How to Create an Electronic Signature

Table of contents - Sign documents online

• Creating an electronic signature - a step-by-step guide

• Creating your electronic signature using Docusign eSignature

• Do I need to create a digital signature?

• How to create a signature?

• What are the steps to create a signature?

• What is the fastest way to digitally create a signature?

How do you create an electronic signature? Adding electronic signatures to a document saves time, and you can sign a document quickly and securely by creating an eSignature. During the COVID-19 pandemic, more people began working remotely, leading to a growth in the use of electronic signatures. The use of electronic signatures and digital signatures has continued to grow as people increasingly work and transact remotely. Streamlining workflows and reducing admin is key for UK businesses looking to remain competitive.

In this article, we provide a guide that walks you through the process of creating an electronic signature and signing a document if you haven't used one before.

An electronic signature is legally binding in the UK; however, a digital signature is one form of electronic signature that may be required when additional authentication is needed for certain transactions. Read on to learn how to create an electronic signature or sign by creating a digital signature.

Creating an electronic signature - a step-by-step guide

It's time to say goodbye to paper contracts - you can start signing documents easily with a simple electronic signature, and you can even sign on mobile.

What is an electronic signature?

An electronic signature is a symbol or other data in the digital format adopted by a person who wants to sign an electronic document. It can often take the form of an image of a physical signature. It stops users from having to print, sign, send and post a document or contract. You can create an electronic signature PDF and use an electronic signature in word documents, Google Docs and more.

Creating your electronic signature using Docusign eSignature

To create a signature, you can choose one of the pre-formatted signature styles (which act as a signature generator), upload an image of your signature, or draw your online signature directly.

Step 1 - Sign up for a free trial of electronic signature software.

Step 2 - Log in to your account and choose "Manage Profile".

Step 3 - Click the 'Signatures' tab.

Step 4 - Click '+add new' to create an electronic signature.

Step 5 - Choose from the menu of three different options depending on how you want to create your signature: upload, draw or choose a pre-formatted option.

For the upload and draw options, you will need both a signature and initials. For the draw option, you draw freehand, and for the upload option, you will need an acceptable file format and image size (GIF, JPG, PNG, BMP).

You can use the Docusign mobile app on a tablet or other mobile device to draw your signature using a stylus or just your finger.

Step 6 - When you are happy with your signature, press 'CREATE'.

Voila, you've created an electronic signature. Now follow this simple tutorial which guides you step-by-step on how to sign a document electronically with your newly created signature.

Do I need to create a digital signature?

Digital signatures are one type of electronic signature used when an extra layer of identity verification is needed. Digital signatures offer a higher level of security by using technology that encrypts the signature and verifies the identity of the person signing.

If you need to sign a document with a digital signature, you can execute it in five simple steps with Docusign eSignature:

Click the link. You may be sent an email requesting you to sign your document digitally. Open the email and click the link. Your document should open in an electronic signature tool such as our Docusign eSignature application.

Agree to electronic signing. You may be asked to agree to the electronic signing process. After confirming the agreement and if the document was sent via Docusign eSignature, you should see tags with instructions to Start or Sign.

Click each tag. Follow the instructions to add your electronic signature where it is required to sign or initial.

Verify your identity. You will need to verify your identity with a government-issued ID. Watch this video to see how Docusign ID verification works. You'll upload a copy or take a photo of your ID.

Discover our complete guide to electronic signatures to find out more, or download our free electronic signature app.

How to create an e-signature?

To create an electronic signature, start by signing up for a free trial of electronic signature software. Then follow the step-by-step guides to create your signature. Using the software, you can upload an image of your signature, choose a pre-formatted signature style that is generated by the software or draw your signature in eSignature.

What are the steps to create a signature?

When you have signed up for your Docusign eSignature trial, log into your account and choose "Manage Profile". Then click the 'Signatures' tab and press the 'add new' button to create your signature. You can select one of the three ways of creating your signature: upload, draw or choose a pre-formatted option.

Electronic signing of documents

How to add a signature to a Microsoft Word document?

Adding an online signature to a Microsoft Word document is simple when you use electronic signature software. One of the best ways to add an online signature to Microsoft Word is to use DocuSign eSignature to upload your Word document, then add your created signature. You sign in, select 'New', sign a document, and then upload the Microsoft Word document. Select sign, review the document and then select continue. You can choose your signature from the left-side pane, then drag and drop it into the document.

Digital signing - what is the fastest way to digitally create a signature?

What are digital signatures? Digital signatures are one type of electronic signature used when an extra layer of identity verification is needed. You can create a digital signature quickly and easily with Docusign eSignature. If you are sent an email requesting that you sign and need to verify your identity, click the link in the email, and your document should open. You can agree to sign and should see the instructions to start or sign. Follow the instructions to add your signature. If you are asked to verify your identity, you will need to provide a copy of your ID by uploading it or taking a photo of it.

How to create a digital signature in a PDF?

It's fairly easy to add an electronic signature to a PDF using DocuSign eSignature. Log in to your eSignature account, upload the PDF you would like to sign and click sign. You can drag and drop your signature from the left-hand panel. You then select finish to complete the signing process.

Are electronic signatures legal?

Yes, electronic signatures are recognised in most countries as legally binding, including in the UK. The EU's eIDAS regulation and its UK counterpart establish a legal framework for electronic signatures, making them admissible in court. Docusign also includes an audit trail. Audit trails are digital records that, among other things, identify when a document was sent, opened and signed, as well as the names, email addresses, and unique signing identities of the signatories.