How to Сreate a Form with Electronic Signature
In an era where time is money, businesses cannot afford delays in document processing. Electronic signatures offer a solution, enabling instant, secure, and legally binding document signing. This eliminates the need for printing, scanning, and physical storage, streamlining workflows for contracts, approvals, and client agreements. pdfFiller, a leading document management platform, makes this process seamless. This article will guide you through creating, filling, and verifying signature forms with ease. Let’s get into it.
What is Electronic Signature?
An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a digital way to show agreement or approval on a document. It can be a typed name, an image of a handwritten signature, or a mark drawn on a touchscreen. These signatures are legally binding in many countries, thanks to laws like the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States. They’re valid in most cases, making them a trusted alternative to paper-based signing.
You might hear the term digital signature too. While related, it’s different. A digital signature uses cryptographic methods for extra security, whereas a standard electronic signature meets most business needs without added complexity. Here’s why electronic signatures matter:
- Speed: Sign from anywhere, anytime, on any device.
- Savings: Cut costs on paper, ink, and shipping.
- Security: Encryption and audit trails keep your data safe.
With pdfFiller, you can leverage these benefits to create forms and collect signatures effortlessly.
Getting Started with pdfFiller
To create a form with electronic signature, you’ll need a pdfFiller account. Visit the pdfFiller website and click “Sign Up” on the top right side. You can register with an email or use Google or Facebook for a faster setup. New users often get a free trial to explore the platform. Already have an account? Just log in.
Once inside, you’ll see the main dashboard. This is where your documents are stored, and you can access tools to create, edit, or manage them. The interface is intuitive, with options to upload files, start new forms, or use a template. Take a moment to explore—it’s designed to simplify your workflow.
How to Create a Fillable Form Using pdfFiller
Now, let’s create your fillable form. Start by uploading a PDF document to pdfFiller. On the dashboard, click “Upload” and choose a file from your computer or cloud storage like Google Drive. No PDF? No problem. Use the editor to build an online form from scratch.
Once your document is open, make it interactive by adding form fields. Click the “Form” tab on the right side. You’ll see options like text fields, checkboxes, and the key signature field. To add a signature, select “Signature” and click where it should go. Resize or move it as needed. Need multiple signatures? Add more fields for each signer.
Other form fields can collect extra data, like names or dates. Click a field, place it on the page, and adjust its size. When finished, click “Done” to save. Your fillable PDF is now ready for the next step.
Customizing the Form
A well-designed form enhances your brand image. pdfFiller lets you customize it easily. Want to set a professional tone? Add your logo using the “Image” tool. Upload the file and position it on the document.
You can also adjust the form fields. Click a field to change its font, color, or make it required. For the signature field, ensure it’s mandatory so the form can’t be submitted without it. Add tooltips to guide users—helpful for complex forms.
If you’ll reuse this form, save it as a template. This lets you generate identical forms later, saving time. Customization ensures your signature form looks sharp and works smoothly.
Sending the Form for Signature
Time to collect signatures. pdfFiller offers flexible ways to send your form. The easiest is email. Click “SendToSign,” enter the recipient’s email, and add a subject or message. You can set a deadline or get alerts when it’s signed.
Prefer a broader reach? Generate a link to the form. Share it on your website, via social media, or in an email. Anyone with the link can access it. For multiple signatures, use bulk send. Upload a list of emails, and pdfFiller handles the rest. Track progress on your dashboard—see who’s signed and who hasn’t.
Signing the Form
Recipients don’t need an account to sign. They’ll open the form in their browser via the link or email. They can fill text fields by typing and check boxes as needed.
For the signature, they click the signature field. pdfFiller offers three ways to add a signature:
- Type: Enter their name for a stylized signature.
- Draw: Use a mouse or touchscreen to sketch it.
- Upload: Add an image of their handwritten signature.
They can adjust the signature size, then click “Apply.” Once all fields are complete, they hit “Done” or “Submit” to send it back. It’s that simple.
Verifying the Signature
Trust is key, and pdfFiller ensures your electronic signatures are secure. Each signed PDF comes with an audit trail. This logs the signer’s name, email, IP address, and timestamp—proof the signature is valid.
View this by opening the file and clicking “History.” pdfFiller uses encryption to protect your data, meeting industry standards. For extra assurance, it supports digital signatures with cryptographic certificates. This makes your documents legally binding and court-ready if needed.
Managing Signed Documents
After signing, pdfFiller keeps everything organized. Signed documents are stored in your account. Create folders to sort them, and use the search tool to find files fast.
Access them from any device—computer, tablet, or phone. Need a copy? Download the PDF or share it directly. For compliance, set expiration dates or archive old forms. This keeps your data tidy and secure.
Advanced Features
pdfFiller goes beyond basics with powerful add-ons:
- Templates: Reuse forms for common tasks.
- Integrations: Sync with Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Mobile App: Sign or edit on the go.
- Merge Tools: Combine documents or add watermarks.
These resources fit any use case, from small teams to large firms.
Ease of Use
pdfFiller: Offers a highly user-friendly experience with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that simplifies tasks like adding text, images, or signatures. It’s designed for quick onboarding, making it accessible even for users with minimal technical skills, reducing the time needed to get started.
Mobile Access
pdfFiller: Provides full mobile app support with a robust, feature-rich application available on iOS and Android. Users can edit, sign, and share PDFs on the go with seamless functionality that mirrors the desktop experience, ideal for mobile-first workflows.
Signature Verification
pdfFiller: Includes an audit trail that tracks document changes and signatures, paired with a "Verified by pdfFiller" badge to assure authenticity. This system is straightforward and reliable for basic legal or professional validation, though it may lack the depth of more sophisticated certification methods.
Pricing
pdfFiller: Features flexible plans tailored to various user needs, including a free trial that lets you test the service before committing. Pricing is generally more affordable, making it attractive for individuals, small businesses, or those on a budget who still need powerful PDF tools.
Integration
pdfFiller: Seamlessly connects with popular cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive, enabling easy file access and sharing. Its integration focus is practical and streamlined, though it lacks the broader ecosystem compatibility of some competitors.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to create a form with electronic signature is more than a skill—it’s a gateway to a more efficient, modern way of managing documents. With pdfFiller, you can create forms, add signature fields, collect signatures, and verify them through a series of simple steps that anyone can master. The platform’s blend of user-friendly design, advanced security (think audit trails and encryption), and collaborative tools ensures your documents are both practical and protected.
From small startups to sprawling corporations, pdfFiller adapts to your unique needs, helping you save time, reduce costs, and stay compliant with legal standards. It’s a solution that looks to the future, empowering you to handle documents digitally while maintaining the trust and professionalism of traditional methods. Ready to take control of your document workflow?
Sign up for pdfFiller today—try it for free and discover how effortless adding electronic signatures to your PDFs can be.
FAQs
1. How Do I Put an Electronic Signature on a Form?
To add an electronic signature to a form using pdfFiller, log in to your pdfFiller account. Upload the form you want to sign. Click the ‘Sign’ tool in the top toolbar. Select a signature method: draw it, type it, or upload an image. Position the signature where you want it on the form. Click ‘Apply’ to secure it. This process is fast and user-friendly with pdfFiller.
2. Can Forms Be Signed Electronically?
Yes, forms can be signed electronically. Electronic signatures are legally binding and widely accepted for most documents, such as contracts and agreements. With pdfFiller, you get added assurance through audit trails and a "Verified by pdfFiller" badge, ensuring your signed documents are trusted and trackable.
3. How to Make a Digital Signature Form?
To create a form with a digital signature field in pdfFiller, log in to your pdfFiller account. Start a new form or edit an existing one. Add signature areas using the ‘Signature Field’ tool. Customize the form with additional fields if needed. Share it with recipients for them to sign electronically. pdfFiller simplifies designing and sharing signable forms.
4. How Do I Paste a Signature into a Form?
To paste a signature into a form with pdfFiller, upload the form to your pdfFiller account. Click the ‘Sign’ tool. Select ‘Upload Image’ to use a saved signature (like a scanned image). Or create a new signature by drawing or typing it in pdfFiller. Place it on the form and click ‘Apply’ to attach it. This flexibility lets you easily reuse or create signatures as needed.