Make, scan, fill and sign PDFs free (no sketchy converters)

Save anything as a PDF, scan papers with your phone, and fill and sign forms, all with free tools you already have. Plus why the FBI warns about free online converters.

⏱ About 10 minutes · 5 steps
What you'll need
  • Your computer or phone
  • A document or form
  • About 10 minutes

  1. Pick the free tool for the job

    JobWindowsMaciPhoneAndroid
    Save as PDFCtrl + P > Microsoft Print to PDF (in Office: Save as PDF)Save as PDFShare > Print > SharePrint > Save as PDF
    Scan paperPhone appPhone appNotes or Files: ScanGoogle Drive: Scan
    Fill and signAdobe Acrobat ReaderPreviewFiles: MarkupAcrobat Reader app

  2. Save anything as a PDF

    Windows print screen with Microsoft Print to PDF chosen, and Mac print screen with PDF menu and Save as PDF
    The free "print to PDF" trick on Windows and Mac.
    1. On Windows, press Ctrl + P, choose Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer, click Print, then pick a folder and name.
    2. On a Mac, press Command + P, click the PDF menu at the bottom, then Save as PDF.
    3. In Word, you can also use File > Save As and pick PDF (see Microsoft's guide).

  3. Scan paper with your phone

    1. iPhone: open Notes, start a note, tap the paperclip or camera button, then Scan Documents (see Apple's steps).
    2. Android: open Google Drive, tap + New > Scan (see Google's steps).
    3. Line up the page on a dark table in good light, then save. You get a clean PDF.

  4. Fill out and sign a form

    • Windows or Android: the free Adobe Acrobat Reader has Fill & Sign. When installing on a computer, untick any extra offers.
    • Mac: open the PDF in Preview and use the Markup tools to type and sign (see Apple's steps).
    • iPhone: open the PDF in Files, tap the Markup button, and type or sign.

    You don't need to pay for Acrobat Pro just to fill and sign.

  5. Avoid free online converters

    ⚠️ Watch out: The FBI warned in March 2025 that some free online file converter sites install malware or steal data from what you upload. Don't upload tax forms, IDs or bank papers to random converter sites. Use the built-in tools above. Read the FBI Denver warning.

    FBI news release titled FBI Denver Warns of Online File Converter Scam
    The FBI's official warning about fake file converters. Screenshot of the official page, October 2026. It may look a little different now.
🎉 All done! You can make, scan, fill and sign PDFs without paying or risking malware. After the free part: Acrobat Pro and other paid PDF editors are optional.

Related game: Safe or Risky?. Related explainer: What is phishing, and how do I spot it? .

Official help pages

Steps checked against these pages in October 2026. If a button looks different, look for a similar label.