Sign PDF field types explained (with examples)
Every Sign PDF field is a typed box on the page with shared controls (size, rotation, colour) plus type-specific behaviour. This is the reference for all ten types, with practical examples for common documents.
Signature and initials
Signature opens the capture modal (Type / Draw / Upload) and stores a PNG on the field. Initials works the same way with a smaller default box — ideal for multi-page initialling. Switching between Signature and Initials keeps the captured image when possible.
- Example — offer letter: Signature on the last page; Initials on every annexure page.
- Example — rent agreement: One Signature for the landlord and another for the tenant (place two Signature fields; capture each mark separately).
Date, name, text and multiline
Text-style fields
- Date
- Defaults to today’s date (readable format). Edit in the panel or on the page.
- Name
- Printed full name — single line.
- Text
- Any short detail (employee ID, city, designation).
- Multiline text
- Paragraphs and addresses with line breaks; wraps in the preview and the flattened PDF.
For Name, Text and Multiline: if the field is empty and selected, start typing immediately. If it already has content, press Enter or double-click to edit. Font family and font size (6–72 pt) live in the properties panel. Colour uses presets plus a full colour picker and hex input.
- Example — delivery note: Date + Name of receiver + Multiline address.
- Example — HR form: Text fields for employee code and department; Multiline for remarks.
Checkmark and cross
Checkmark and Cross are marks — they count as complete as soon as you place them. Use them for yes/no boxes, “void” lines, or approval ticks. Resize and recolour like any other field; rotation helps when a printed box is skewed on a scan.
Image and stamp
Image and Stamp open an upload-only capture (PNG/JPG, max 2 MB). Stamp Maker is linked for creating a seal first. After upload, resize and rotate exactly like a signature. Stamps are ideal for company seals; Image suits photos, logos or letterheads.
Colour vs image fields
Ink colour applies to text and marks. Signature/initials use the colour from capture. Image and Stamp keep the uploaded pixels — recolour those in Stamp Maker tools if needed before upload.
Shared properties on every field
Width (% of page), height (% of page), rotation (−180° to 180° with ±90° buttons), Duplicate and Delete are available for all types in the right-hand panel.
Frequently asked questions
How many field types does Sign PDF have?
Ten: Signature, Initials, Date, Name, Text, Multiline text, Checkmark, Cross, Image and Stamp.
Can I change a field’s type after placing it?
Yes. Select the field and use Change type in the properties panel. Position and colour are kept; size and value reset to the new type’s defaults.
Which fonts can text fields use?
Standard PDF fonts: Helvetica, Helvetica Bold, Times Roman, Times Bold, Courier and Courier Bold, with sizes from 6 to 72 pt.
Keep learning
- How to sign a PDF online free — complete Sign PDF walkthroughSign a PDF in your browser: upload (15 MB / 30 pages), place signature and fields, capture your mark, download a flattened PDF. Private, free, no signup.
- Capture a signature for PDF: type, draw, upload and saved marksHow the Sign PDF capture modal works: type with 14 fonts, draw on a pad, upload PNG/JPG, and reuse up to six saved signatures stored on your device.
- Move, resize, rotate and edit fields on a PDFMaster Sign PDF placement: drag and drop fields, eight resize handles, rotation, arrow-key nudge, undo, zoom, select/deselect and inline text editing.