What is the difference between a digital signature and an electronic signature?

An electronic signature is any mark made with the intent to sign a document, such as a drawn signature or typed name. A digital signature is a cryptographic mechanism that verifies the signer identity and detects document tampering.

Which type of signature is legally binding?

Both can be legally binding. The legal framework across most jurisdictions recognizes any form of electronic signature that demonstrates signer intent. Digital signatures provide stronger evidence of authenticity.

When should I use a digital signature instead of an electronic signature?

Digital signatures are preferred for high-value contracts, regulated documents, and situations where the signer identity may be disputed. For everyday documents like invoices and agreements, a simple electronic signature is sufficient.

Digital Signature vs Electronic Signature: What Is the Difference?

July 26, 2026 · By SEDI Editorial Team · 6 min read

The terms digital signature and electronic signature are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different technologies with different security properties. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right method for your document.

What is an electronic signature?

An electronic signature is any electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to a document with the intent to sign it. Examples include a drawn signature on a canvas, a typed name, or a clicked checkbox.

Electronic signatures are defined broadly under laws like the US ESIGN Act. The key legal requirement is intent to sign. The SignPDF tool creates electronic signatures by embedding signature images into PDF files at the positions you specify.

Electronic signatures are suitable for most business documents including contracts, offer letters, purchase orders, and non-disclosure agreements. The legal validity comes from the signing process and the evidence of intent.

What is a digital signature?

A digital signature is a cryptographic signature that uses a public key infrastructure (PKI) to verify the signer identity and detect any tampering with the document after signing.

Digital signatures require a digital certificate issued by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). The certificate validates the signer identity. The signing process creates a unique hash of the document, which is encrypted with the signer private key. Any modification to the document after signing breaks the signature and can be detected.

Tools like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and HelloSign offer digital signature options. These are typically paid services that manage the certificate lifecycle and provide audit trails.

Which one should I use?

For most everyday documents, a simple electronic signature is sufficient and faster to create. For high-value contracts, legal documents, or regulated industries, a digital signature provides stronger protection against disputes.

Consider the risk profile of the document. A signed invoice or service agreement between established business partners does not need cryptographic verification. A multi-million dollar acquisition agreement likely benefits from the additional security of a digital signature.

If you are signing documents for personal use or small business, an electronic signature created with a browser-based tool is practical and legally valid.

Try the free PDF signing tool

Sign your first PDF in under 30 seconds. No sign-up, no upload, no watermark.

Open the Sign Tool →