Gone are those days when people used to sign documents with pen and paper. As more and more people are doing their work remotely they are leveraging the use of digital technology. This is also because of the COVID-19 pandemic that has disrupted the way we conduct our daily business earlier.

Earlier when we have to sign a document or close a deal with someone we need to be present at that place to do it. But with the help of e-sign software we can close those important deals from any part of the world with just a few clicks on our computer screen. The best part? The signatures provided via electronic signature software are just as legitimate as done with the hand.

Now let’s first understand what is e-signature software its benefits and some common characteristic of these e-signing software.

What is e-signature software?

E-signature software eliminates the need for physical papers to hold signatures. It allows users to gather signatures online for shared documents. Documents that require electronic signatures can be sent more easily with the use of the software. Businesses use e-signature software to encrypt documents like sales contracts or employment paperwork that routinely require customer employee or partner signatures.

E-signature software generally integrates with other third-party applications also. It includes CRM software ERP systems HR management suites and accounting. This assists with the proposal contract and supplier management tasks. Built-in security measures that adhere to international regional and local legal requirements simplify the exchange of legal documents even more. Additionally this guarantees the legitimacy and legal ramifications of signatures generated using e-signature software.

Benefits of e-signature software

1. Allow users of a variety of devices and operating systems to sign documents as both sender and recipient.
2. Encrypt and safeguard shared documents and conversations among users.
3. Monitor the status of documents and notify users when action is required (sign approve etc.)
4. Allow users to select user roles and permissions for internal and external users (contractors partners customers and so on).
5. Include third-party software solutions that offer document production or storage functionality or have built-in document creation and storage capabilities.
6. The e-software also aims to help businesses save money by removing the need for a tangible paper trail for contracts.

Common characteristics of e-signature apps

1. Electronic signature capture
2. Methods of authentication and identity verification
3. Archiving of documents
4. Custom branding choices are available.
5. Controls for access.
6. Encryption and security.
7. Support for iOS and Android mobile applications.

Going forward we can predict that the adoption of e-signature software is only going to grow in the coming years. However there is a catch to this and that is how to choose the right e-sign software for your use. This can be quite tricky for many people as there are various types of e-sign software available in the market currently.

We'll make it simple for you to select e-signature software. The following is a list of the top e-signature software for electronically signing papers.

Customers may add e-signature capabilities to a range of forms documents and templates including contracts Word documents and PDFs using SignNow. APIs are used to connect the software to websites CRM systems and other applications.

Because SignNow enables conditional documents organizations may configure documents to route by role. Users may also add their branding to papers and work in groups to create documents and templates. The program is simple to use and provides for the management of several documents' e-signature requests. It is also simple to sign documents with a mobile device.

However there are several difficulties with the software. The documents do not open immediately; rather they need the recipient to download the file. Furthermore there is no commenting facility for users to provide feedback before signing the document.

Here's a breakdown of the SignNow plans and pricing:

1. SignNow's monthly subscription begins at $8 per user.
2. $15 per user per month for business premium.
3. Enterprise: $30 monthly per user.
4. $50 per user for 1 month for AirSlate Business Cloud.

DocuSign provides electronic notarization electronic signatures and contract lifecycle management procedures. It can also be used to acquire permission with a single click to include payments from contracts. As a component of DocuSign they provide the advantage for the later phases of the process such as creating or maintaining contracts after signing.

This e-sign software has integrated with so many systems which include systems manufactured by Microsoft Salesforce Oracle and others. They provide additional features like mobile app support custom field creation and reusable templates. They have high security and data protection rules and audit trails.

Here's a breakdown of the DocuSign plans and pricing:

New users can seek a 30-day free trial. After that they charge in the range of $10 per month for a personal plan.

For business pro offerings they charge up to $40 per user per month. Whereas they provide enterprise plans only through sales calls.

HelloSign is a great alternative to explore if you need a legally binding agreement signed online.

Anyone may easily add a legally binding signature to any document using the software. HelloSign can handle anything from new employee onboarding and loan agreements. It helps the new employees make the documentation process easy.

HelloSign is feature-rich and business-oriented. It allows you to collect signatures from up to 20 persons on a single document either simultaneously or sequentially. With bank-level security you can begin gathering signatures in minutes.

You will also receive business-class features such as:

1. Tools for team management
2. Unique templates
3. Individualized business branding
4. Integrations with Google (Gmail Drive Docs etc.)
5. Notifications of the status reports.
6. 2FA (two-factor authentication)
7. 17 file types are supported.

HelloSign provides excellent customer service and the API may be used to integrate e-sign features into your program.

Here's a breakdown of the HelloSign plans and pricing:

1. $15 per month for essentials
2. Dropbox Pro with e-Sign costs $24.99 per month.
3. Standard - $25 per month per user

All plans include unlimited signature requests.

According to PandaDoc their signature software saves clients 12 hours per week by lowering document preparation time by 65% and raising closure rates by 28%. It is used by over so many companies including AutoDesk Bonusly and TomTom. Its typical e-signature capabilities are complemented by extra features such as over 450 templates the option to define custom fields and approval procedure administration.

PandaDoc also has an API for integrating it into your existing website or app. The services interactive quotes pre-approved contracts built-in signatures and shared forms provided by PandaDoc are excellent. You may sign documents and forms right within Microsoft Word or you can use the unique mobile app to finalize a PDF document.

As your customer evaluates and signs each document live statistics show the status of each step. SOC 2 Type II accreditation as well as ESIGN UETA and HIPAA compliance ensure your security.

Here's a breakdown of the PandaDoc plans and pricing:

1. Pricing starts at $19 per user per month (with an annual commitment).
2. The Business tier costs $49 per user per month.
3. The company offers a 14-day free trial for new users also.

Customers that simply require legally binding electronic signatures on documents and no additional features can utilize the free eSign package.

Acrobat's document creation and signing features are well known in both professional and personal circles. It is used by over 300000 people including well-known firms such as Microsoft HSBC Groupon and Tesla. For document signing two choices are available: Acrobat Standard DC and Acrobat Pro DC.

The free Adobe Scan tool makes it simple to scan and submit paperwork. Both mobile and desktop access are available for signing and your clients will not need to download or register in order to complete the form. If your clients forget there is the opportunity for unique branding as well as the ability to send and track reminders. Acrobat will connect with Microsoft 365 at no extra cost if you add on Acrobat PDF capabilities.

Because of their competence in document production utilizing the portable document format Adobe provides the ability to collect signatures with their Acrobat Sign product (PDF).

The program has the following features and benefits:

1. Requests for electronic signatures
2. The signature can be signed in bulk
3. Website signable forms
4. Notifications and signature reminders are sent automatically.
5. Personalization of branding
6. User administration
7. Receipt of payments
8. Improved authentication

Here's a breakdown of the Adobe plans and pricing:

1. Adobe Acrobat Standard DC
2. Individual cost: $12.99 per month
3. Team pricing is $14.99 a month per user.

Popular features include unlimited signatures sending and tracking agreements and creating and editing PDFs.

1. Windows Acrobat Pro DC is compatible.
2. Individual price: $14.99 per month
3. Team pricing is $16.99 per month per user.
4. Popular features include all of the above as well as Mac access and powerful PDF capabilities.

Conclusion

There are several options for an e-signing service, but not all of them will meet the unique demands of your company. There are various factors to consider while choosing an e-signature software package. While certain systems may work better in one industry than another.

Examine them to see whether e-signature products operate with the digital technologies you already use. It would be useful to consider your wants while picking the qualities that best suit your organization and commercial practices. Finally, because it may help you portray your company more professionally, personalization can be an important component of e-signature solutions.

When it comes to finding the finest e-signature solution for small businesses, our recommendations are a wonderful place to start.