DocuSign

DocuSign allows you to sign documents in standard formats such as DOC or PDF. You can upload documents from your computer or from file-sharing services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and OneDrive.

With DocuSign, you can check the status of a document via a web interface – the dashboard. Reports and audit trails are available, as are automatic reminders and notifications. Senders and recipients can download and print documents at any time.

Electronic signatures encompass various methods of signing documents electronically, including digital signatures. This special form of electronic signature uses the standardised PAdES signature procedure for PDF files. Digital signatures use a formalised procedure to verify the identity of the signatory. With a qualified signature, identification takes place during a personal appointment or via video conference. In addition, digital signatures use at least two-factor authentication, whereas electronic signatures only require authentication via the email address to which the document to be signed is sent.

Digital signatures are unique to each user – just like a handwritten signature. A special protocol called Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) stipulates that two long strings of numbers, known as keys, must be generated using a mathematical algorithm. One key is public, the other private. When a user signs a document electronically, a signature is generated using the signer's private – and secret – key. The algorithm works like a cipher, generating data about the document in question, called a hash, and encrypting it. This encrypted data is the digital signature. It is also timestamped: if the document is changed after signing, it is invalid.

Find more FAQs and help about DocuSign in the Cloud Help Centre.