There aren’t many tools (desktop or web-based) that allow quick and easy creation of electronic or digital signatures to sign documents. Most of the good tools available are well priced.
I’ve had several instances in the past where I’ve had to digitally sign a document, and the lack of a good, free tool (or I wasn’t aware of its existence) to get it done forced me to get a hard copy, sign it manually, and scan them back to my computer. Recently I came across SignNow which finally ended my search for a useful and free/affordable digital signing tool.
Let’s check out how this web-based service works. Finally, we’ll also talk a little bit about the legal and security implications of this service.
Start signing documents digitally with SignNow
Step 1. Go to the SignNow page. You will see that there is a big Upload & Go button and no place to register. That’s because it doesn’t need you to register. It’s fast, easy and free!
Step 2. Upload the document that you need to digitally sign. It works best with PDF files (and often, PDF is the preferred format for documents that need a digital signature) but you can upload other formats as well.
I’ve uploaded a sample document, and the screenshot below shows how it looks in the tool’s interface.
Step 3. Let’s focus on some elements of SignNow’s user interface. At the top, there are tools to help you sign, enter text, or insert sticky notes into the document.
The sidebar has information on how to continue after you’ve finished signing. You need to enter your email, you can share it with others who also need a digital signature on the same document and also add additional notes. Once you’re done, you can tap Done to have it send you the digitally signed document.
Now, let’s see how to use the signing and importing tools to create digital signatures easily.
Create a digital (or digital) signature by drawing or typing
When you click on the Sign tool at the top, it will give you the option to outline or manually enter the signature. The first screenshot below shows an example of a manual drawing. The second image shows how it is likely to appear when you select the type option.
There is a Erase button to help you erase the symbol and type or redraw until you are satisfied with how it looks. When you press Done, it will insert the symbol into the document where you originally pointed the mouse pointer.
The red box you see above can be dragged and enlarged. It also makes the signature larger in size.
Enter plain text
You can also use SignNow to enter plain text for fields like Date, Time, etc. Just hit the Text tool at the top to get it done.
Put a sticky note where someone else needs to put their digital signature
As you saw earlier, there is a way to add sticky notes to the document. Now, this sticky note didn’t let me write anything on it. Probably because there is an option to add notes in the sidebar. This sticky note is intended primarily to point to fields where other people need to sign the document.
Last step
The last steps are what it shows on its sidebar. Enter your email, share it if you need to, and hit done. The email will arrive in seconds with the digitally signed document attached.
Legal and Security
SignNow uses 256-bit encryption throughout their website and says they will immediately remove the material after emailing you. It also uses a digital protection certificate issued by Symantec.
Today, electronic signatures are considered legal in most countries. However, you will have to check if it is valid in your country. More information is available on SignNow’s legal and security page.
Overall, this is a nicely built tool that will definitely save you from having to create a digital signature. Try it out and let us know how it works for you.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
