Question 1

Why is my PDF file so large? 8 reasons

Accepted Answer

A PDF is usually large for one of eight reasons: it is a scan stored as images, images are embedded at full resolution, fonts are embedded whole instead of subset, resources are duplicated per page, saves were incremental, images are cropped only visually, forms and attachments are attached, or colour profiles and transparency are heavy.

Question 2

How to sign a PDF without printing it

Accepted Answer

Open the PDF in a signing tool, create your signature by drawing it with a mouse or finger, typing it in a handwriting font, or uploading a transparent PNG. Drag it onto the signature line, resize it to about the height of the surrounding text, add the date, then flatten and download.

Question 3

Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. In the US the ESIGN Act and state UETA adoptions give electronic signatures the same legal effect as ink for most agreements. In the EU, eIDAS says a signature cannot be denied validity merely for being electronic. Wills, certain property and family-law documents remain excluded.

Question 4

How to fill in and sign a PDF form

Accepted Answer

First find out which kind of form you have. If clicking a blank produces a text cursor, it is an interactive AcroForm: type into the fields and tab between them. If nothing happens, it is a flat scan, so add free text boxes on top instead. Flatten the file afterwards either way.

Question 5

How to add a watermark to a PDF

Accepted Answer

To add a watermark to a PDF, open the file in a watermark tool, type the text you want such as DRAFT or CONFIDENTIAL, set opacity to around 15 percent and rotation to 45 degrees, choose centred or tiled placement, then apply it to every page and save the result.

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