How to remove the background from a signature

Step by step

1. Sign on plain white paper with a dark, thick pen. A black or dark blue gel pen or felt-tip works better than a thin ballpoint.
2. Take a photo in daylight, straight from above, without your shadow on the paper. Get close so the signature fills most of the picture.
3. Open cutoutfree.com and choose the photo. The paper is removed in a few seconds, on your own device.
4. Download it. Keep the checkerboard and click Download for a transparent PNG.
5. Add it to your document. In Word or Google Docs, insert it as a picture. Most PDF apps let you add an image, or save it as your signature.

Why it matters that nothing is uploaded

Your signature approves contracts, forms and payments. Many online tools upload it to their servers to cut it out. CutOutFree removes the paper inside your browser, so your signature stays on your phone or computer. Keep the finished file somewhere safe too, and don’t post it publicly.

Good to know

• Thin lines come out softer. The AI keeps the edges of each stroke soft, so a thin pen can look a little lighter. A thicker, darker pen and good light fix that.
• It looks best on white and light documents, which is where signatures go. On a dark background, a faint light edge from the paper can show.
• Sign on blank paper. A faint printed line under the signature may be removed, but darker lines, stamps or text nearby may stay.

Is a signature picture legally valid?

A picture of your signature is fine for many everyday documents, like forms, letters and simple agreements. Some contracts and official documents need a certified electronic signature instead. If in doubt, ask whoever receives the document what they accept.

Want to know more about how the privacy works? See how to remove a background without uploading.