What is Electronic Signature: A Complete Guide

2021-02-23 10:54:27 • by Jason Will

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The fast pace at which the world is moving, calls for us to pick up speed and stay side by side with it. And for this, we will have to adopt the new digital trends that are revolutionizing the world. To keep in step, almost all developed countries have transitioned from the world of ink and paper to the world of electronic signatures on documents.

For one, it has proven to be incredibly efficient, time-saving, and cost-effective, which has benefited businesses in more than one way.

So, what exactly is an electronic signature, and does it have any variations? Let’s find out!

What is an Electronic Signature?

With everything going digital, why should signatures stay behind? Getting electronic signatures on documents is a relatively recent way of getting consent or approval. Soon, it will entirely replace handwritten signatures and reduce the cost of ink and paper.

Types of Electronic Signatures

But are you aware of the different types of electronic signatures? There are e-squiggles, which involves making electronic signatures using a freehand drawing tool. Then we have scanned images, which is a picture of your handwritten signature. Lastly, we have a typed name, which is a very basic and non-secure way to sign a document. This brings us to the concept of qualified electronic signatures.

Qualified Electronic Signatures

To make sure that the signature process is secure and ensures privacy, people have resorted to qualified electronic signatures. It involves sending a direct link of the document to the recipient so that they can sign it and fill out the application fields using a safe electronic signature application.

Application Fields

The documents being sent for signatures can be of various types including, contracts, consent forms, petitions, application forms, registration forms, etc. The person sending the document can use electronic signature apps to add application fields specific to the document, which will be filled out by the recipients.

But here comes the primary question. Which electronic signature application should you opt for? Our recommendation is Wondershare Document Cloud.

Introducing Wondershare Document Cloud

Wondershare Document Cloud is a browser-based tool that ensures a safe and secure way of initiating a signature process and enables electronic signatures on documents in a hassle-free way.

The best part about this program is that it can be accessed from any platform, be it Windows, Mac, or iOs.

Wondershare Document Cloud

All System-supported Platform

Premium 100GB Cloud Storage

High-quality Electronic Signature

Continuously Updated Service

Try Free Buy Now

Following is a step-by-step guide on how to sign a document using Document Cloud.

Step 1: Go to the Official Website

Open the Wondershare Document Cloud website, sign in to your account. This will take you to the main page of Document Cloud.

Step 2: Upload Documents that Need to be Signed

Click on “Sign > Initiate” to choose the PDF that needs to be signed, from your local device.

Step 3: Complete the Information Form

Once you have initiated the signature process, you will be asked to fill in some additional information. Tick on “Set signing order” and “I need to sign the document” to request a signature from others and to sign the document yourself.

Step 4: Add Fields and Send the Documents to the Signees

Next, add signature fields and other required fields to the PDF document, so that the recipient can fill them upon receiving.

Step 5: Sign/Request Signatures From Others

Click on “Send for Signature” to send the document to the signees. If your signature is also required, you can sign the document via the link received through email.

Conclusion

Getting electronic signatures on documents is not difficult. Making sure that the documents are safe and secure is what matters the most. Using electronic signature apps like Document Cloud not only ensure the privacy of your documents, but enable you to initiate a signature most conveniently.

Wondershare Document Cloud

All System-supported Platform

Premium 100GB Cloud Storage

High-quality Electronic Signature

Continuously Updated Service

Try Free Buy Now

Therefore, it is highly recommended to opt for an efficient and time-saving tool to obtain certified electronic signatures.