Signing documents online has become one of the most accepted methods of recording various events and legal obligations. In order to ensure that the legal system runs smoothly, everyone has to be aware of how it works. An online signature, electronic or e-signed signatures or digital signatures generally refer to the electronic method of indicating consent for the terms written down in an official document. It is basically any symbol, noise or spoken affirmation attached to an electronic document by somebody with an intention to sign on the document. This has made the use of signatures an essential part of legal systems around the world.

How Can People Sign Documents Online

How can people sign documents online? Generally, an online signature is done when a person signs a paper form electronically instead of by hand. This can be done in a variety of ways. One example is when filling out a survey form for which you need to indicate your gender and your email address. Once you have filled this out, your name and email address will appear in the confirmation page's signature portion. If you then type in your handwritten signature after you complete the form, the computer can verify your identity and display your signature.

Some people sign documents online using their cell phones, PDA or tablet computers, or any other electronic device that can be easily plugged in. Others sign documents online using specialized software applications. Signatures can also be recorded digitally using a digital camera or recorder. Digital signatures are not as easily tampered with as e-signatures because they cannot be easily altered once recorded.

Are there advantages to signing documents online rather than in person? Some people do it because they are afraid of being denied time or money if they do it in person. Other people do it because they are uncomfortable with the actual physical act of signing a paper, so they instead opt to sign documents online. Others still don't know how to sign documents online safely and comfortably without looking at a glare of embarrassment from their employers.

Reduces The Cost Of Implementing

One of the main reasons people prefer to sign documents electronically rather than in person is that it eliminates the need for an agent or attorney. Since electronic signatures do not require an agent or attorney's signature, there is no longer a need to compensate such an entity for their services. As long as the electronic signature program used is properly implemented and protected, there is no need for such a person to be on hand at the signing process. This reduces the cost of implementing this type of system, which in turn reduces the overall costs of implementing e-signature systems.

Sign Documents Online Immediately

Another advantage to electronic signatures is that people can sign documents online immediately after they have finished filling out the form, without having to wait around while another party fills out the information and signs it for them. This is advantageous because it means that the time saved is not lost as a result of submitting the forms to someone else. Because signatures take time to develop, it is typically impossible for any individual to fill out the forms for multiple parties simultaneously.

A new type of application has recently been developed called the "panda pen" which is a stylus computer designed to help a user to sign documents online. This tool is completely electronic and runs on a Windows PC. The pen has two different ends; one uses a USB connection to be plugged into the computer and a pen drive, while the other is simply a standard pen that is used to record the information.

The pen uses a digital signature program to record the information onto the file. The digital signature program then digitally signs the document and saves it to the file so that the other party can view the file and verify that the signer has signed it. If you want to sign on a pdf, you can easily edit pdfs online and sign them.

Easily Transferable

Addressing the needs of businesses that often conduct business on the internet, the new digital signature process is the perfect way to easily transfer all of your documents. They are very effective in eliminating or removing the need for extra signatures, which means that you can save time and money on legal fees, which can add up over time. Adding initials to documents is a quick, easy and secure way to ensure that only the intended recipient sees the necessary information. No one wants to get a hard copy document and have to worry about who has read it or who has added initials at the bottom of the page!

Author's Bio: 

Content Writer, Maret Researcher.