Swisscom Trust Services — recognised by OFCOM and listed on the EU Trust List. Valid in Switzerland and the EU.

Data in Switzerland

Your PDFs are processed exclusively in an ISO 27001 certified Swiss data centre — without international hyperscalers.

Unlimited signers

Invite as many people as you like to sign — external signers need neither an account nor registration.

Frequently asked questions about signing PDFs

Is an electronically signed PDF legally valid?
Yes. Depending on the signature level, a signed PDF is legally valid under ZertES and eIDAS. With QES it is equivalent to a handwritten signature (CO Art. 14 para. 2bis) — for most business documents SES or AES is already sufficient.
How can I sign a PDF electronically?
Upload the PDF to actaSIGN, place the signature fields, invite signers — signing happens in the browser, at the chosen signature level (SES, AES or QES). No installation, no software.
Do I need Adobe Acrobat or any special software?
No. actaSIGN runs entirely in the browser on any device. You can open the signed PDF in any PDF reader afterwards and validate the signature.
Which signature level do I need for my PDF?
For form-free documents — most contracts, offers and minutes — SES or AES is sufficient. QES is required where the law mandates written form, for example consumer credit agreements.
Can several people sign the same PDF?
Yes, without limit. You define the signing order freely; external signers receive an email link and need neither an account nor registration.
Can a signed PDF be modified afterwards?
No. Any subsequent change invalidates the signature and is immediately detectable. actaSIGN also adds a complete audit trail and automatic long-term validation (LTV).
Can I also sign Word documents?
PDF is the primary format. Other formats like Word will be supported in the future — simply convert Word files to PDF before signing.

Further reading

Electronic signature — the overviewDifference between SES, AES and QESAll actaSIGN features

Ready to sign your first PDF digitally?

Experience in a personal demo how easy legally valid PDF signing is with actaSIGN.

Request demo