The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can sign a PDF on your Mac without printing, scanning, or installing anything. Open the file in Preview, choose the Sign tool in the Markup toolbar, create a signature with your trackpad, the built-in camera, or a nearby iPhone or iPad, then drag it into place and resize it. The feature is not hidden so much as tucked behind the Markup toolbar, which many people never open.
Sign a PDF in Preview, step by step
- Open the PDF in Preview. If the file opens in another app, right-click it in Finder, choose Open With, and select Preview.
- If the toolbar is hidden, click the Show Markup Toolbar button. Then click the Sign button. Apple’s support article “Fill out and sign PDF forms in Preview on Mac” describes this path.
- Choose an existing signature from the list, or create a new one using one of the three input methods below.
- Click the signature after it appears on the page, drag it to the signing line, and use the corner handles to resize it.
- Save the PDF. Preview writes the signature into the file as part of the page content.
Three ways to create the signature
Apple documents three ways to make a signature in Preview. Each suits a different setup, so pick the one that matches the hardware in front of you.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Trackpad
Choose the trackpad option when the prompt appears and sign with a finger. On a Force Touch trackpad, pressing harder produces a heavier, darker stroke, so lighten your touch if the result looks too bold. No paper or camera is involved, which makes this the quickest route on a laptop.
Built-in camera
Write your signature on plain white paper with a dark pen. Hold the paper level, keep it inside the on-screen guide, and let the Mac’s camera capture it. Use a thick, dark pen and good, even lighting. Faint pencil or a tilted sheet usually produces a weak image that is hard to read once placed on the page.
#1 Best Overall
- Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
- Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
- It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
- Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
Nearby iPhone or iPad
Preview can also create the signature on a nearby iPhone or iPad. Select that device when prompted, then sign on its screen. This route depends on Apple’s Continuity requirements, which the Markup support material lists in its guidance on marking up files on a Mac. The devices must meet those requirements and be near each other. If the option does not appear, use the trackpad or camera method instead.
Placing and resizing the signature
After you select a signature, it attaches to your pointer. Click to drop it on the page, then drag it to the signing line. The corner handles scale the signature proportionally. Because the signature is a graphic placed on the page, you can move it again later by clicking it, and you can delete it with the Delete key before saving if the placement is wrong.
Rank #2
- Magic Trackpad is wireless and rechargeable, and it includes the full range of Multi-Touch gestures and Force Touch technology.
- Sensors underneath the trackpad surface detect subtle differences in the amount of pressure you apply, bringing more functionality to your fingertips and enabling a deeper connection to your content.
- It features a large edge-to-edge glass surface area, making scrolling and swiping through your favourite content more productive and comfortable than ever.
- Magic Trackpad pairs automatically with your Mac, so you can get to work straightaway.
- The rechargeable battery will power it for about a month or more between charges.
Filling in forms before you sign
Many signing jobs also require typing into fields. In Preview you can type into supported PDF form fields directly. When a field does not accept typing, Apple’s guidance suggests adding a text box instead. Place the text box over the blank area, type your name, date, or address, and then add your signature. This fallback is useful on forms that were flattened or built without interactive fields.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minutePreview’s contact AutoFill can fill in your details automatically. The enhanced version of this feature requires macOS 14.2 or later, and it does not work with every PDF. On older systems, or with PDFs that do not support it, type the information yourself.
Rank #3
- ✅ 【Compatible with Mac & Windows – Full Multi-Gesture Support】: This wireless trackpad offers smooth multi-touch gesture control on both macOS and Windows 10/11. Enjoy natural MacBook-style gestures such as two-finger scrolling, pinch-to-zoom, three-finger swipe, tapping, and dragging on both your MacBook, iMac, and Windows laptop or desktop. Ideal for office work, presentations, and users who want the same intuitive trackpad gestures they’re used to on a MacBook but need compatibility with any desk setup.
- ✅ 【Ergonomic Design to Reduce Wrist Strain】: Designed for long work sessions, this ergonomic trackpad for Mac promotes natural hand positioning to help reduce wrist fatigue compared to a traditional mouse. The large 7.5-inch frosted glass surface delivers smooth finger glide and precise cursor control, while the built-in physical click mechanism provides clear, responsive feedback for more controlled and confident actions, you can also tap to click for faster, more effortless interactions—making it a comfortable Apple trackpad alternative for all-day productivity.
- ✅【Plug & Play 2.4G Wireless – No Bluetooth, No Lag】: Features a dedicated 2.4G USB receiver (not Bluetooth) for a stable, low-latency connection with no drivers required. Simply plug in and start working instantly on both Mac and Windows—no system switching needed. The USB receiver is automatically recognized by your device. Includes a USB-C cable so you can charge and use the mac trackpad at the same time, with no downtime or interruptions.
- ✅ 【Premium Aluminum Body – Slim & Travel-Ready】: Crafted from durable aluminum alloy with an anti-slip rubber base, this trackpad for PC stays steady on any surface without a mouse pad. Slim and lightweight, it fits easily into laptop sleeves or backpacks. Perfect for remote work, travel, coffee shops, or small desk spaces.
- ✅ 【7-Day Battery for Work, Study & Creative Tasks】: The built-in 900mAh rechargeable battery supports up to 7 days of use per charge under typical daily use and recharges in about 2 hours via USB-C. Suitable for document editing, visual design, studying, and presentations, with smooth multi-touch gesture input for everyday computer navigation. Battery life and charging time may vary depending on usage.
Managing saved signatures
Preview keeps signatures you create so you can reuse them. To remove one, open the Sign menu and use the delete option that Apple documents for saved signatures. If iCloud Drive is turned on, signatures sync to other Macs signed in to the same iCloud account, and deleting a signature on one Mac removes it from the others as well. Plan for this if you share a Mac or use a work account that syncs differently.
Troubleshooting
- The Sign button is missing. Click Show Markup Toolbar first. The toolbar can be hidden even when the file is open in Preview.
- The iPhone or iPad option does not appear. Check that both devices meet Continuity requirements and are near each other. The trackpad and camera methods work without it.
- You cannot type into a field. Add a text box over the blank area.
- The signature looks faint or blotchy. Recreate it with a darker pen on white paper, or lighten your pressure on the trackpad.
- A signature you deleted is still on another Mac. Check whether iCloud Drive is enabled on that Mac and whether it has finished syncing.
What this feature does and does not establish
Apple’s instructions describe how Preview creates a signature image and places it on a PDF. They do not describe certificate-based digital signatures, identity verification, or any legal effect of the signature. If a recipient needs a verifiable digital signature or a specific e-signature standard, check the requirements of that agreement or the organization requesting it before relying on a drawn signature.
Rank #4
- ✅ Seamless Compatibility with Mac & Windows – Works perfectly with macOS and Windows 10/11, including MacBook, iMac, Windows PC, laptops, and desktops. This wireless trackpad delivers smooth multi-gesture control: scroll, swipe, zoom, tap, and drag, making every movement natural, responsive, and effortless. Boost productivity for work, study, or browsing instantly! Perfect as a smart alternative to the Apple Magic Trackpad.
- ✅ Ergonomic & Large Touch Surface – Glide with precision on a 7.5-inch frosted glass touchpad. Designed for comfort, this wireless track pad reduces wrist fatigue during long sessions while giving you more space to navigate, edit, and create. Perfect for designers, students, and professionals who demand precision.
- ✅ Quiet & Comfortable Anywhere – Say goodbye to noisy clicks! Enjoy ultra-silent tap-to-click feedback while selecting text, dragging files, or switching apps without disturbing anyone. Physical click function is still available for those who prefer it, you can also tap to click for faster, more effortless interactions. Ideal for offices, classrooms, libraries, or late-night work.
- ✅ Plug & Play with Stable Connection – Includes a USB receiver for a stable, driver-free connection (Not Bluetooth Connection). No Bluetooth dropouts, no interruptions. The USB receiver is automatically recognized by your device. This trackpad for mac also supports USB-C wired connection, allowing you to charge and work at the same time. Reliable for MacBook, iMac, and Windows laptops.
- ✅ Premium Aluminum Design & Ultra-Portable – Sleek aluminum alloy with rounded edges looks as good as it feels. Anti-slip base keeps it steady, while the slim, lightweight design is perfect for travel, remote work, or coffee shop sessions. Carry your wireless touchpad anywhere in style.
The sources for this article are Apple’s support pages “Preview files on your Mac,” “Fill out and sign PDF forms in Preview on Mac,” and “Mark up files on Mac.” Menu labels and the Continuity requirements can change with macOS updates, so if a label differs on your system, look for the same Markup and Sign controls in the current Apple support pages.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
