Signatures are unique marks or symbols we affix to a document to certify our agreement or acceptance, acknowledge our obligations, and provide our consent. They serve as our personal, self-identification evidence.
With technology saturating every aspect of our lives, digital solutions continue to appear, promoting convenience. One of the most used digital solutions today is electronic signatures or often called e-signatures.
An electronic signature, in essence, is a signature in electronic form. According to the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-SIGN) Act, it is a sound, symbol, or process attached to an electronic document or file that a person with the intent to sign executes. It may be an image version of your written signature, a signature created using an electronic signature application, or a recording or voiceprint.
There are several benefits of using electronic signatures. From convenience and greater security compared to manual, wet-ink signatures to cost-effectivity and accessibility. Hence, many professionals and organizations now utilize electronic signatures to reap the benefits.
A PDF, which stands for Portable Document Format, is the most common electronic document we can sign electronically. Using SignedTrue, we will teach you how to affix your electronic signature to a PDF document.
The following is a step-by-step guide to electronically sign PDF documents:
1. Visit SignedTrue.com
2. On the Upload Box, drag and drop your PDF file or click on the “Upload File” button to select the PDF file from the local storage of your device.
You will be redirected to the PDF editor.
3. Click on the Signature icon.
Signing options will show.
4. Click on the Sign Document icon.
5. Draw, upload an image of, or type your signature.
Draw — Draw your signature using your finger or a stylus on your touchscreen smartphone or tablet.
Upload — Take a photo of your handwritten signature, then upload it.
Type — Type in your name using your keyboard.
6. Click on the “Use Signature” button.
7. Position your electronic signature in your PDF document and click on the “Done” button.
If you do not have an account with SignedTrue yet, you will be asked to register.
You may also request signatures from other people using SignedTrue’s Send For Signing function.
Other Electronic Signature Applications
SignedTrue is not the only electronic signature application you can use to read, edit, and e-sign a PDF document.
Here are other electronic signature applications in the digital market today:
PDFRun
PDFRun is a web-based, no-installation-required electronic signature software for users who prefer a straightforward application. Users can sign documents and send them for signing.
Apart from its e-signature solutions, other notable features of PDFRun are a library of fillable documents containing templates, including tax and government-issued forms, legally binding contracts, and healthcare forms that users can access and use; an online PDF editor; a document format converter; and cloud-based storage.
Subscription plans are available on PDFRun if you want to access its advanced features, including multiple document collaborators, integration with cloud storage providers, and an advanced PDF editor.
DocuSign
As one of the earliest electronic signature solutions providers, Docusign has become a popular e-signature software for professionals and businesses. It is available on iOS and Android.
DocuSign has high-level security certifications in Europe and the United States due to its initiatives and commitments to data protection and security.
DocuSign offers standard and business pro plans if you need to access its member-exclusive features, such as website or application integrations, embedded signing, and attachments.
Eversign
Compatible with all internet-enabled devices, Eversign is a reputable electronic signature application. Similar to other e-signature solutions providers, it lets users sign digital documents, enabling them to streamline their workflows.
Eversign’s main target market is businesses, irrespective of their size and industry. It offers basic, professional, and professional plus subscription plans to suit the requirements of its users.
PandaDoc
PandaDoc offers an extensive range of features. Aside from its electronic signature tools, its lets users access document templates and apply software integrations. While its free plan could easily satisfy your e-signature demands, you have an option to subscribe to its monthly or annual plan to access its additional features, including custom branding; integrations with other applications, and bulk sending.
SignEasy
Perhaps one of the most straightforward electronic signature applications, SignEasy offers a minimal user interface for ease of use. Compatible with both iOS and Android, it lets users sign documents using their devices. Self-signing, remote signing, and in-person signing are some of its features.
Users have the option to sign up for a standard, plus, or premium plan. Each plan provides different features and has a different rate.
SignNow
SignNow does not only offer electronic signature solutions but also lets users receive payment as their customers sign a document. Integration with a payment processor is also one of its functions.
For professionals and businesses that need to take payments while collecting signatures, subscribing to SignNow is practical. Its plans start at a basic plan, which provides document signing, access to a library of templates, and access to its mobile application. Users may upgrade to an enterprise plan, which adds payment requests among other basic features.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is electronic signature legally binding?
There are laws in the United States that make electronic signatures legally binding. These laws include the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (E-SIGN) Act of 2000, a federal law that applies to all states; the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) of 1999, adopted by forty-seven states except Illinois, New York, and Washington, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; the Electronic Commerce Security Act in the State of Illinois; the Electronic Signatures and Records Act in the State of New York; and the Electronic Authentication Act in the state of Washington.
How to choose the best electronic signature application?
Identify your requirements to be able to determine the right electronic signature solutions provider you can use. You must consider ease of use, security, and pricing.
How does electronic signature work?
An electronic signature works just like a wet-ink signature but offers convenience and more security. By using an electronic signature application, you will be able to affix your signature on a digital document, enabling you to complete transactions using your device, no matter your location.