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How to Create Electronic Signatures

Complete step-by-step guide to creating legally compliant e-signatures in under 5 minutes. Mobile-friendly, secure, and accepted worldwide.

Step-by-Step GuideMobile FriendlyLegally Compliant5-Minute Process
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What You'll Learn in This Guide

Create professional, legally compliant electronic signatures with confidence

Complete Process

Learn the entire process from signature creation to document completion, including best practices and legal requirements.

Mobile & Desktop

Instructions for creating signatures on any device - iPhone, Android, computer, or tablet with your existing tools.

Legal Compliance

Ensure your electronic signatures meet legal requirements in the US, EU, and other major jurisdictions worldwide.

The Complete Step-by-Step Process

Follow these simple steps to create and use electronic signatures professionally

1
Choose Your Signature Type

There are three main types of electronic signatures you can create:

  • Typed Signature: Simply type your name at the end of a document
  • Drawn Signature: Draw your signature using a mouse, stylus, or finger
  • Uploaded Image: Scan or photograph your handwritten signature and upload it

Pro Tip:

For legal compliance and security, we recommend using a dedicated e-signature platform like BoopSign that provides audit trails and verification, rather than simple image uploads.

2
Create Your Signature

The method you use depends on your device and preference:

On Mobile Devices

  • Open your document in a signature app (like BoopSign)
  • Tap on the signature field
  • Draw your signature with your finger on the screen

On Computers

  • Click on the signature field in your document
  • Use your mouse or trackpad to draw your signature
  • Or type your name and apply formatting

3
Apply to Your Document

Once your signature is created, it's time to apply it to your document:

PDF Documents

Upload PDF to your e-signature platform and add signature fields

Word Documents

Use built-in signature tools or convert to PDF for signing

Online Platforms

Use tools like BoopSign to send documents for remote signing

4
Send for Signature (if needed)

If others need to sign your document:

  • Indicate where each person should sign using signature fields
  • Add email addresses for each signer in your e-signature platform
  • Send the document - recipients get a secure link to sign
  • Track progress and get notified when documents are signed

5
Verify and Save

Finalize the process to ensure legal compliance:

Verification Steps:

  • Check that all signatures are present
  • Review the audit trail (if using a platform like BoopSign)
  • Confirm document integrity hasn't been compromised

Storage:

  • Save a copy in a secure location
  • Keep audit trail records for legal compliance
  • Share with relevant parties as needed

Different Methods to Create Electronic Signatures

Choose the method that best suits your needs and technical requirements

Built-in Tools

  • Microsoft Word signature field
  • Adobe Acrobat signature tool
  • Google Docs signature suggestions
  • Apple Preview signature feature

Best for: Simple documents and internal use

Limitations: Limited legal compliance features

Image Upload

  • Scan your handwritten signature
  • Take a photo of your signature
  • Use in any document editor
  • Copy and paste as needed

Best for: Quick, simple signatures

Limitations: No audit trail or verification

Professional Platforms

  • BoopSign with audit trails
  • Legal compliance features
  • Identity verification
  • Secure document storage

Best for: Business contracts and legal documents

Advantages: Full compliance and security

Creating Signatures: Mobile vs Desktop

Choose the best approach based on your device and situation

MethodMobileDesktop
Signature CreationDraw with finger on touchscreenDraw with mouse/trackpad or type
Speed
Very Fast
Fast
AccuracyModerate - depends on screen size
High
Convenience
Always Available
Available when at computer
File CompatibilityGood for mobile-friendly formats
Universal
Best Use CaseQuick signatures on the goDetailed documents, high precision

Why BoopSign Makes Creating Electronic Signatures Simple

Professional e-signature solution that's fast, secure, and legally compliant

Lightning Fast

Create and apply signatures in under 2 minutes. Clients sign in 60 seconds from any device.

Fully Compliant

ESIGN Act and eIDAS compliant with complete audit trails and encryption.

Mobile-First

Perfect on any device - no apps needed. Works on iOS, Android, and desktop.

Step-by-Step with BoopSign

1

Upload your document

2

Add signature fields

3

Send or sign yourself

4

Get notified when signed

No credit card required • 14-day free trial • Cancel anytime

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ensure your electronic signatures are legally valid and secure

Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using simple image signatures for important documents

    They lack legal compliance features

  • Not keeping proper records

    Always save audit trails for legal compliance

  • Sharing signature images

    This can compromise security and validity

  • Ignoring jurisdiction requirements

    Some regions have specific rules for e-signatures

Best Practices

  • Use a compliant platform for important documents

    BoopSign provides proper legal compliance

  • Always verify the signer's identity

    Use email verification or other methods

  • Keep detailed records

    Save audit trails and signing logs

  • Educate signers about the process

    Ensure they understand they're creating a legal signature

Electronic Signature Creation: Common Questions

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