Traditionally, the only way to sign a file is to write the name on paper. If there happens to be a document that requires several signatures, it’s very time-consuming and laborious to obtain them.
However, now we have electronic signatures to simplify the whole procedure. With e-signatures, you can sign digital files in a few seconds without the need to print or fax them repeatedly.
What Are Electronic Signatures?
Electronic signatures, also known as e-signatures, are a way of writing your name on electronic documents. Using an electronic signature means you can sign your name on a touch screen electronically. E-signatures are the best alternative to handwritten ones, and they are also legal and safe.
What Are Electronic Signatures Used For?
In fact, e-signatures can be used in all industries. You can use it on any occasion you can think of that requires a signature. They are designed for both business and personal use. Electronic signatures are available for checks, legal documents, contracts, and all the files you need to sign your name. Signing a file with an electronic signature indicates that you approve of the content in the file, and you will be responsible for it.
The Benefits of Electronic Signatures
Do you know the benefits of using e-signatures? Compared to the traditional way of handwriting signatures, e-signatures do have countless positive aspects. I have listed several major features of electronic signatures in this part. Let’s check them out!
- Improve Efficiency
Signing documents is repetitive and thus boring, but it’s one of the integral parts of the work. Using electronic signatures allows you to sign any file within a few seconds. Normally, you need to find the file, print it, sign your name, mail it, or fax it when done. However, if you start using electronic signatures, all you need to do is open the document, sign it, and click the “Send” button. By this means, at least 80% of the time can be saved for other tasks.
- Work Remotely
Using e-signatures means you can work remotely. For example, if there’s a file that is 3,000 miles away waiting for you to sign, the document needs to be mailed/faxed to you first, so you can sign it and then mail/fax it to the recipient. On the contrary, e-signature tools support you in signing files online and emailing them in a few seconds.
- Reduced Costs
Unlike handwritten signatures, you don’t need paper to print the documents. Using electronic signatures can reduce the cost of printing and mailing. Though it may not be worth mentioning the cost of a piece of paper, what if there are thousands of pages? Not to mention that you need employees to manage all the files.
- Enhance Security
E-signatures are almost impossible to forge, and signature tools can help protect your files from being opened or shared by people without your permission. What’s more, electronic signatures, especially digital signatures, are hard to remove from any document. It also prevents files from being stolen or physical damage.
- Environmental Protection
It is known to all that papers are made from trees. Traditionally, you needed to cut trees to produce paper. That means, the fewer papers you use, the more trees are protected. You must have known before how important trees are to global ecosystems. They provide oxygen, store carbon, stabilize the soil, and so on. That’s why it’s vital to use paper as little as possible.
Software Recommendation: How to Add E-signature to PDF
Three professional e-signature tools will be introduced in the following content. You can choose the most suitable one according to your requirements. Keep reading to find out!
DocuSign
DocuSign is one of the most popular e-signature tools. It covers almost all the features you need for making electronic signatures. As an expert in e-signature tools, DocuSign classifies documents by their status automatically, so you can sign those almost expired files very quickly.
HelloSign
HelloSign is one of the most welcomed products from Dropbox. It’s available on the web, iOS, and Android, which can meet almost everyone’s needs. More importantly, HelloSign integrates with many tools you know and use, such as Dropbox, Gmail, Salesforce, and so on. To be specific, you can sign electronically on HelloSign and send the files away via Gmail with a few clicks. This feature is helpful and makes it more convenient for you.
SwifDoo PDF
If your files are in the form of PDFs, you need a specialized tool to edit or add e-signatures to them. Out of all the PDF tools, SwifDoo PDF is the most recommended one. The “Advanced” feature allows you to electronically sign a PDF with no hassle. There are three ways to add e-signatures with SwifDoo PDF: uploading images, inputting text, and handwriting directly. Besides, it also serves as a PDF signature remover. What’s more, SwifDoo PDF offers a 30-day free trial for new users, which is enough for a beginner to thoroughly test all its features.
The End
By adopting electronic signatures to replace traditional handwritten signatures, the efficiency of all industries can be greatly improved, and the costs can be effectively controlled. Though it just seems like a small step in the whole workflow, it makes sense for sure!
No one would reject being more productive! Use electronic signatures to take the first step!
