Signing PDF files with a stylus, on an i-Pad

You could use the app "GoodReader". It is a PDR reader with the ability to annotate. There is a freehand drawing mode that would handle a signature. It works quite well just using a finger to do the signature. After the PDF is signed you could print it or transfer/email/upload to a desktop to view with the annotation.

(Disclaimer: I have no association with GoodReader. I am just a user.)

First, I have also tried Goodreader. I only paid $.99 for it, but was not satisfied, mainly because it was rather hard to use and certainly extremely ugly and un-iPad-like. After looking around for a while, I settled on PDF Expert by Readdle (currently $9.99) and am very satisfied with my purchase. It can store any type of file in a very easy-to-use file system, opens images, movies, and text files, and has a great two-way Dropbox sync. Also, if you enable the built-in file sharing on your Mac, you can view and download every file in your Mac's home folder. The main point of it, however, is as a PDF Reader. Annotation, text boxes, signatures, and even are perfectly done and feel natural.
And no, I don't have any affiliation with Readdle either. I just love their app. 😉

For what you're trying to do, it's quite simple (this is if, as I'm thinking, you have an iPad with a stylus (I would recommend the Pogo Sketch if you don't have one) and you will give it to clients for them to sign). Either use iTunes File Sharing, Dropbox, or email to get the files into PDF Expert. Then open the file and tap the signature icon in the toolbar (in-between the pencil icon and the 'A' icon). It opens up a whole new pane for your client to sign in- they can even select how thick and what color they want the signature in. Tap Save. Then, in the space where you want the signature to appear, tap and hold until a selection menu appears. Tap 'Signature' and it appears, ready for you to drag into the exact place you want it. 🙂

Then, just tap the export icon and 'email', and send it away. Practically any good PDF reader will be able to see the signature. (including Adobe Reader and Apple Preview)

Hope that helps! It's completely worth the $9.99.

Liam

We have looked at the same issue.

PDF Expert actually has a "signature" function, though it simply creates a graphic signature on the document.

iAnnotate can also place graphic signatures (and other things) on a PDF using its basic annotation function.

None of the apps can actually use a "signature" block imbedded in a PDF (though PDF Expert will display the block but tell you it can't be used - for whatever that's worth).