Creating Your Own Electronic Signature: A Step-by-Step Guide

Gone are the days where you had to print, sign, scan, and email a document to get it approved. Electronic signatures can save you so much time and hassle. It’s an efficient and secure way to sign documents online. Whether you’re signing an employment contract, a lease agreement, or a passport renewal form, you can do it all online using electronic signatures.

But how do you make an electronic signature? It may seem daunting at first, but with a few simple steps, you can create your own electronic signature and start signing documents digitally in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of creating an electronic signature and give you tips on how to make it legally-binding and secure. So, pull up a chair and let’s get started!

1. Understand the Importance of Electronic Signatures

Gone are the days where printing out documents, signing them, and then scanning them back into digital format was the only way to make signatures electronically. Electronic signatures are now a legally binding alternative that offer a quick and efficient way to sign documents, agreements, contracts, and other legal materials. With the rise of remote work and virtual communication, electronic signatures have gained more popularity than ever before.

2. Choose an Electronic Signature Service Provider

There are several electronic signature service providers to choose from, ranging from free options to paid, more comprehensive plans. Some of the most popular electronic signature service providers include DocuSign, Adobe Sign, HelloSign, and SignRequest. Before choosing a service provider, evaluate factors such as the level of security, the number of signers, and the scope of features provided to ensure that you choose an electronic signature service provider that suits your business needs.

3. Create a Document to Be Signed

Once you have chosen an electronic signature service provider, you can then begin creating the document that will be digitally signed. This could be anything ranging from contracts to invoices, depending on your business needs. If you have an existing document, you can upload it to your electronic signature service provider, or you can create a new one using their templates.

4. Upload the Document to the Electronic Signature Service Provider

After creating the document, upload it to your electronic signature service provider. This is typically done by clicking the “upload document” button and selecting the document from your local drive or cloud storage.

5. Drag and Drop Signature Fields

Next, drag and drop signature fields onto the document where you want the signature to appear. You can choose from fields such as full name, initials, and signature, and you can select where to place them within the document.

6. Add Signers’ Information

Once the signature fields have been added to the document, you will then need to add the signer’s information. This includes their names, email addresses, and any other required personal information.

7. Send the Document for Signing

With all necessary fields filled out, you can then send the document to the chosen signers for their electronic signature. You can do this by clicking the “send” button, selecting the signers, and then sending them the document for signing via email or a sign-in link.

8. Review and Confirm the Signature

Once the signers have completed the signing process, you will receive a notification from your electronic signature service provider. Review the document to confirm that all signatures have been successfully captured.

9. Save and Store the Signed Document

After confirming all signatures, save and store the signed document to your local drive or cloud storage. This will serve as proof of the agreement and be available for future reference or legal proceedings.

10. Conclusion

In conclusion, creating an electronic signature is an efficient and cost-effective way to sign legal documents, contracts, and agreements. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create and send documents for electronic signature, making your business processes more streamlined and efficient. Remember to choose an appropriate electronic signature service provider, create the document, add required fields, and send the document for signing. Lastly, always review the document and store securely, and you’re good to go!

Why Use Electronic Signatures?

In the digital age, paperless signatures are the way of the future. Electronic signatures, also known as e-signatures, simplify the document signing process for both the sender and recipient. They are fast, secure, and legally binding, making them a desirable alternative to traditional signatures.

Here are ten reasons why you should consider using electronic signatures:

1. Increased efficiency and convenience

With electronic signatures, you can sign and send documents from anywhere, at any time, and from any device with internet access. No more printing, scanning, and mailing documents back and forth. The signing process is streamlined and saves you time.

2. Cost savings

Printing, mailing, and storing paper documents are costly. Electronic signatures reduce or eliminate the need for paper and ink, postage, and storage space, which can save your business money.

3. Reduced error rate

One of the benefits of using electronic signatures is the reduction in human errors. Traditional signatures often have missing information, incomplete dates, or illegible handwriting. Electronic signatures require all fields to be completed, and signatures are legible and accurate.

4. Increased security

Electronic signatures use encryption technologies that keep the document secure. They also require authentication, so you can be sure that the signer is who they say they are. Traditional signatures, on the other hand, can be forged or tampered with, making them less secure.

5. Legally binding

Electronic signatures are legally binding and enforceable in court, just like traditional signatures. Electronic signatures are recognized under the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA).

6. Environmentally friendly

Going paperless is not only cost-effective; it’s environmentally friendly. By reducing or eliminating paper documents, you’re conserving natural resources, reducing waste, and lowering your carbon footprint.

7. Better client experience

Clients appreciate the convenience of electronic signatures. Instead of having to print, sign, and mail documents, they can sign with the click of a button, reducing the overall turnaround time.

8. Improved tracking and audit trail

Electronic signatures provide a detailed audit trail, showing who signed the document and when. This makes it easy to track document progress and ensure that all signatures are obtained.

9. Better confidentiality

Electronic signatures provide better confidentiality as only authorized users can access the document. Traditional signatures, on the other hand, require physical access to the paper document.

10. Enhances mobility

Electronic signatures enable mobility as you can sign documents from anywhere, regardless of your location. This is particularly beneficial for remote workers or companies with employees in different locations.

Creating an Electronic Signature: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating an electronic signature is a quick and easy process that can be done from any device. Here are the basic steps to follow:

Step 1: Choose Your Signature Tool

There are various electronic signature software tools available online, and each has its own set of features. Some popular tools include Adobe Sign, DocuSign, PandaDoc, and SignNow. Choose a tool that best suits your needs and preferences.

Step 2: Create Your Signature

Once you’re logged in to your chosen signature tool, it’s time to create your digital signature. You can either type your name and choose a font style that resembles your signature, or you can draw your signature using a stylus, mouse, or touchpad. Some signature tools even allow you to upload a scanned copy of your written signature.

Step 3: Upload Your Document

Upload the document that needs your signature. You can either upload a document from your device, or you can import it from cloud storage platforms such as OneDrive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.

Step 4: Place Your Signature

Once you’ve uploaded your document, place your signature wherever it’s required. Most signature tools allow you to drag and drop your signature into the document. Some tools also provide options to customize the size, color, and opacity of your signature.

Step 5: Save Your Signed Document

After placing your signature in the document, review and confirm that everything is accurate. Once confirmed, save your document with the signature. You can also download a copy or share it with others via email or cloud storage.

Creating an electronic signature is a straightforward process that can save time and effort, especially in today’s digital world. However, it’s essential to note that electronic signatures may not be legally binding in all jurisdictions. Therefore, it’s important to research the legal requirements for electronic signatures in your location before using them for official documents.

Nonetheless, electronic signatures are useful for most documents, and they offer several benefits, including fast turnaround times, easy retrieval, and improved security. Do your research to find a signature tool that works best for you, and start enjoying the convenience of electronic signatures today!

Thanks for Signing Along with Us

Now you know how to create a cool electronic signature that’s unique to you. It’s easy, saves you the time to print, sign, and scan copies, and gives your documents an edge of professionalism. We hope this guide has been helpful, and that you’ll come back for more tips and tricks on how to use technology to your benefit. Until next time, keep signing!