It seems like e-signatures are constantly being discussed, but there’s often little explanation on how to actually electronically sign a document. So, let’s break it down step by step, making it simple and easy to understand.
What is an electronic signature?
If you’re new to electronic signatures, let’s start with the basics.
Traditionally, we signed contracts with ink, sending files via email, printing, signing with a pen, scanning, and then emailing them back. An electronic signature is the digital version of that process, with the same legal authority as a handwritten signature.
Now, you might have also heard of digital signatures. While they sound similar, they serve a different purpose. Digital signatures are more about security, ensuring the authenticity of a document, while electronic signatures focus on making the signing process as smooth and quick as possible—especially when multiple people are involved.
If you’re curious about the difference between the two, we have another article that dives into this topic. But for now, let’s focus on how to use electronic signatures for a fast and simple signing experience.
How to electronically sign a document
Here’s a clear and straightforward guide to signing documents electronically using Soda PDF’s E-Sign feature.
Opening the document package
Once someone sends you a document to sign, you’ll receive an email like this:
- Click on “Go to Documents” in the email. This will take you to the Soda PDF signing interface.
- Before starting, you’ll need to agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
- Click on “Start Signing” to begin.
You’ll now see the document package. On the left side, there’s a summary of documents and a count of required signatures.
Configuring your signature
Before signing, you can customize your signature to your liking. Here’s how:
- Click on “My Signature.” You can choose to sign with either your full signature or just your initials.
- Choose your preferred style:
- Type: Pick from different font options for a typed signature.
- Draw: Use your mouse (or touchscreen) to draw your own signature.
- Image: Upload an image of your signature.
Once you’ve made your choice:
- Click “Apply” to confirm your signature.
Signing the document
Now it’s time to sign!
- Scroll through the document to review it before signing.
- Click on the signature field to apply your signature.
- If there are multiple fields, click “Go to Next Field” to move to the next one.
Once you’ve signed all the fields:
- Click “Go to Next Document” to continue to the next document (if there is one).
Signer options
You have a few additional options when signing documents:
- Resetting Your Changes: If you make a mistake or want to start over, click “Reset Changes”. This will erase any progress you’ve made and take you back to the beginning of the document.
- Finishing Later: If you need more time, you can click “Finish Later.” Your progress will be saved, and you can return to the document using the original email link.
- Delegating Responsibility: If the document creator allows it, you can delegate signing to someone else. Simply:
- Click “Delegate.”
- Enter the new signer’s email address and name.
- Optionally, add a reason for delegating the signing responsibility.
- Click “Delegate” to confirm.
Both you and the document creator will be notified by email of this change.
- Declining to Sign: If needed, you can decline to sign the document.
- Click “Decline” and confirm your action.
- You’ll be asked to provide a reason for declining.
- After entering your reason, click “Decline” to cancel the document package.
That’s all it takes! Electronic signatures are designed to simplify the process, making it fast, secure, and easy for anyone to sign documents, whether they’re working from home or collaborating across the globe. With tools like Soda PDF’s E-Sign, the days of printing, signing, and scanning are behind us—embrace the convenience of digital signing!
