How to sign a PDF on a Chromebook
Use the Gallery app that comes with ChromeOS: open the PDF, select the signature button, draw your name, choose Place signature, and save. It's free and needs no install. Chrome's browser tab can't do this, so open the file from Files.
By docuinked. Published 2026-11-08, updated 2026-11-08.
Steps in the Gallery app
Google's Chromebook help describes these steps. PDFs open in Gallery by default.
- Select the Launcher at the bottom left, then open Files.
- Choose where the PDF is saved, such as Downloads or Google Drive, and double-click the file.
- In the toolbar at the top, select the signature button.
- Draw your signature with a mouse, your finger or a stylus.
- Select Place signature to put it on the page.
- Select the Select tool to move or resize it: drag the box to move it, drag a corner to resize.
- At the top right, select Save. To keep the original, use the arrow beside Save to save a new file.
Your signature is kept on the Chromebook. The next time you open a PDF and use the signature tool, you can pick it again, or choose Draw another signature to make more. You can place it in several spots on one document.
Why the browser tab doesn't work
Google's help page says you can't add text annotations to PDFs in the Chrome browser. If a PDF opened in a tab, go back to Files and open it from there so it lands in Gallery.
What Gallery can and can't do
- It can fill in PDF forms, add text, highlight and add a freehand signature.
- It can't edit text already on the page or change bookmarks.
- Google states that signing here "is for convenience and doesn't provide signature verification or security." It's an image of your signature, with no record of who signed or when.
When a drawn signature isn't enough
If you're signing a form you'll email back, Gallery is enough. If you need several people to sign one document and want a record of each step, send it through an e-signature service instead: each person signs from a link on whatever device they have, a Chromebook included. Read how to sign a PDF for the choices on every device, and electronic vs digital signatures for what each one proves.
Common questions
Can I sign a PDF on a Chromebook without installing anything?
Yes. The Gallery app is built into ChromeOS and opens PDFs by default.
Why can't I sign the PDF in my Chrome browser tab?
Google says text annotations aren't available in the Chrome browser's PDF viewer. Open the file from the Files app so it opens in Gallery.
Is my Gallery signature secure?
Google says the feature doesn't provide signature verification or security. It places an image of what you drew. For a record of who signed and when, use an e-signature service.
Does Gallery save my signature for next time?
Yes. Google says the signature is saved on your Chromebook and offered again when you use the signature tool in a new PDF.
Sources
Checked 2026-11-08. Steps can change with ChromeOS updates.
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