How to Create an Electronic Signature — Complete Guide

What Is an Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature, often called an e-signature, is any electronic indication of a person's intent to agree to the content of a document. It can be as simple as typing your name, as personal as drawing your handwritten signature on a screen, or as formal as a certificate-based digital signature.

Electronic signatures are not the same as digital signatures. A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses cryptographic technology to verify authenticity. For most everyday documents — contracts, agreements, forms, and invoices — a simple electronic signature is both sufficient and legally valid.

Types of Electronic Signatures

Drawn Signatures

This is the most common and personal type. You draw your signature using a mouse, trackpad, stylus, or your finger on a touchscreen. The result looks like your actual handwritten signature.

Best for: Documents where a personal, handwritten feel matters — contracts, agreements, formal letters.

Typed Signatures

You type your name, and the tool renders it in a script or cursive font that resembles handwriting. This is quick and consistent but less personal.

Best for: Internal documents, approvals, and situations where speed matters more than formality.

Uploaded Image Signatures

You sign on a piece of paper, take a photo or scan it, and upload the image. The tool then places that image onto your document.

Best for: People who prefer their exact pen-on-paper signature and want to replicate it digitally.

Certificate-Based Digital Signatures

These use public-key cryptography to create a tamper-evident signature tied to your identity through a certificate authority. They are the most secure type but require additional setup and often paid services.

Best for: Government filings, regulated industries, and high-security documents.

How to Create Your Electronic Signature

Option 1: Draw It in a Browser Tool

The fastest way to create an electronic signature is to draw one directly in your browser using a tool like SigPDF.

1. Go to sigpdf.com in any web browser
2. Upload the PDF you need to sign
3. Click "Add Signature"
4. Draw your signature using your mouse, trackpad, or finger
5. Place it on the document and download

This approach requires no software installation, no account creation, and your file stays in your browser — it is never uploaded to a server. The entire process takes under a minute.

Option 2: Use Your Operating System's Built-In Tools

Both macOS and iOS have built-in signature features:

• macOS Preview: Open a PDF, click the Markup toolbar, click the Signature button, and draw on your trackpad
• iPhone/iPad Markup: Open a PDF in Files or Mail, tap the Markup icon, tap "+", and select "Signature"

These are convenient if you are already in the Apple ecosystem, but they are not available on Windows, Android, or Chromebooks.

Option 3: Create a Signature Image

If you want a digital copy of your physical signature:

1. Sign your name on a blank white piece of paper using a dark pen
2. Take a clear photo with your phone in good lighting
3. Crop the image tightly around the signature
4. Use the image wherever you need to sign documents

The downside is managing the image file and making sure the background is clean. Many people find it easier to simply draw a new signature each time.

Option 4: Use Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe's free reader has a basic signature feature:

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Reader
2. Go to Tools, then Fill & Sign
3. Click "Sign" and either draw or type your signature
4. Place it on the document

This works, but requires installing the 200+ MB software and creating an Adobe account.

Tips for Creating a Good Electronic Signature

Keep it consistent. Use the same general style each time so your signature is recognizable across documents. You do not need to match your pen signature exactly, but some consistency helps.

Make it legible enough. Your signature does not need to be perfectly readable, but it should look intentional rather than like a random scribble.

Use a touchscreen if possible. Drawing with your finger on a phone or tablet produces the most natural-looking result. A stylus is even better.

Practice before committing. Most tools, including SigPDF, let you clear and redraw your signature. Take a few attempts to get one you are satisfied with.

Consider the background. If you are uploading a signature image, make sure the background is white and clean with no shadows or wrinkles from the paper.

Are Electronic Signatures Legally Valid?

Electronic signatures are legally binding in most countries around the world:

• United States — The ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA give electronic signatures the same legal standing as handwritten signatures for most documents.
• European Union — The eIDAS Regulation recognizes three levels of electronic signatures, all of which carry legal weight.
• United Kingdom — Electronic signatures are valid under the Electronic Communications Act 2000.
• Canada, Australia, and most other developed nations have similar legislation.

There are some exceptions. Certain document types — such as wills, real estate deeds in some jurisdictions, and court orders — may require additional forms of authentication or notarization. For standard business contracts, employment agreements, NDAs, and similar documents, a simple electronic signature is fully valid.

For a detailed breakdown by country, see our e-signature laws guide.

Electronic Signature vs. Digital Signature

These terms are often confused, so here is a clear distinction:

| Feature | Electronic Signature | Digital Signature | |---------|---------------------|-------------------| | What it is | Any electronic mark indicating intent to sign | A cryptographically secured signature | | Security | Basic | High (tamper-evident) | | Verification | Visual | Certificate-based | | Cost | Usually free | Often requires a paid certificate | | Use cases | Most everyday documents | Regulated, high-security documents |

For the vast majority of personal and business documents, a standard electronic signature is all you need.

Common Use Cases

Electronic signatures are used across nearly every industry:

• Business — Contracts, NDAs, vendor agreements, purchase orders
• Real Estate — Lease agreements, offer letters, disclosure forms
• HR — Employment contracts, onboarding documents, policy acknowledgments
• Legal — Client engagement letters, settlement agreements
• Finance — Loan applications, account openings, insurance forms
• Personal — Permission slips, consent forms, volunteer agreements

Create Your Signature Now

The quickest way to create and use an electronic signature is with SigPDF. Open it in your browser, upload a document, draw your signature, and download the signed file. No account, no software, no server uploads. It works on any device — desktop, tablet, or phone.

Create Your E-Signature →