How to Send an Electronic Signature
- An electronic signature is a digital method to sign documents, such as PDF files, that shows agreement and is legally binding under laws like the ESIGN Act.
- To send an electronic signature, upload your document to an online document management tool like pdfFiller, create or add your signature, and send it via email or link for others to sign.
- Electronic signatures are safe because they use audit trails and secure storage to track agreements and protect data.
- Electronic signatures save time on signing processes, work on mobile devices, and handle multiple signers for items like sales contracts or vendor agreements.
- Electronic signatures make it easy to sign documents without printing or scanning. They work for PDF documents, Word docs, and more.
- pdfFiller offers a simple way to create, send, and manage these signatures while following industry standards for security and compliance.
What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature, or e-signature, is a way to sign a document electronically. It can be a typed name, a drawn mark, or an image of your signature. This method replaces handwritten signatures on paper.
Electronic signatures are legally binding in many places. They follow rules set by the ESIGN Act in the U.S. and similar standards elsewhere. pdfFiller ensures your signatures meet these requirements, providing audit trails for every step.
Use electronic signatures for PDF files, digital documents, or even text files. They speed up the signing process and reduce errors.
How do I create an electronic signature?
Creating electronic signatures is straightforward with the right tool:
- Open pdfFiller and navigate to the signature creation feature.
- Choose an option: draw with a mouse, type your name, or upload a signature image.
- If drawing, use your cursor or finger on a mobile device to create the mark.
- Preview and adjust the signature as needed.
- Save it securely for reuse in reusable templates or existing documents.
pdfFiller stores your signature safely. This follows best practices for digital signatures. For more details, check our guide on how to sign your documents.
How do I send an electronic signature via email?
Sending an electronic signature via email streamlines the process for quick approvals:
- Upload your PDF document or Word doc to pdfFiller.
- Add signature fields or a signature box where required.
- Create or select your existing electronic signature and place it on the document.
- Enter the recipient's email address in the send option.
- Click to send the esignature request; the recipient receives a link to view and sign if needed.
pdfFiller tracks the entire process with audit trails. This ensures the signed PDF is delivered safely. It's ideal for handling vendor agreements or sales contracts.
How do I send someone my electronic signature?
You can send someone your electronic signature attached to a document:
- Upload the document electronically to pdfFiller.
- Select your saved signature or create a new one.
- Place the signature in the designated signature line.
- Use the "Send Documents" feature to enter the recipient's email.
- Add any message and send; they get the signed copy via email or link.
This method keeps everything stored securely. It works for sharing a signature image or completing agreements with multiple signers.
How do I sign PDF documents electronically?
Signing PDF documents electronically avoids paper handling. pdfFiller provides an easy interface for this.
- Open the PDF file in pdfFiller.
- Locate the "Sign" tool in the menu.
- Choose or create your electronic signature.
- Drag and drop it onto the signature field in the PDF document.
- Adjust size and position, then save the signed PDF.
This process supports mobile devices. It creates a legally binding record with audit trails.
Try these tools to get your PDFs done
What are the differences between electronic and digital signatures?
| Aspect | Electronic signature | Digital signature |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A broad category of methods to digitally sign a document, focusing on the signer's intent to agree. Examples include typing a name, drawing a mark, or clicking "I agree." | A specific, secure form of electronic signature that uses cryptographic techniques to verify the signer's identity and document integrity. |
| Methods | Simple and fast: typing a name in a signature field, drawing a mark, scanning or uploading a handwritten signature image (digitized), or using a typed signature for low-risk documents. | Relies on digital certificates and public key infrastructure (PKI); involves encryption to create a unique digital "fingerprint" of the document. |
| Security level | Lower security; easy to create but may require extra verification and offers less protection against tampering or forgery. | Higher security; detects any changes to the document after signing, provides non-repudiation, and ensures authenticity through encryption. |
| Verification | Primarily verifies intent; may not strongly confirm the signer's identity or detect alterations without additional tools. | Verifies identity via certificates, ensures the document hasn't been altered, and provides audit trails for authenticity. |
| Technology | Basic digital methods without advanced encryption; can be as simple as an image of your signature or a signature box. | Advanced cryptographic technology, including PKI, to secure the data and prevent forgery. |
| Advantages | Fast setup, user-friendly, and suitable for multiple signers in casual workflows; less complex for mobile devices. | More secure and authentic, preferred for compliance-heavy environments; offers better guarantees against disputes. |
| Disadvantages | Less secure without added protections; digitized handwritten or typed signatures may need verification for higher trust. | More complex to implement, requires certificates, and may involve higher costs or setup time. |
How do I request e-signatures from others?
Requesting e-signatures from others ensures smooth collaboration. Here's how you can do it using pdfFiller's features:
- Prepare the document by uploading it to pdfFiller.
- Add signature fields for each party involved.
- Enter email addresses in the request e-signatures section.
- Set any signing order if needed for sequential processes.
- Send the request; recipients get a link to sign electronically.
pdfFiller sends reminders and tracks progress. This is useful for documents like contracts. For more, see our signature requests guide.
Are electronic signatures legally binding?
Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding in most cases. They comply with laws like the ESIGN Act, which sets standards for electronic records and signatures.
These laws require clear intent to sign and secure processes. pdfFiller follows these rules, including audit trails to prove authenticity.
For international use, check local regulations like eIDAS in Europe. This ensures your signed documents hold up in court.
How do I use electronic signatures on mobile devices?
Electronic signatures work well on mobile devices for convenience. Follow these steps to use e-signatures on your mobile devices:
- Download and open the pdfFiller app on your phone or tablet.
- Upload or create a new document.
- Tap the sign option to add your signature.
- Draw with your finger or select a saved signature image.
- Save and send the signed electronically via email or link.
This allows signing anywhere. pdfFiller keeps data secure during the process.
What security features protect electronic signatures?
Electronic signatures use several protections:
- Audit trails record every action, from creation to signing.
- Data is stored securely with encryption. This prevents unauthorized changes.
- pdfFiller adds features like password protection and two-factor authentication. These meet industry standards for safe electronic signing.
How do I sign documents in different formats?
pdfFiller handles signing across formats like PDFs and Word documents.
- Upload the file, such as a Word doc or text file, to pdfFiller.
- If needed, convert it to a workable format.
- Add a signature line or field.
- Place your e-signature using the insert tab or sign tool.
- Export the signed copy in the original or preferred format.
This versatility aids daily workflows. It ensures compatibility with Google Docs imports too.
How do I manage signature requests for multiple signers?
Managing requests for multiple signers keeps projects organized. pdfFiller's dashboard helps with this.
- Upload and prepare the document with signature fields.
- Assign fields to specific signers.
- Enter emails and set the signing order.
- Send the esignature requests to all parties.
- Monitor status, send reminders, and receive notifications on completions.
This suits team environments like HR. Learn about secure healthcare document workflows.
Final thoughts
Electronic signatures simplify how you sign and send documents. They save time, reduce paper use, and improve security. pdfFiller provides a reliable platform for these tasks, with tools for creating, sending, and tracking signatures.
Start using electronic signatures today. Sign up for a free trial with pdfFiller to experience the full signing process.
Glossary
- Electronic signature: A digital mark or process to show agreement on a document, legally binding under certain laws.
- Digital signature: An advanced type of electronic signature using certificates to verify identity and integrity.
- Audit trail: A record of all actions taken on a document, used for security and compliance.
- ESIGN Act: U.S. law that makes electronic signatures as valid as paper ones. For details, see ESIGN Act standards.
- eIDAS: European regulation for electronic identification and trust services. For details, see eIDAS regulation.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
An electronic signature (e-signature) is a broad term for any digital indication of agreement, such as typing your name, uploading a signature image, or drawing it on a touchscreen. A digital signature is a specific type of e-signature that uses encryption and digital certificates (Public Key Infrastructure) to verify the signer’s identity and protect the document from tampering. Both are legally binding, but digital signatures add stronger authentication and security
2. How do I create a signature image?
A signature image is a digital version of your handwritten signature. You can create one in a few ways:
- Draw your signature directly in pdfFiller using your mouse or mobile device.
- Upload a photo or scanned image of your handwritten signature.
- Save the image for future use, so you don’t need to recreate it every time you sign a document.
- This makes it easy to insert your signature quickly into any PDF, Word document, or online form.
3. Are electronic signatures safe for sensitive documents?
Yes. When used with the right platform, electronic signatures are safe for sensitive records like contracts, HR forms, or healthcare documents. pdfFiller secures your documents with:
- Audit trails to track who signed and when.
- Encryption to protect data in transit and at rest.
- Compliance with legal standards like the ESIGN Act and eIDAS.
This ensures documents are signed, shared, and stored securely.
4. Can I sign documents offline?
In most cases, signing and sending require an internet connection. However, some tools let you add a signature offline and upload later. pdfFiller supports signing on mobile devices, giving you flexibility to sign anywhere. Once you’re back online, your signed copy can be sent securely and tracked.
5. How long does it take to send an electronic signature?
The process is quick—usually just a few minutes. Simply upload your document to pdfFiller, add your electronic signature, and send the signed PDF via email or share link. This eliminates the delays of printing, scanning, or mailing paper documents.
