Last updated on
Aug 20, 2025
How to Create a Digital Signature
eSign
13
min
Summarize:
- A digital signature is a secure, electronic way to sign documents, ensuring authenticity and integrity.
- pdfFiller allows you to create digital signatures by drawing, typing, or uploading an image of your signature.
- The process is user-friendly, secure, and compliant with legal standards like the ESIGN Act and eIDAS.
- You can sign PDFs directly or convert Word documents to PDFs for signing using pdfFiller.
- Digital signatures save time, reduce paper use, and are legally binding in many jurisdictions.
What is a digital signature and why use it?
A digital signature is a cryptographic method used to verify the authenticity and integrity of a digital document. It acts like a virtual fingerprint, ensuring that the document hasn’t been altered after signing and confirming the signer’s identity. Unlike a handwritten signature, a digital signature uses public key infrastructure (PKI) to provide a high level of security, making it difficult to forge or tamper with.
Digital signatures offer several benefits:
- Convenience: Sign documents from anywhere without printing or scanning.
- Security: Encryption protects against forgery and unauthorized changes.
- Legality: They are legally binding in many countries, including under the ESIGN Act in the US and eIDAS in the EU, provided they meet specific standards.
- Efficiency: Streamlines workflows, especially for documents requiring multiple signatures.
pdfFiller, a trusted platform used by millions worldwide, makes creating and using digital signatures easy, secure, and compliant with legal standards. This guide is not legal advice but provides general information to help you sign documents effectively.
How do I create a digital signature using pdfFiller?
- Go to pdfFiller.com and create a free account. You can choose a plan or start with a free trial.
- Log in, click “Upload” on the dashboard, and select your PDF file from your computer. You can also drag and drop it.
- The file opens in pdfFiller’s online editor for viewing and editing.
- Click the “Signature” button in the toolbar, then select “Add Signature” from the dropdown.
- Choose one of these options in the pop-up: draw, type, or upload your signature.
- Click “Save” to store it in the Signature Wizard for reuse.
- Click where you want it on the document. Adjust its size or position as needed.
- Add dates or text if required, then click “Done” to save.
- Save the signed PDF to your device or share it via email, fax, or a secure link.
How do I attach a digital certificate to a signature in pdfFiller?
While pdfFiller currently does not offer built-in digital signature functionality with integrated digital certificates, you can enhance the security of your signatures by using an external digital certificate from a trusted certificate authority (CA). After obtaining a digital certificate, you can import it into a compatible PDF editor that supports certificate-based signatures, then use pdfFiller to add a visible signature or further edit the document.
To do this, first sign the PDF using a tool that supports certificate-based signatures, applying your digital certificate to verify your identity and ensure the document’s integrity. Then, upload the signed PDF to pdfFiller to add annotations, additional signatures, or share it securely. Always ensure your certificate complies with standards like eIDAS or the ESIGN Act for legal validity, and consult a legal professional for specific requirements
What is pdfFiller?
pdfFiller is an all-in-one, cloud-based document management solution that helps 64M+ users worldwide complete, sign, and share documents digitally.
pdfFiller is an all-in-one, cloud-based document management solution that helps 64M+ users worldwide complete, sign, and share documents digitally.
How to make a digital signature in word using pdfFiller?
pdfFiller works with PDFs, but you can sign Word documents by converting them first. Here’s how:
- Convert Word to PDF: Log in to pdfFiller and upload your Word file (.docx) using “Upload.” pdfFiller converts it to a PDF automatically.
- Sign the PDF: Open the converted file in the editor. Follow the steps in “How Do I Create My Own Digital Signature?” to add your signature.
- Save or Share: Download the signed PDF or share it. You can convert it back to Word if needed using pdfFiller’s tools.
How do I make my handwritten signature digital?
To turn your handwritten signature into a digital version with pdfFiller, try these options:
- Drawing Your Signature: In the editor, click “Signature” and select “Draw.” Use your mouse or touchscreen to draw your signature. Save it for future use.
- Uploading an Image: Prepare a clear image of your signature by signing white paper with a black pen, then scanning or photographing it. In the signature pop-up, choose “Upload” and select the image file. pdfFiller optimizes it for use.
Both methods let you create a digital signature that matches your own signature’s look.
How do I turn my signature into a digital format?
To make your signature reusable in digital format, pdfFiller offers a simple solution:
- Create Your Signature: Use the draw, type, or upload method as described earlier.
- Save It: In the signature pop-up, click “Save” to store it in the Signature Wizard.
- Reuse It: For future documents, access your saved signature from the Signature Wizard, place it on the file, and adjust as needed.
This saves time and keeps your signature consistent across digital documents.
How can I sign a pdf document online with pdfFiller?
Signing a PDF online with pdfFiller is fast and convenient. Here’s how:
- Visit pdfFiller.com and log in or sign up.
- Click “Upload” and select your PDF file from your device or cloud storage.
- Use the “Sign” tool to create or select a saved signature and place it on the document. Alternatively, you can place a signature field where necessary to place your signature on the document.
- Add any extra details, click “Done,” then download or share the signed PDF.
This online signature process eliminates paper documents and works on any device.
Are digital signatures legally binding?
Yes, digital signatures are legally binding in many places, like the US under the ESIGN Act and the EU under eIDAS, if they meet certain rules. These laws give digital signatures the same status as handwritten ones for most uses. However, requirements vary by location and document type. Consult a legal expert for specific advice—this guide offers general information only.
What are the best practices for digital signatures?
| Best Practice | Description | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ensure legal compliance | Adhere to laws like ESIGN Act, UETA, or eIDAS; obtain necessary certifications for your platform | Makes signatures legally binding and enforceable in court. |
Use strong authentication | Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and digital certificates from trusted authorities. | Verifies signer identity and prevents unauthorized access. |
| Maintain audit trails | Record all actions, including timestamps, IP addresses, and changes for every signature. | Provides proof of integrity and non-repudiation in disputes. |
| Secure storage and encryption | Store signed documents with encryption and access controls; use hashing to detect tampering. | Protects against data breaches and alterations. |
| Choose a reliable platform | Select tools with compliance certificates, integration capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces. | Ensures reliability, scalability, and ease of use. |
| Conduct regular audits | Periodically review processes, logs, and compliance to identify and fix issues. | Maintains ongoing security and adapts to new threats. |
Final thoughts
Creating a digital signature with pdfFiller is an easy, secure way to sign documents online. Whether you’re handling a PDF file, converting a Word document, or signing on a mobile device, pdfFiller’s tools make the process smooth. Trusted by millions, it meets legal standards like the ESIGN Act and eIDAS, offering peace of mind for business and personal use.
Start your free trial of pdfFiller today.
Glossary
- Digital signature: A secure electronic method to verify a document’s authenticity using cryptography.
- Electronic signature: Any electronic way to show agreement, like a typed name or image.
- Digital certificate: A file that proves a signer’s identity for digital signatures.
- ESIGN Act: A US law making electronic signatures legally equal to handwritten ones.
- eIDAS: An EU regulation for electronic signatures and trust services.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is any electronic method you use to show intent—this could be typing your name, clicking “I agree,” or drawing your signature with a finger or mouse. It’s legally valid in many jurisdictions but doesn’t guarantee that the signer is who they say they are. A digital signature, by contrast, is a specific type of electronic signature that uses public‑key cryptography to bind your identity to the document. When you apply one, the document is hashed (creating a unique fingerprint) and then encrypted with your private key. Any change to the document or misuse of the signature breaks the encryption seal, so recipients can verify both the signer’s identity and document integrity.
2. Can I use pdfFiller on my mobile device?
Yes. pdfFiller offers native apps for both iOS and Android. Once installed, you can upload, edit, fill, and sign PDFs from anywhere. All edits sync automatically with your web account, so your documents are available across devices in real time.
3. How secure is my digital signature with pdfFiller?
pdfFiller safeguards your signatures and documents using industry‑standard security:
- 256‑bit SSL/TLS encryption in transit and at rest ensures that data cannot be intercepted or read by unauthorized parties.
- Audit trails record every action—who signed, when, and from which IP—so you have a full compliance log.
- SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications guarantee that our infrastructure and processes meet rigorous security standards.
4. Do I need a digital certificate to create a digital signature?
No. pdfFiller’s platform automatically provisions and manages the underlying cryptographic certificates for you. When you place a digital signature, we handle key generation, storage, and rotation behind the scenes—so you get the full legal assurance of a certificate‑based signature without the hassle of obtaining and installing your own certificate.
5. Can I sign multiple documents with the same digital signature?
Absolutely. Once you create your signature, it’s stored securely in your pdfFiller profile. You can then apply that same digital signature to any number of documents—no need to redraw or reconfigure settings each time. This not only speeds up bulk signing workflows but also keeps your signature consistent across all paperwork.
Learn from other successful companies using pdfFiller?
pdfFiller scores top ratings on review platforms
