How to fill out and sign a PDF document for free on Windows 11
You can fill out and sign a PDF in Windows 11 without printing, scanning, or paying for Adobe. Microsoft Edge, the built-in browser, handles most forms. For complex government or tax forms with checkboxes, the free PDFgear app is the better option.
Privacy warning: Avoid uploading sensitive documents (tax forms, bank statements, contracts) to free online PDF signers. They store your files on external servers, which is a security risk. Use the local tools below instead.
Method 1: Use Microsoft Edge (no software required)
Microsoft Edge is built into Windows 11 and opens PDF files directly, so no extra software is needed.
- Right-click the PDF file, hover over Open with, and select Microsoft Edge.
- To fill in blank spaces or form fields, click the Add text icon in the top toolbar (it looks like a letter T in a box [T]).
- Click where you want to type. A small menu appears so you can change text color or size.
- To add a signature, click Draw (the pen icon) in the top toolbar.
- Click the downward arrow next to the pen icon to select black ink and adjust the thickness to look like a real pen.
- Use your mouse cursor (or a stylus/finger if you have a touchscreen) to draw your signature directly on the signature line.
- Click the save icon (the floppy disk) in the top-right corner to save your changes.
Method 2: Use PDFgear (completely free desktop app)
Some government and tax forms have checkboxes and dropdown fields that Edge cannot fill. For those, PDFgear is a free desktop app with no paywalled features.
- Download and install the free PDFgear app from their official website.
- Open PDFgear, click Open File, and select your PDF document.
- If the form has fillable boxes, click a box and type. If the PDF is just a flat image with no boxes, click Form tab at the top > Add Text and click where you want to type.
- To sign the document, click on the Form tab at the top and select Signature > Create Signature.
- Pick one option: Type (generates a cursive version of your name), Draw (trace your signature with the mouse), or Picture (upload a photo of your handwritten signature). Click OK.
- Click on the document where you want to place the signature, adjust its size by dragging the corners.
- Press Ctrl + S or click the save icon (floppy disk) in the top-left corner.
Related:
How to convert a JPG or PNG image to PDF in Windows 10 or 11
How to merge multiple images into one PDF file in Windows 10 & 11