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What Is a Digital Signature

Before we learn how a digital signature is created, let’s start from the basics. A digital signature is your unique sign that certifies that you agree with anything written in the document and have checked it. Moreover, a digital signature is the same as a usual handwritten signature. It makes the document you work on or the forms you fill out legal. It proves your identity, which means that it can’t be copied, which is not as simple as with the handwritten one. You need to provide extra security, adding timestamps or several locks. With the proper tools, it is even more reliable than the handwritten option. Digital signatures are widely recognized by US officials, the EU, and many other countries around the world.

Woman signs with digital signature

How to Сreate a Digital Signature

You can create digital signatures by drawing them with the esign tool. It is simple and requires only some time to master your skills in drawing. You don’t have to create a masterpiece. You can just copy your handwritten signature using the cursor or touchpad. Here is how to use the Draw Signature Online tool:

  1. Open the page, and you will see the blank space with the panel of tools above it.
  2. Start writing your name with the cursor.
  3. You can change the color palette in the left corner. Press the black box and change the ink to the one you need. You can change the font there.
  4. Change the size of the letters near the color palette box. Drag the icon left or right based on the thickness you want.
  5. If you don’t like the stroke you’ve made, press Undo, and it will turn you one step back.
  6. Once you understand you like the signature you’ve created, press Download, and the image will be saved on your device.

To protect this image from getting hacked or copied, you can use the Lock PDF option. This tool will allow you to keep the image safe. You will need to use PDFLiner for this. To do this, you have to be registered on the portal. Don’t worry, it does not take much time. Follow the next steps:

  1. Pick the document in the dashboard.
  2. You will see the three dots menu on the right side near each document on the list. Press it.
  3. Scroll down until you see the section Lock file.
  4. Create a trustworthy password there and repeat it one more time.
  5. Press the lock once you are ready to take this step. The document will be secured. You can do it with all the documents one by one. This way, you will protect not only the signature you have created but the whole document.

How to Add a Digital Signature to a PDF

Here is how to add a digital signature to a PDF document without any need to use third-party services for that. All you need is the esign tool as well. You can register there and create or add the documents you need. You may use the existing templates there. The procedure does not take much time, no matter which signature type you choose. Follow these instructions to create a PDF of digital signature:

  1. Open the “Sign PDF” page on esign and choose whether you want to Upload the document or enter the URL.
  2. Once the document is opened, you have to make sure that everything is ready for making a signature. You can edit it in advance.
  3. Find the place where you want to place the signature.
  4. Press the button called “Add Sign,” and you will see it on the panel above the document.
  5. You will see several options in front of you: You can draw a signature, insert a photo from your phone, or make it with the Signature Wizard.
  6. Press the “Signature Wizard” and type your name in the window. You will see the wide range of styles and the ability to choose colors and sizes. Pick everything you want. It can even be hand-written. Once the signature is ready, you need to press the “Save” button.

Pros and Cons of Using a Digital Signature

Nowadays, a digital signature is without a doubt more beneficial than the handwritten one. Yet, you can’t deny that it has its flaws. Here you will find the list of pros and cons which you have to keep in mind when creating your signature.

  • It saves your time since you don’t have to print the document you receive, put the handwritten signature there, scan it, and send it again;
  • It saves the ecology. Just imagine how many trees you can save without the stocks of paper documents you use in your work;
  • You can experiment with the signature using a wide range of tools, making it even more creative than the handwritten one;
  • It is more protected with the locks you put on it, and it can’t be copied so easily since it is a digital code;
  • It is widely recognized by officials, which simplifies your life and allows you to sign many tax forms you send to the IRS with a digital signature.
  • It can also be hacked without proper security, so you need to take care of it in advance and make sure that you provide reliable locks;
  • Not all your clients can follow your lead and provide digital signatures as well as you do. It might cause a problem at first since you need to teach others how to use signatures.
  • It saves your time since you don’t have to print the document you receive, put the handwritten signature there, scan it, and send it again;
  • It saves the ecology. Just imagine how many trees you can save without the stocks of paper documents you use in your work;
  • You can experiment with the signature using a wide range of tools, making it even more creative than the handwritten one;
  • It is more protected with the locks you put on it, and it can’t be copied so easily since it is a digital code;
  • It is widely recognized by officials, which simplifies your life and allows you to sign many tax forms you send to the IRS with a digital signature.

FAQ

Here are the most popular online questions about digital signatures. If you want, you can read the answers to educate yourself better. It can help you to create your own signature.

How do I create a digital signature in Word?

You can add a digital signature as an image into Word. You can start by drawing the signature with the esign tool and save it on your device. Extract this image once you need to add the signature to any Word document.

What is the easiest way to create a digital signature?

If you don’t like to draw a digital signature, the simplest way to create it is to use the “Signature Wizard” on PDFLiner. It allows you to choose the font you like and even the color. It can look like a handwritten signature if you want.

Is a digital signature valid?

Yes, the digital signature is valid in the US, UK, EU, and other countries that recognize and accept it. It must comply with the regulations named in the US Electronic Signatures in the Global and National Commerce Act, as well as the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.