With the development of business and the process of digitalization, a huge part of the workflow in large companies is carried out electronically, which requires the use of new technologies in the aspect of verifying their authenticity. This task is facilitated by special electronic signatures, created using special computer programs.
An electronic signature is a digital file with a set of encrypted data used to identify a person. Such a file carries more meaning than a set of straight and curved lines on paper. Among others, your name, taxpayer identification code, date of birth, e-mail address, and, sometimes, phone number are recorded there. The essence of the file is to identify a specific person when using electronic document management. It is an analog of your regular handwritten signature. Moreover, it has equal legal force with an ordinary signature.
We usually sign contracts in person. This is convenient if the counterparty lives in the same city. But when partners are located in other cities across the country, you have to exchange scans by email or send originals by mail. It takes time. And if you send documents by courier, it is also additional costs. Having issued an electronic signature, you can sign documents in a few clicks.
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Differences Between E-Signatures and Digital Signatures
At first glance, it may seem that these two types of signatures are the same, and, in fact, one or the other is often mentioned without defining the differences. However, these two types of signatures are not identical. It is very important to be able to distinguish between them, especially if you enter the world of administrative business.
An e-signature itself can be any word or scribble containing the outline of the manuscript. An electronic signature must be a part of the digital signature; they both complement each other. It makes e-signature reliable and authentic. As mentioned earlier, a digital signature is created by mathematical encryption allowing an electronic kind of signature to be assigned to someone’s signer or recognize a specific signer.
Unlike a digital signature, an e-signature does not use a PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) digital certificate. A digital signature is issued by a certification authority (CA) that links an identity (such as a person or company) to a pair of cryptographic keys.
How Digital Signature Works
An electronic signature for any kind of use (personal or business) will save your time and allow you to work with docs online. This kind of signature is created by the cryptographic transformation of a set of electronic data, and it allows you to confirm its integrity and identify the signer. A digital signature is applied through a private key and verified with a public key, and it cannot be tampered with by ordinary copying.
In other words, an electronic digital signature is used by legal entities and individuals as an analog of a handwritten autograph. With the help of an e-signature, an electronic document acquires legal force and becomes equivalent to a paper document signed by an authorized person.
An e-signature has all the basic properties of a handwritten signature:
- Certifies that the received document came from the person who signed it
- Guarantees the integrity and protection against distortion/correction of the signed document
- Does not allow the person who signed the document to refuse the obligations arising from the signing of this electronic document
How to Easily Create an E-Signature
It is very easy to create and control the management of your electronic signature. It is used for both personal and business use. An e-signature gives you a game-changing opportunity to create and sign documents, accept payments, sign contracts, and automate your workflows.
There are just a few steps to create your e-signature on SignNow:
- Open the form for an e-signature
- Add fields
- Download and print your signature
Create an Electronic Signature Online
You are given 4 efficient ways to create a handwritten signature without leaving home or office, which is very suitable for busy people:
- By drawing a signature on a touchpad screen
- By drawing a signature with a computer mouse
- By using an uploaded photo of your signature on SignNow made with your phone device
- By typing your name in a special platform box and designing it with different printing types
Using e-signatures created with the help of SignNow, you can make legally binding documents with no special software, just in a few clicks.
Benefits Among Other E-signature Solutions
As a part of airSlate Business Cloud, SignNow delivers progressive e-signature solutions, which enhance your workflow and boost your document management. It will help move your business forward by the e-signature automation process. So, you will run your business in any possible way — using your laptop or phone device, being anywhere and any time of the day or night. E-signatures by SignNow will help you to complete the tasks in the most diverse spheres and industries: Healthcare, Education, HR, Sales, Finances, Business Operations, Real Estate, and Construction. SignNow provides e-signatures for documents, agreements, contracts, online applications, and many more.
SignNow is an award-winning electronic signature platform. Unlike other services, it provides you with the possibility to create teams, share files with your teammates, track your documents, as well as collect in-person signatures and data. A special Kiosk Mode helps to negotiate contracts easily without using printers, scanners, or faxes. It will provide an opportunity to sign primary documents, submit electronic reporting, formalize labor relations with employees, participate in auctions, and conduct business without leaving the office.