Electronic Signatures and Secured PDFs

Once a PDF has been signed electronically, converting it back to an editable format can be challenging. Here’s why:

1. Locked PDF: After an electronic signature is applied, the document often becomes “locked” to preserve the integrity of the signature. Any changes made to the signed document may invalidate the signature.
2. Editable PDFs: If you want to retain the ability to edit a PDF after signing, E-Sign allows you to sign the document in a way that keeps it editable before finalisation. However, once a document is signed and finalised, it is typically meant to remain in its final form.
3. Converting to Editable Format: If you need to convert the signed PDF back to an editable format (e.g., Word or Excel), you can use tools like Adobe Acrobat or PDF converters. However, any changes made will likely remove or alter the signature, and the document may no longer be considered legally signed.

After a PDF is electronically signed, it is generally best to keep it in its signed form for legal validity. If you must edit it, consider doing so before applying the signature to preserve the authenticity of the document once it has been signed.

Electronic signatures in PDFs are designed to be tamper-evident, but they are not completely tamper-proof. Here’s how it works:

1. Tamper-Evident: Once a PDF is signed electronically, the signature is typically embedded with encryption and validation data (such as a timestamp or unique ID). If any changes are made to the document after it has been signed, the signature will be invalidated or marked as “tampered.” This makes it easy to detect if the document has been altered after signing.
2. Security Features: E-Sign uses digital certificates, encryption, and secure audit trails to protect the integrity of the signed document. These features ensure that any unauthorised changes to the PDF will be flagged.

Yes, electronic signatures in PDFs are widely accepted around the world, but their legal recognition and specific requirements may vary by country, which it’s important to be aware of. Here are a few examples:

• European Union (EU):
  • eIDAS Regulation ensures that electronic signatures are legally binding and accepted across EU member states, provided they meet certain standards of authenticity and security.
• United States:
  • The ESIGN Act and UETA (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act) make electronic signatures legally binding for most transactions in the U.S., including on PDFs.
• Canada:
  • Canada recognises electronic signatures under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), making e-signatures valid for most agreements.
• Other Countries:
  • Many countries, including India, Japan, and South Africa, also accept electronic signatures under specific regulations or laws, often similar to the standards set by the ESIGN Act or eIDAS.

No, you do not need to be physically present to sign a PDF electronically. Electronic signatures can be applied remotely using E-Sign, allowing you to sign documents from anywhere. You can sign a PDF using various methods, such as typing, drawing, or uploading an image of your signature, all without being in the same location as the document sender. This makes electronic signatures convenient for remote and global transactions.

Yes, you can add multiple electronic signatures to a PDF document. E-Sign allows multiple signers to sign a document sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the workflow setup.

• Sequential Signing: The document is sent to each signer in a specific order, and each person signs in turn.
• Simultaneous Signing: All signers can sign the document at the same time, provided they have access to the document.

These signatures are often placed in designated areas of the PDF, and each signer’s action is tracked and recorded in E-Sign to maintain document integrity. The document will retain a record of all signers, ensuring that each signature is legally valid.

Yes, electronic signatures in PDFs are legally binding in many countries, provided they meet certain requirements.

For an electronic signature to be legally binding:

• The signer must give clear consent to use an electronic signature.
• The signature must be securely linked to the document (with encryption or authentication measures).
• The document must remain intact and unaltered after signing (tamper-proof).

Electronic signatures on PDFs are legally binding as long as they comply with applicable laws and regulations and are applied correctly. The best way to ensure your business has legally binding signatures is to use a reliable and trust e-signature provider like E-Sign.

Creating an electronic signature for a PDF through E-Sign is a quick and easy process.

Step 1 – Create an E-Sign account

Step 2 – Click ‘My Signature’ in your dashboard

Step 3 – Choose whether to draw, type, or upload your signature

Step 4 – Save your signature

Step 5 – Upload your PDF

Step 6 – Enter the recipient’s details

Step 7 – Add editable fields to the document

Step 8 – eSign and send

Yes, a PDF with an electronic signature can be used as evidence in court, provided it meets certain criteria. To be admissible:

1. Authentication: The signature must be verifiable, ensuring the identity of the signer. E-Sign provides audit trails and digital certificates to help prove authenticity.
2. Integrity: The document must remain intact and unaltered after signing. Tampering or changes after signing can invalidate the signature and render the document inadmissible.
3. Compliance with Laws: The electronic signature process must comply with applicable laws and regulations, such as the ESIGN Act (US) or eIDAS Regulation (EU), to ensure it is legally binding.

If these conditions are met, a PDF with an electronic signature can generally be used as valid evidence in court. However, specific legal requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction and type of case.

Yes, e-signature functionality can be integrated with document management systems (like SharePoint, and Google Drive). E-Sign offers built-in integrations or APIs, allowing you to send documents for signing, track progress, and store signed documents within your existing systems. This integration improves efficiency, centralises document management, and ensures security and compliance.