I tested dozens of free and paid electronic signature software to find which has the best features, is easy to use, meets all industry compliance standards, and integrates with other popular business applications. I saw that even some companies that claim to be the best used outdated security features weren’t compatible with popular file formats, or were difficult to manage. signNow proved to be the best option. It’s cloud-based, automatically sends reminders if files are unsigned, has advanced security and authentication capabilities, and it performs a legally binding audit trail for every document. Even better, signNow is now offering a limited-time opportunity to get its e-signature platform free for 7 days – with no credit card required! Get signNow Free for 7 Days!
Quick Guide: 5 Best Electronic Signature Software for 2023
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1. signNow – #1 Electronic Signature Platform For Sending, Receiving, and Tracking Documents
signNow is a powerful e-Signature app that is ideal for businesses of all sizes. Not only does it streamline the document signing process, but it also has tools for creating and sending documents. When I registered my account, signNow generated my signature but also gave me the option to change it or upload an image of my signature for it to use. Using signNow to sign a document had the same legal considerations as a handwritten signature. The signNow interface is very intuitive. I was able to get started uploading and creating documents such as contracts and bills without any difficulty. It has different “field boxes” types that can be dragged and dropped anywhere on pages. This includes adding checkboxes, radio buttons, a space for the date, initials, signatures, and a general text box. After creating the document, I could save it as a template or add it to a document group for quick access. signNow has a feature for creating documents for multiple recipients or signers, including requiring a specific order for the signatures. I was impressed with the automation tools that help increase productivity and ensure documents don’t get forgotten. For example, I can set automated reminders to be sent if a document hasn’t been signed after a specified amount of time. There is also an Audit Trail, which tracks the IP address and email of any user who interacts with a document. This information is stored in the cloud and is legally binding. signNow makes it easy to manage your documents directly through the interface. There is an inbox where all documents that are awaiting your signature are stored. It also has an outbox that stores the documents still awaiting a signature and an inbox for completed or signed documents. signNow integrates with leading business applications like Microsoft 365, Google, Salesforce, leading CRMs, and more. Once the widget is added to your apps, you can sign the document without leaving the page, and it will be uploaded to the cloud and added to the proper inbox so that you can access it from anywhere. All data is secured using AES 256-bit encryption to ensure your documents remain secure. Additionally, signNow meets security and compliance standards from the world. This includes SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS certification. signNow offers all users a chance to try out its e-signature platform free for 7 days, with no credit card required. The only information you need to provide is a valid email address. Try signNow Free for 7 Days!
2. SignWell: Legally Binding Electronic Signature With Complete Audit Trail
SignWell is a popular e-signature software for individuals and small businesses. All signatures through SignWell are legally binding and are compliant with laws from around the world. To ensure the integrity of the document, SignWell has a detailed Audit Report that tracks all the important actions that take place with the document. After creating my signature card, I uploaded some documents and saved them as a template. SignWell is compatible with a wide range of formats, including DOC, XLS, JPG, PNG, TIFF, and PNG. Once the file was uploaded to the dashboard, I could add fields for an electronic signature, date, free text, and dates. One feature I liked is that I can assign fields to specific people. This is helpful when requiring multiple signatures or different sections for different divisions within an organization. However, I was disappointed that I couldn’t edit the text directly from the SignWell platform. Instead, I had to edit it elsewhere and upload the updated version as a new document. The Document Workflow feature is geared at increasing productivity. It manages everything from creating the documents, tracking them, and securely storing them after receiving the required signatures. I like what I see when it comes to sending out documents. I created a personalized message for the recipient and then selected the order for the parties I wanted to sign the document. For bulk emails or sending out one document to many people, you can use the “Template Link” feature. Instead of saving multiple copies of the same template, you share the template link, and each person can open their own copy. The real-time alerts and reminders help ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. I received status updates for documents, so I knew if they were still saved as a draft, waiting for a signature, or completed. If I haven’t received a document back, SignWell will automatically send out a reminder email on the 3rd, 6th, and 10th day. SignWell documents are secured with SSL encryption and compliant with international law and are ESIGN compliant. However, there is no multi-factor authorization option. The free SignWell plan is limited to 1 sender and three documents per month. If you need to send out more than three documents, you can pick from several subscription options, depending on your needs. Get SignWell for Free!
3. Adobe Sign: Cloud-Based Platform Gives Instant Access to All Documents From Anywhere
I enjoyed the cloud based capabilities of Adobe Sign. It’s a good fit for individuals and businesses of all sizes that want access to their documents from anywhere and on any device. Using Adobe Sign to add a secure digital signature is a straightforward process. It integrates with a wide range of applications, and I could sign documents with a single click and return them to the sender. Adobe Sign has a higher than average level of security around the electronic signature to authenticate it and prevent duplication. I was able to create a template and add signature and date fields to the document. The drag-and-drop functionality allowed me to place it exactly where I wanted on the page. The software speeds up the document preparation because it auto-detects where to place form fields when users are uploading a new form to the Authoring environment. Using smart tools, it can evaluate the document and add a notification showing where the form fields should go. In cases where there are several notifications in a confined area, the system employs advanced logic to determine whether or not they should be grouped together. This grouping is typically based on specific factors, such as the date, signature, title, or company associated with the document. However, when it comes to a professional template library or fillable forms, Adobe Sign doesn’t come close to matching the number of options given by signNow. The track and manage features worked well. It gives me real time visibility of documents that are waiting to be signed and updates when they’ve been signed. It also has a bulk option, with each recipient getting a personalized form to sign. Adobe Sign impressed me with the branding feature. In addition to adding a company logo, and tagline, there is the option to customize the confirmation page after the document has been signed with personalized branding. Adobe Sign uses powerful encryption to secure all data and documents. It’s compliant with regulations from around the world and compiled a detailed Audit Trail for all documents. to fully evaluate the software for yourself. Try Adobe Sign Free for 30 Days!
4. DocuSign: Drag and Drop Signatures, Initials, and Dates
DocuSign is a cloud-based platform that allows for quick signing and sending of documents. The drag-and-drop functionality allows you to quickly apply a signature in the proper place from any device. The PDF converter can save time as it automatically recognizes the signature fields and converts them to signer fields, so you can add a signature. While signing documents is free, DocuSign limits the number of envelopes, or documents that you send out to get signed, based on your subscription package. An envelope can contain multiple documents requiring one signature or multiple signees. The tracking system is OK but not as easy to manage as signNow, which sends real-time alerts and organizes documents for quick access. DocuSign has integrations for over 350 programs. It streamlined the signing process, and I didn’t have to waste time trying to set up the signature solution. The free plan is extremely limited and is only viable if all you need to use it for is signing papers. The premium plans are on the expensive side and don’t provide any better value than less expensive options like signNow.
5: HelloSign: Collect Unlimited Electronic Signatures
The e-signature software was developed by Dropbox and focuses on large businesses. While it has a nice feature set, the subscription packages are expensive. I created and saved document templates for contracts and informational packages that needed to be signed. The number of templates varies based on the subscription plan. All signatures are legally binding, and the software records a verifiable Audit Trail to ensure the document’s integrity. While you can collect unlimited electronic signatures, there is no Kiosk Mode, and only the two most expensive plans allow in-person signatures. HelloSign meets the security requirements needed with AES 256-bit encryption and multi-factor authorization. It’s also compliant with SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, eIDAS, GDPR, and more.
How to Choose the Best Electronic Signature Software
If you’re looking for an all-in-one platform that allows you to sign, send, and receive documents with electronic signatures, you should consider the following features when making your choice. Ease of Use: Finding a program that keeps it simple when adding an electronic signature is a must. There are two key factors that I look for. The first is the software should work with multiple document types, so I don’t have to start converting files. The second is native integrations with other platforms so I can sign documents easily without needing to open multiple programs. Template Builder with Form Fields: The software needs a document creator that gives the option to create documents and save them as a template for future use and a selection of pre-built professional templates. In both cases, adding Form Fields is a must so that the documents can be signed and dated in a legally binding fashion. Send, Track, and Manage Documents: I want to send documents directly from my account dashboard. The recommended programs can also track the document status, send automatic reminders, and send alerts when the document is signed. An Audit Trail is very important, as it tracks everything that happens with the document and can be used in a court of law. Top Notch Security and Compliance: A high level of security is a must. I prefer software that has the option for multi-factor authorization and secure documents with powerful encryption to prevent them from being opened by unauthorized parties. The software also needs to be compliant with industry standards. Free Trial or Free Plan: Realistically speaking, a free plan would only work for individuals and not businesses since they severely limit the number of documents that can be sent. Another good option is a free trial, so you can test the program and make sure it has the features you need and is easy to manage before purchasing a subscription. All of the electronic signature programs that I recommend above comply with international regulations. The signatures are as legally binding as using a pen, and they secure the documents with powerful encryption. signNow is the best program because of the intuitive template creator and tracking system for sending out documents. It gives me real-time updates, organizes the documents for me, and sends out automatic reminders when a document isn’t signed. You can test it for yourself free for 7 days, no credit card required. Try signNow Free for 7 Days! Try signNow Free for 7 Days!
