Digital signatures, such as our docusign alternative solution, are a legal way to digitally secure approvals on a document, contract, or set of documents. By replacing your handwritten signature with an electronic signature, you can speed up nearly any paper-based, manual signature process.
How does an electronic signature work?
A digital signature, like those generated by DocuSign eSignature, is a symbol or other data attached to an electronic document and accepted by the “signer” or recipient of the signature request. Most of the time, electronic signatures appear as images of physical signatures. You can create an electronic signature online and attach it to an online document. The physical act of signing with a pen is replaced by an email request for your signature. Now everything is done online.
Why use e-signatures?
By electronic signing, you save time, reduce the need for paper-based processes, and have the flexibility to sign documents on a variety of devices from almost anywhere. With DocuSign eSignature, you can:
- Processes can be accelerated
- by executing transactions with trust
- instead of manual signatures
DocuSign eSignature reduces your hard costs – including printing, postage, and paper – by about $36 per agreement with its eco-friendly design.
What can you use DocuSign eSignature for?
Sign with the world’s #1 electronic signature solution:
- Contracts for sales
- documentation for new employees
- Processing invoices
- and purchases
- for expense reporting
- agreements with vendors
- compliance within the company
- letters of intent
Are digital signatures and electronic signatures the same?
The terms “digital signature” and “electronic signature” are often used interchangeably, but they are actually two separate things. An electronic signature that provides an extra level of security is a digital signature. Both electronic signatures, such as DocuSign eSignature, and digital signatures are legally binding.
Are electronic signatures legal?
Certainly. In almost every country in the world, electronic signatures are legally enforceable in most business and personal transactions. Find out more here.
You can use electronic signatures to sign documents of all shapes and sizes, including:
- Offer letters
- Sales contracts
- Permission slips
- Rental/lease agreements
- Liability waivers
- Financial documents
DocuSign eSignature helps you electronically sign documents or PDFs. How do you do it?
- Sign up for a free trial of DocuSign eSignature and log in.
- Under New > Sign a Document, upload the electronic document or pdf.
- Select Sign and then follow the steps to electronically sign your document or PDF.
When you want someone else to electronically sign a document or pdf, how do you create it and send it to them?
- You will receive an email asking you to digitally sign your document.
- Simply click the link. You should open your document in an electronic signature tool such as DocuSign eSignature.
- Accept electronic signatures. An agreement may be required. If the document was sent through DocuSign eSignature, you should see tags with instructions to start or sign the document after confirming agreement.
- You can add your electronic signature or initial wherever you are required to sign or initial by clicking on each siSave your signature information by adopting a signature.rmation.
- Click the Finish button to confirm your signature. Upon completion, a message appears notifying you that your signed document has been received by the sender.
Is signing documents electronically safe?
Documents created with DocuSign are encrypted and tamper-evident, protecting your highly confidential information. Authentication options ensure your documents have non-repudiation in court by confirming that signers are who they claim to be at the time of signing. DocuSign prioritizes the security of your documents, electronic signature authentication, and system security.
Once you have a better understanding of electronic signatures, sign up for our DocuSign eSignature free trial and try e-signing documents for yourself.
