An eSign API (Electronic Signature API) allows businesses to integrate electronic signature functionality directly into their existing systems or workflows.Â
With an eSign API, companies can automate document signing without needing separate software, offering a seamless and branded experience for their users.Â
This is especially beneficial for businesses handling high volumes of documents, as it speeds up processes, reduces manual errors, and enhances security.
However, not all eSignature APIs are created equal.Â
eSign APIs differ in ease of implementation, customizability, feature sets, compliance standards, scalability, pricing, and support.Â
This is where businesses have to choose one that aligns with their specific needs.
Below, we’ve rounded up the best eSign APIs for 2024, each designed to streamline your processes, speed up contract workflows, and make sure that your documents are handled with care.Â
The top 5 eSignature API in 2024 are
Signeasy’s eSign API Adobe Acrobat Sign API SignNow API Dropbox Sign API PandaDoc API But before we go into details of why they are they best, let’s understand what are eSignature API and what you should expect for a smooth contract management on your application.Â
What is an eSignature API? Before we get into the top picks, let’s take a moment to break down what an eSignature API actually is.Â
An eSignature API Â allows businesses to embed digital signing directly into their existing platforms such as CRMs, document management systems, or custom applications.Â
It automates the entire process, from sending documents for signature, and tracking their progress, to securely storing signed copies, all within the same environment.
This integration eliminates the need to switch between multiple apps or risk using insecure email attachments. Everything is streamlined and secure, making it easier to manage contracts, close deals, and handle legal documents efficiently.Â
How does an eSignature API work? An eSign API works by embedding electronic signature functionality into a business’s existing system.Â
Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
Document preparation: The document that needs a signature is generated within the company’s system, whether that's a CRM, ERP, or another custom platform.API call: Once the document is ready, an API call is made to the eSignature provider to send the document for signature. This is done automatically through code, eliminating the need for manual steps.Tracking and notifications: As the document is sent to the signer(s), the API tracks its progress in real time, sending notifications to both the sender and the recipients.Signing process: The recipients can then sign the document electronically within the company's own interface, without ever needing to leave the platform.Secure storage: After the document is signed, the API stores the final version securely, ensuring it can be retrieved and reviewed at any time with a complete audit trail.Examples of when an eSignature API is beneficial Businesses that handle large volumes of contracts or have complex signing workflows stand to benefit the most from eSignature APIs.Â
Here are a few scenarios:
Education institutions: Universities and schools can benefit by integrating eSignatures into their student enrollment systems, allowing students to sign admission forms, financial aid documents, and agreements electronically, reducing paperwork and speeding up administrative processes. Here’s how Moreland University applied eSign API in their workflows. Real estate firms: Real estate companies can use an eSignature API to integrate signing directly into their property management systems, allowing clients to sign leases and agreements remotely. HR departments: HR teams can automate the onboarding process by embedding digital signature functionality into their HR management software, enabling new employees to sign contracts and forms online. Check out how AngelList’s HR team uses eSign API. Legal teams: Law firms can integrate eSignatures into their case management systems to streamline client agreements, contracts, and legal filings.Sales teams: With an eSignature API, sales teams can quickly send, track, and get sales contracts signed within their CRM, speeding up deal closures.When to use an eSignature API vs. eSignature software One of the most common questions we get asked is: When should we use an eSignature API, and when is eSignature software the better option? Which one will benefit us more? The answer depends on your specific business needs, processes, and technical capabilities.Â
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Use an eSignature API if: You have custom workflows or unique signing needs that can’t be met by standard software. You need to scale document signing as your business grows, and want the flexibility to integrate signing capabilities into your own systems. You want full control over the signing experience and interface to align with your branding. You need real-time tracking and audit trails directly within your internal systems. Use eSignature software if: You need a quick, easy-to-deploy solution for signing documents without requiring heavy technical setup. Your business processes are standard, and a ready-made solution will suffice for sending, signing, and storing documents. You have a small team or don’t require high levels of customization or scalability. Now that we have this context, let’s explore the best eSign APIs of 2024.
Top eSign API solutions for 2024 Here are our top picks for the best eSign APIs you should consider this year:
1. Signeasy API When it comes to ease of use and simplicity, Signeasy API takes the spotlight. Known for its developer-friendly integration and seamless user experience, Signeasy ensures that embedding eSignature capabilities into your application is as smooth as possible.Â
Signeasy’s API offers businesses the ability to embed digital signature workflows within their own systems, streamlining document preparation, signing, tracking, and storage. With Signeasy API, users can:
Send documents for signature directly from your platform. Monitor the signing process with real-time status updates. Ensure secure and compliant document storage with detailed audit trails. Automate workflows, saving time on repetitive signing tasks. Why Signeasy API Stands Out Signeasy API stands out for its simplicity and reliability. It’s designed for easy integration. With robust documentation and developer support, you can integrate the API quickly, allowing you to maintain control over the user experience and branding.Â
Signeasy also ensures compliance with global regulations like eIDAS, ESIGN, and UETA, making it a trusted choice for secure and legally binding signatures worldwide.
Customizations The Signeasy API is built with flexibility in mind, allowing businesses to fully customize the signing process to match their workflows. From customizing email templates and branding to creating unique signing experiences for different user roles, Signeasy API offers the adaptability needed to cater to any industry-specific requirements.Â
Businesses can also set up multi-party signing, enforce authentication methods, and use document templates to streamline common tasks.
Security Signeasy doesn’t just check the boxes — it leads with top-tier compliance and security standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. Signeasy API provides robust security features, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and complete audit trails to meet legal and regulatory requirements. Your documents are in safe hands, giving you peace of mind with every signature.
Pricing overview:
Signeasy offers flexible eSign pricing plans to fit the needs of different businesses. Pricing is typically based on the volume of documents processed and API usage, ensuring you pay only for what you need. For larger enterprises or businesses with high-volume signing needs, Signeasy provides custom pricing and dedicated support to ensure seamless scaling.
Starter (Free): Ideal for testing, this plan offers 100 signature requests and all the tools needed to build and experiment before going live.Intermediate ($125/month): A sweet spot for growing businesses, this plan offers 1,000 signature requests annually, embedded signing, unlimited templates, and more.Advanced ($250/month): Best for larger businesses, this plan delivers higher signature volumes, webhooks for real-time notifications, and premium support to keep things running smoothly.Best for: Signeasy is an excellent fit for businesses that need a straightforward, reliable, and scalable eSignature API. Whether you're handling a handful of documents or managing large-scale contract workflows, Signeasy adapts as your business grows.
2. Adobe Acrobat Sign API If you’re running a larger organization and need something with serious muscle, Adobe Acrobat Sign API is a heavy hitter. Known for its strong document automation features, this API goes beyond basic signing and integrates deeply with your workflows.
Why it stands out Adobe’s API is built for enterprises, automating everything from reminders to progress tracking. It integrates seamlessly with platforms like Salesforce and Microsoft 365.
Customization Flexible workflows and advanced automation let you handle complex signing processes with ease. With enterprise-grade customization, including multi-step approvals and advanced document routing, it’s perfect for organizations with complex, large-scale operations.
Security Globally recognized standards like GDPR, eIDAS, and UETA/ESIGN make sure everything is secure and legally binding. The API ensures top-tier security and compliance, meeting global standards like HIPAA, and FedRAMP, making it a trusted solution for highly regulated industries.
Pricing overview: Adobe Acrobat Sign API, with its enterprise-grade features and robust support, tends to come at a higher price point compared to simpler eSignature solutions. They have the following plans:
Small business ($12.99/user/month): Designed for smaller teams, offering unlimited eSignatures, customizable workflows, and integration with key platforms. Enterprise (Custom Pricing): Tailored for large organizations with advanced features, premium support, and higher signature volumes. Best for: Adobe Acrobat Sign API is the top eSign API for enterprises and large organizations that need advanced automation and global compliance standards. If you need a comprehensive, highly secure solution with the backing of a trusted name, Adobe is the way to go.
3. SignNow API For businesses that just want something straightforward, the SignNow API offers a practical, no-frills approach to integrating eSignatures into your workflows. SignNow eSign API is all about simplicity and is designed to give you what you need — without unnecessary complexity — at a price point that works for smaller teams.Â
Why it stands out It’s simple to integrate, allowing you to get up and running quickly. It offers exactly what you need without overwhelming you with extra features, making it a solid choice for straightforward use cases.
Customization While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of larger platforms, SignNow allows you to customize workflows to some extent. You can adjust things like branding and signing order, but it’s more suited for those who need functional, simple workflows over deep custom setups.
Security SignNow API offers essential security measures, ensuring that documents are legally compliant with standards like GDPR and SOC 2. It’s a safe bet if security and legality are top of mind for your business.
Pricing overview SignNow’s pricing structure is highly competitive, especially compared to enterprise-level eSign solutions. It offers flexible pricing plans tailored to businesses of different sizes, based on the number of users and document volume. Subscription tiers typically include:
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Free Trial (250 Signature Requests): For developers or businesses who want to test the waters, SignNow offers a free trial with 250 signature requests. Starter ($1.33/envelope): The starter plan is ideal for small businesses and includes API access with custom branding and webhook features. Advanced ($1.50/envelope): For larger businesses, the advanced tier offers all API features with premium support and flexible signature volumes. Best for: SignNow is a good fit for businesses that need something simple and cost-effective. It’s ideal for companies looking for reliable eSignature functionality without requiring extensive features or complex integrations.Â
4. Dropbox Sign API Formerly known as HelloSign, the Dropbox Sign API provides a simple and effective way to integrate electronic signatures into your app, website, or workflow. It’s a great choice for businesses that already use Dropbox or are looking for businesses that want to get up and running quickly with eSignatures.
Why it stands out The Dropbox Sign API is designed to be intuitive and easy to integrate into existing platforms, whether you're adding it to your website, app, or CRM. It’s especially convenient for businesses already using Dropbox, as the integration with Dropbox tools is smooth and efficient.
Customization Moderate customization options let you adjust workflows and branding without overcomplicating things.
Security Fully compliant with GDPR and eIDAS, so your signatures are secure and legally binding.
Pricing overview In terms of affordability, Dropbox Sign offers competitive pricing, providing robust eSignature functionality at a cost-effective rate, particularly for small to mid-sized businesses.Â
Free trial (50 Signature Requests): Dropbox Sign API offers a free trial, which includes 50 signature requests, giving you a chance to explore the features and see if they fit your needs before committing. Essentials plan ($75/month): This plan includes 50 signature requests per month and access to core API features, making it suitable for smaller teams or businesses starting out with eSignatures. Standard plan ($250/month): Designed for growing businesses, this plan provides up to 100 signature requests per month, advanced features, and priority support. Best for If you’re looking for a clean, efficient API that doesn’t require extensive customization, Dropbox Sign offers a solid, dependable solution. It’s especially well-suited for teams that already use Dropbox or need a simple, user-friendly platform to manage digital signatures.Â
5. PandaDoc API The PandaDoc API provides a great solution for integrating eSignatures and automating document workflows into your business apps or websites. It’s designed to help you manage the entire document process, from creation to signing, without adding unnecessary complexity.
Why it stands out The PandaDoc API enables you to automate document creation and tracking, helping reduce the manual work involved in preparing contracts or proposals. It provides reusable templates and a content library to help you quickly create and send documents for signature.
Customization You can set up signing orders, add custom fields, and tailor the signing process to fit your business needs. It’s flexible enough to support a variety of document workflows.
Security The API ensures that your documents are handled securely and comply with GDPR and eIDAS standards.
Pricing overview In terms of pricing, PandaDoc offers scalable plans, making it a flexible solution for businesses of all sizes. It’s particularly well-suited for sales teams, legal departments, and enterprises that require document automation.
Free trial: PandaDoc offers a free trial, giving you the opportunity to test the API and see if it works for your business. Custom pricing: Pricing is based on your specific needs, so you’ll need to contact their sales team for a quote based on your document volume and required features. Best for The PandaDoc API is a good fit for businesses that need basic eSignature functionality with options to customize workflows and use templates. If you’re handling a moderate volume of documents and need a flexible, secure solution, PandaDoc offers a reliable option without over-complicating things.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and compare the key features of each eSignature API side by side. This way, you’ll have a clearer picture of what sets them apart and which one fits your business best.
Comparing the top 5 eSignature APIs: feature-by-feature breakdown How to choose the best eSignature API? Choosing the ideal eSignature API requires a long-term perspective. It’s not only about how easily it integrates today but how well it fits as your workflows change over time. The best option isn’t always the one that gets up and running fastest — it’s the one that still feels effortless six months down the road.
Will your API still feel like a breeze to use? You want something that can stretch with your company without overwhelming your team or disrupting your flow.
And let's not forget about security and pricing — what works now should be able to handle the future without surprises. As regulations shift, will the API evolve with them, or will it fall behind? The right API is one that prepares for future challenges, not just the ones you face now.
Lastly, having solid support matters more than you think, especially when you hit a snag. The right API isn’t just a tool — it’s a reliable partner that’s ready to grow with you, keeping things smooth as your business evolves.
These are the key factors that should guide your decision in choosing the right eSignature API. Finding an API that fits seamlessly, adapts to change, ensures security, and provides strong support can make all the difference as your business grows.
Signeasy: The best eSignature API for your business For businesses looking for a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use eSignature solution that doesn’t break the bank, the Signeasy API offers an ideal blend of functionality, customization, and affordability.
The Signeasy API stands out as one of the best eSignature solutions for businesses that value simplicity, speed, and flexibility. Here’s why it’s a top choice for businesses of all sizes:
Ease of integration : Signeasy API is designed with ease of use in mind, offering a developer-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation. Its quick and seamless integration allows businesses to embed eSignature functionality into their existing workflows with minimal technical overhead. This makes it ideal for businesses that need to get up and running fast without requiring extensive development resources.Affordability : Unlike some enterprise-level solutions that come with hefty price tags, Signeasy offers a cost-effective pricing structure that makes it accessible to small and mid-sized businesses while still delivering high-quality eSign services. It strikes the perfect balance between affordability and functionality, making it a smart choice for businesses on a budget.Customizability : With Signeasy API, you can customize the signing experience to match your brand’s look and feel, as well as configure workflows to fit your business processes. Whether you need to send documents for signature, track their progress, or automate document management, Signeasy’s flexibility allows you to tailor the solution to your specific needs.Security and Compliance: Signeasy API provides enterprise-grade security features like encryption, audit trails, and tamper-proof documents, ensuring that all signatures are legally binding and secure. It complies with global standards like GDPR, eIDAS, and ESIGN, making it a trusted choice for businesses that need a secure eSignature solution.Scalability : As your business grows, Signeasy scales with you. Its flexible API can handle high document volumes without sacrificing performance, making it suitable for businesses of any size — from startups to larger enterprises.When choosing the right eSign API for your business, it’s essential to consider factors like ease of integration, customization, security, scalability, and pricing.Â
Each solution has its strengths — whether it’s the flexibility of PandaDoc, the enterprise-grade features of Adobe Acrobat Sign, the affordability of SignNow, the seamless cloud integration of Dropbox Sign, or the simplicity and security of Signeasy.
Ultimately, the best eSign API for your business will align with your specific workflows, budget, and technical capabilities. If you’re ready to take your document signing process to the next level, explore the Signeasy API sandbox and see how it can seamlessly fit into your operations.
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