Most people who need a PDF filled and signed aren't trying to set up a document-management system — they need one form done, once, today. Creating an account to do that (and asking the other person to create one too, just to sign) is often the biggest source of delay in what should be a five-minute task. It's not actually necessary for either side.
To fill and e-sign a PDF without an account, use a browser-based form filler that lets you fill in the fields directly, add a typed or drawn signature, and download or send the completed file — with no signup required for the person signing. Filly lets the sender fill from a saved profile while the recipient completes their part through a no-login link.
Do I need to create an account just to fill out one PDF?
No. Most browser-based PDF fillers, including Filly, let you upload and fill a form without signing up first — you only need an account if you want to save your details for next time, access your filled documents later, or send the form to someone else for signature. A single one-off fill can be done and downloaded without ever creating a login.
Does the person I send it to need an account to sign it?
This is usually the bigger friction point, and it's the one most tools get wrong. A no-login e-sign link opens directly in the recipient's browser — they see the filled-in form, review it, add their signature, and submit, with nothing to install and no account to create on their end. If a tool requires the signer to sign up, that's worth avoiding for anything you're sending to a client, tenant, or new hire who won't want an extra login.
What counts as a valid e-signature if there's no account behind it?
Under the US ESIGN Act and UETA, an electronic signature is generally valid when both parties intend to sign electronically — a typed name, a drawn signature, or a click-to-sign action all qualify, regardless of whether the signer has an account with the tool. The intent and the record of the signing matter more than the account. This isn't legal advice; for anything high-stakes, confirm with a lawyer that electronic signature is acceptable for that specific document type in your jurisdiction.
How do I fill a PDF that isn't a fillable form to begin with?
Many PDFs — scanned documents, government forms saved as flat images — don't have interactive fields at all. An AI-based filler can detect where the fields should go even on a flat or scanned PDF (using OCR for scans) and place the values there, which is different from Adobe's Auto-Complete, which only works on PDFs that already have interactive form fields built in. See how to fill any PDF form online for free for the general walkthrough.
What if I need several people to sign different copies of the same document?
Fill the shared fields once — your business name, the agreement terms — from a saved profile, then send each recipient their own no-login link. This works well for a service agreement going to several clients or a liability waiver going to several participants; each person only fills and signs their own copy, and you get every signed version back separately.
Is it safe to fill and sign sensitive documents this way?
Look for a tool that encrypts documents in transit and at rest and discloses what it does with your data — Filly's security page lists encryption details and sub-processors, and states that uploaded documents are never used to train AI models. Avoid any e-sign tool that's vague about data handling, especially for anything containing personal or financial information.
Frequently asked questions
Is filling and e-signing a PDF with Filly free?
Yes, up to the free plan's limit of 10 filled documents a month, no credit card required to start.
Can I download the signed PDF instead of just storing it online?
Yes — completed and signed documents can be exported as a standard PDF at any time, in addition to being saved to your account if you have one.
What happens if the recipient doesn't finish signing?
The document stays in an unsigned state until they complete it; you can resend the link or fill and sign it yourself if the plan changes.
Can I use this on a phone, or does it need a desktop?
No-login e-sign links open in any mobile or desktop browser — recipients don't need a computer or a specific app to sign.