The more immersed you are in the digital age, the more paperwork you'll be dealing with online. While you could print out a document, sign it, scan it, and email it back, there are ways to make your life easier.

If you're wondering how to sign a document online, the answer is software and practical tricks. Here are some tips on e-signatures, as well as some popular services for the bureaucratic needs of individuals and businesses.

What Is an Electronic and Digital Signature?

"Electronic" and "digital" appear similar, but they can be confusing as they mean different things in the internet and corporate industries. Plainly put, an electronic or e-signature is when you sign PDF documents, for example, using your mouse or stylus on a screen instead of pen and paper.

A digital signature is more complicated. It's basically an encrypted legal form that identifies and secures the signee and other parties involved. The online certificate might ask for an electronic signature too, but carries a lot of weight on its own.

When it comes to e-signatures, you can get different options. Typically, you need to sign with your mouse or other device. But exploring how to electronically sign a PDF document yields many handy, valid, and far more graceful tools.

Let’s look into the wide range of software the web and app market actually offers.

1. DocuSign

Docusign Adopt Your Signature

The best options for signing a document online are full-blown platforms for companies to manage agreements, but also offer free services to whet your appetite. DocuSign is a highly regarded brand to check out first, and lets you use various tools, whether for yourself or your business.

Setting up a 30-day trial account gives you a taste of DocuSign's reliable security system. Once there, you can upload any type of document and add fields. In addition to your electronic signature, you can put in your company's name, a stamp, and even checkboxes with text.

When done, you can send the document to one or more recipients alongside a personalized message. Alternatively, you could email it to yourself, download it, and deal with it however you want. You'll also find DocuSign as a mobile app.

Download: DocuSign for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

2. PandaDoc

PandaDoc provides all kinds of services for businesses to manage their customer communications and paperwork. This includes electronic signature tools like its Free eSign plan that lets you upload as many documents as you want to sign, embellish, and send.

You get the same drag and drop features as DocuSign, as well as dropdown menus and card details that you can link to Stripe for payments. Upgrading to a paid plan brings more fields to play with, but PandaDoc's free options can easily satisfy the needs of a small business.

Something to consider is that most of these platforms let you upload a signature. Draw the most impressive one you can manage on white paper and scan it. Then, you'll have it ready and waiting for each document, saving you time and hassle.

Download: PandaDoc for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

3. pdfFiller

pdfFiller Signature Wizard Options

If you want a fast and easy way to make basic adjustments to a document, pdfFiller will quickly become your best friend. Just drop or upload a file onto the platform, and you can sign, mark, highlight, add images, and use many other functions.

Not only that, but pdfFiller also works as a file converter, meaning you could upload a Word document, edit it as a PDF, and then save it as a PowerPoint or Excel file. You'll need to create a free account to access some features, but it's safe to say that pdfFiller is an impressive tool.

Download: pdfFiller for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

4. SignEasy

SignEasy is another super-efficient website and app for creating and sending documents, not just signing them. In fact, considering how awkward it is to draw a signature with your mouse, it might be worth focusing on platforms with mobile compatibility.

With SignEasy, for example, all you need is your finger or stylus to navigate, manage, and, of course, sign everything. The downside is that it only has a 14-day free trial and fewer fields to add to documents.

However, paid plans come with extra tools, like templates, encryption, and team sharing options. SignEasy was made for professional use and will cover all your electronic signature needs.

Download: SignEasy for iOS | Android (Free trial, subscription required)

5. Formstack Sign

Formstack Sign Field Placement

If you want to invest in professional software and don't mind short trials, get to know Formstack Sign's product too. It works differently when compared to the other solutions on this list, as it's only for creating forms that ask for signatures.

When you upload a document, you can't just sign it and download it again. You need to add yourself as a signee alongside anyone else the agreement is meant for. Then, you send it to all the participants, who can either draw their signature or use the default handwritten font.

It's a complicated system, but a powerful one of its kind. So, make sure you think about what you need an e-signature tool for. From there, you can work out how to sign documents online in a way that suits you.

Download: Formstack for iOS | Android (Free trial, subscription required)

6. Secured Signing

Secured Signing Capture Signature

Secured Signing is one of the best web-based platforms that also has a free document signing tool. After registering, you can access the I Sign feature, which lets you upload three documents per month. It's simple and very handy to have when you need to quickly sign a PDF, XLS, DOC, or other file type.

You can accompany your signature with a few fields, like your date, job title, and reason for signing. Once done, you can send or download the document. You can also invite people to sign for free. The process can even be done on a mobile device without needing an app.

7. SignRequest

Another platform popular for its efficient but user-friendly system is SignRequest. A free account gives you basic tools for managing your e-signature workflow, but you can also try out upgrades for 14 days before settling on the best deal.

The simplest free plan allows 10 documents per month to sign and send as you wish, as well as four customizable fields. A professional account unlocks more features, from adding attachments and expiration dates to assigning passwords.

8. Eversign

Eversign Dashboard Features

If you want lots of features to work with, Eversign is the platform for you. In the free plan, you can sign up to five documents and send three requests per month. There's a nice range of drag and drop fields, as well as various settings to really personalize the experience.

This might be more than enough for a freelancer's e-signing needs, but Eversign's paid plans are better for teams. A basic account, for example, costs $9.99 per month and accommodates one collaborator, unlimited documents, integration with other software, and more.

The more complicated your signing tasks, the more you should consider actually investing in a high-end service. Another plus with Eversign is its array of packages for businesses of all kinds and sizes, so there are plenty of options to choose from.

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9. Lightico

One more professional service to look into is Lightico. While not free, its system offers great support for hard-working businesses that want to make their e-signing process as straightforward as possible. Its interactive demo can clarify how it all works.

To begin with, Lightico relies on mobile technology as the more direct route, but accommodates email too. It also uses quality automation to speed up different parts of the process, like creating accurate records and filling in details, including your electronic signature. It's a smart tool for a busy workplace.

Decide for Yourself How to Sign a Document Online

Your personal and professional circumstances determine the most suitable e-signing methods. Choose services and tricks that complement your workflow, equipment, and tech skills.

For example, focus your research on how to sign a document online with your favorite software. You might have more experience with Microsoft Word than Adobe, so explore options that work well with that file format. You're bound to find great and affordable tools, whatever your demands.