Electronic Signatures: A Complete Guide

Electronic signatures have transformed the way businesses and individuals execute agreements. Instead of printing, signing, scanning, and emailing a document, you can apply a legally binding signature to a PDF in seconds from any device. The result is faster turnaround times, lower costs, and a fully digital paper trail.

It is important to distinguish between an electronic signature and a digital signature. An electronic signature is any electronic indication of intent to agree, which can be as simple as a typed name, a drawn signature on a touchscreen, or an uploaded image of your handwriting. A digital signature, on the other hand, uses cryptographic certificates to verify the signer's identity and detect any tampering after the signature is applied. Both types are legally recognized in most jurisdictions, but digital signatures provide a higher level of assurance.

In the United States, electronic signatures are governed by the ESIGN Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which give electronic signatures the same legal standing as handwritten ones for most transactions. The European Union recognizes electronic signatures under the eIDAS regulation, which defines three tiers: simple, advanced, and qualified. For everyday contracts, NDAs, and consent forms, a simple electronic signature is sufficient.

To sign a PDF electronically, upload the document to a signing tool, draw or type your signature, position it on the correct page, and save the result. The signed PDF can then be shared, stored, or submitted as a legally binding record. For added security, consider using a tool that embeds a tamper-evident seal so recipients can verify the document has not been altered after signing.