From contracts and agreements to NDAs and job offer letters, modern business is often conducted at a distance – and that's not about to change. If anything, we can only expect document workflows to become even more digitized over time!
Whether you're collaborating with a colleague from down the hall or a client halfway across the world, an electronic signature knows no bounds. If you need to collect a signature or sign a document yourself, the quickest and easiest way to do so is to use an electronic signature software like Signeasy.
What is an electronic signature?
Unlike a digital signature (which uses a digital certificate-based ID to verify the ownership of a document), an electronic signature is simply a digitized replica of your handwritten signature. Thanks to eSignature legislation like eIDAS in the EU and the American ESIGN Act, they are just as legally binding as wet ink, and can be used to sign virtually any type of document under the sun.
How to access free document signing online
Sign Documents Online
You can use Signeasy's esign tool to sign documents online
Step 1: Import your documents Start by clicking on 'Upload File' or 'Drag and Drop' your file into Signeasy. You can easily import various document types, including PDF, Word, Excel, and more. Additionally, you have the option to import documents from cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
Step 2: Enter your email address Provide your email id and click 'Start Signing' to begin the online signing process.
Step 3: Add the signature field Once you've accessed the document, add annotations by selecting the desired section and choosing "Signature." Place the signature box in the appropriate location. You can also include additional fields like date, text, or checkboxes for further customization.
Step 4: Create your eSignature Put your personal touch on the document by creating your electronic signature. You have multiple options: draw your signature using the available tools, type it out, or upload an image of your handwritten signature. You can modify and refine your signature until you are satisfied with the result.
Step 5: Verify your email address To ensure the security and legality of the process, verify your identity by entering the one-time code sent to your email address.
Step 6: Complete the signing process Once you have verified your email, click on 'Done' to finalize the signing of the document.
Step 7: Download or share the signed document Your signed document is now ready for use. Download it to your computer or share it via email with the intended recipients. You will receive a time-stamped audit trail of the signature process, and a copy of the signed document will be delivered to your inbox. Additionally, Signeasy provides notifications to track the signature process, allowing you to stay informed when someone views or signs the document.
There are also other ways to sign a document using Signeasy's app!
Signing a document online is as easy as creating a free Signeasy account. We offer a 14-day free trial for every new user – you won't even be required to enter your credit card. Just input your email or use one of our login partners and you can immediately begin signing.
Let's do a quick step-by-step walk-through of the document signing workflow.
If you need to sign a document yourself
Step 1: Log into Signeasy
Enter your account details and make your way to the document dashboard.
Step 2: Choose your workflow
In the top left-hand corner, beside the blue "Send for Signature" button, click on the smaller upward-facing arrow button. Then, select "Sign Document" from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Upload your file
You will automatically be prompted to choose a document from your device storage, whether you're on desktop or our mobile app (available for iOS and Android). Find the file that needs to be signed, then upload it to your account. You can upload a Word document, PDF document, or nearly any other type of document under the sun!
Step 4: Start signing
The left-hand "Annotations" toolbar will have all the tools you need to fill out your document. If you haven't already configured a signature, you can do so during this step: you will have the option to upload an image of your signature, choose from Signeasy's preset signature fonts, or create one using a mouse, stylus, finger, or trackpad.
Once you're finished, you can drag and drop any of the annotation options into your document or place them with a click (signature, initials, date, text, checkmark, or image).
If you're not ready to finish up just yet, you can always click the "Save as Draft" button in the top right corner and come back to your document later.
Step 5: Finalize
Click the green "Finish" button in the top right-hand corner. You'll see a finalized PDF version of your file on-screen, at which point you can choose to download the file or send it off via email. After that, you're done!
If you need to request a signature from someone else
Step 1: Log into Signeasy
Enter your login details to access your Signeasy account.
Step 2: Choose your workflow
In the top left-hand corner, click the blue "Send for Signature" button. You will then be sent to a document upload screen.
Step 3: Upload your file
Either drag and drop the necessary files into the Signeasy window or click the "Upload Files" button. You can also load a pre-saved template or click "Choose Originals" to load one or more documents you've previously imported to Signeasy.
Next, enter your recipients' email addresses in the box below. You will also have be prompted to import your contacts from Gmail, Outlook, or a CSV file. Finally, add a message for your signers if required – it will show up in the email they receive from Signeasy on your behalf.
If your document is ready to send right away, you can click the "Send without Fields" button in the top right corner. However, if you'd like to add a few document fields to show signers exactly where action is required (i.e. placing annotations that indicate where to sign or add personal information), click "Add FIelds."
Step 4: Add fields
The left-hand "Annotations" toolbar will have all the tools you need to mark up your document. You can drag and drop any of the annotation options into your document or place them with a click.
If there are multiple recipients, you can assign individual people to each annotation. For example, if two co-founders must provide their respective signatures for a contract, you can add two "Signature" annotations and specify which co-founder should sign each one.
Step 5: Finalize
Click the green "Send" button in the top right-hand corner, and Signeasy will automatically send off your signature request to all parties involved.
Step 6: Track your document
Track your document's progress using the "Pending" tab on your dashboard, and send reminders to lagging signers with a single click. You can also edit your recipients after sending out a request.
Start getting documents signed for free
If you want to download our mobile app, you can do so for iOS and Android, or sign up on desktop! Remember – new users get a 14-day free trial to get familiar with our software and discover why Signeasy is the most-loved eSignature solution for SMBs.
