Learn about e-signatures
Guides, how-to articles, and best practices for electronic signatures. Whether you're signing your first document or scaling an entire team, start here.
What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature (e-signature) is any electronic symbol, process, or sound attached to a contract or record where…
How to sign a PDF online
Signing a PDF online takes less than 60 seconds. No software downloads, no printer, no scanner. Upload your document, pl…
Digital signature vs electronic signature
People use 'digital signature' and 'electronic signature' interchangeably, but they're different things. Understanding t…
The ESIGN Act explained
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN Act) was signed into law on June 30, 2000. It gives…
How to send documents for signature
Sending a document for signature should take under a minute. No printing, no scanning, no mailing. Here's the complete p…
How to create an electronic signature
Creating an electronic signature takes seconds. You can draw it with your mouse or finger, type your name and choose a s…
How secure are electronic signatures?
Electronic signatures are more secure than paper signatures. They create an immutable record of who signed, when, and wh…
Free electronic signature
You don't need to pay to send a document for signature. SignOwl's free plan gives you 2 legally binding document signing…
How to sign a PDF on iPhone
You don't need an app to sign a PDF on your iPhone. Open the signing link in Safari, draw your signature with your finge…
How to sign a PDF on Android
Sign any PDF on your Android phone using just your browser. No app required — open the signing link, draw your signature…
What is an audit trail in e-signatures?
An audit trail is a detailed log of every action taken during the signing process. It's what makes an electronic signatu…
How to bulk send documents for signature
When you need 50 people to sign the same document — an NDA, a policy update, a consent form — sending one by one is pain…
Wet signature vs electronic signature
A wet signature is ink on paper. An electronic signature is its digital equivalent. For most business documents, e-signa…
Electronic signatures for small business
Small businesses close deals on speed. When a client is ready to sign, every hour of delay is a chance for them to recon…
How to get documents signed remotely
Remote signing means your signer can be in another city, country, or timezone and still sign your document in minutes. A…
Are electronic signatures valid?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legally valid in over 60 countries. Here's the legal framework in the major markets and w…
How to add a signature to a PDF
There are three ways to add your signature to a PDF: draw it, type it, or upload an image. Each method produces a legall…
Electronic signature vs digital certificate
Electronic signatures prove intent to sign. Digital certificates prove identity through cryptography. Most businesses ne…
Contract management tips for small teams
You don't need a $50,000/year CLM platform to manage contracts effectively. Small teams need simple systems that work — …
Document signing best practices
A signature is only as good as the process around it. Follow these best practices to make sure your signed documents hol…