Creating a digital signature has become an essential part of signing agreements, forms, or contracts online. Gone are the days of printing a document, signing it with a pen, and scanning it back in. Digital signature tools allow you to place your e-signature on files quickly and securely. In this article, we'll explore six useful digital signature creator tools that can help you make and apply your e-signature effortlessly. Check out their features, usability, limitations, and pricing to find the one that best fits your needs.
DocuSign is a widely-used tool that supports electronic signatures for contracts, agreements, and forms. It works with PDFs, Word documents, and other file types. You can upload your document, place a saved signature, or draw one using your mouse or finger. DocuSign allows users to prepare templates, set signing orders for multiple recipients, and receive real-time updates when others sign. It’s extensively used in real estate, finance, and business environments.
HelloSign is a straightforward and user-friendly tool for creating electronic signatures. As part of Dropbox, it offers seamless integration with cloud storage. You can add your signature by typing, drawing, or uploading a scanned version. It enables users to send documents for signing and track the progress. HelloSign is ideal for personal use or small team workflows.
SignNow allows you to create your signature and sign documents from both desktop and mobile devices. It supports reusable templates, bulk sending, and secure archiving. With drag-and-drop fields, you can quickly insert your signature, date, initials, and checkboxes into any document. SignNow is commonly used by teams and offers features for group workflows and approval chains.
Adobe Acrobat Sign is part of Adobe's suite of tools and works smoothly with PDFs, allowing you to apply legally valid electronic signatures. You can use an existing signature, draw a new one, or type your name in the font of your choice. Acrobat Sign offers features for team management, audit trails, and compliance with global signature standards.
SignEasy is renowned for its mobile-friendly design, allowing you to sign documents directly on your phone or tablet. It supports touch-based drawing, and you can save your signature for future use. It’s great for signing documents on the go and supports popular file types like PDF, Word, and Excel. SignEasy also integrates with cloud storage apps like Google Drive and Dropbox.
PandaDoc is more than just an e-signature tool; it also enables you to build proposals and contracts. You can upload your document or use one of its built-in templates. Signatures can be typed or drawn, and you can track who opens and signs the document. PandaDoc is favored by small businesses and sales teams.
Among these tools, DocuSign stands out for its reliability, broad file support, and ease of use. Here’s how you can create and apply your e-signature using DocuSign:
To create your digital signature with DocuSign, go to docusign.com and sign up for a free trial. From the dashboard, click “Start” or “New,” then choose “Send an Envelope” to upload your document (PDF, Word, Excel, etc.). Add recipients if others need to sign, or just proceed if it’s only you. Click “Next” to open the file, then drag and drop the signature field where needed. You can also insert text, date, or checkbox fields.
When you click the signature box, you’ll get three options: draw, type, or upload your signature. Pick one, click “Adopt and Sign,” and place your signature. Hit “Finish” to complete the process. If others need to sign, DocuSign will email them a link. You can then download the signed file or share it, and DocuSign keeps a copy with a full audit trail in your account.
Digital signature tools have revolutionized the signing process, especially when working remotely or managing multiple documents. Whether you're handling business contracts or just need to approve a personal document, these six tools can help you do it with ease. For a comprehensive experience with robust tracking, flexibility, and wide support, DocuSign remains a solid option. Which of these tools would you try first? Stay tuned for more insights!