2 min

How to Create a Free Electronic Signature: Tools, Steps & Legal Tips

How Secure Are Electronic Signatures

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Need to sign a document but don’t have access to a printer or scanner? Or maybe you’ve been asked to sign a PDF or contract online — and you’re wondering how to do it for free, legally, and without hassle?

Good news: creating a free electronic signature is easier than you think — and in many cases, it’s just as valid as a handwritten signature.

With the right tools, you can:

  • Draw or type your signature online
  • Download it in PNG format (with transparent background)
  • Use it to sign documents online quickly and securely
  • Even ensure it’s legally binding when using the right platform

In this guide, you’ll learn:

  • How to create your own free digital signature in seconds
  • Which free tools are worth using (and which to avoid)
  • What makes an electronic signature legally valid
  • How to use your signature in PDFs, contracts, and other documents

Let’s get started — and get your signature ready to go.

What Is an Electronic Signature?

An electronic signature (or eSignature) is a digital way to show that you agree to the content of a document — just like a handwritten signature, but online.

It can take several forms, such as:

  • Typing your name
  • Drawing your signature with a mouse, finger, or stylus
  • Uploading an image of your handwritten signature
  • Using a certified digital certificate to sign securely

Electronic signatures are commonly used to sign documents online, including:

  • Contracts and agreements
  • Job offers and HR documents
  • Legal forms and declarations
  • Invoices, quotes, and orders
  • NDAs, waivers, and internal approvals

Are Electronic Signatures Legally Binding?

Yes — in most countries, electronic signatures are legally recognised and binding as long as they meet certain requirements.

Under regulations like:

An eSignature is valid if it clearly shows the signer's identity, intent, and ensures document integrity.

Important:

A simple signature image (like a .png or .jpg) may not be enough. For full legal value, use a trusted electronic signature platform like Yousign, which includes identity verification, timestamps, and encryption.

How to Create and Use a Free Electronic Signature (with Yousign)

With Yousign, you can not only create your electronic signature, but also use it to sign real documents — securely, legally, and 100% online.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Upload Your Document

Log in to your Yousign account (or start a free trial).
Then simply drag and drop your file — whether it’s a PDF, Word, or Excel document.

You can:

  • Add one or multiple documents
  • Specify the signers’ names and email addresses
  • Define who needs to sign and where

Step 2: Send the Signature Request

Once everything is set, Yousign will automatically send an email invitation to each recipient.

The email contains a secure link to the document they need to review and sign — no downloads or account creation needed on their end.

Step 3: Identity Verification (Optional but Recommended)

To ensure legal validity, you can enable 2-factor authentication.

Here’s how it works:

  • The signer enters their phone number
  • A unique SMS code is sent during the signing process
  • They enter the code to confirm their identity

This step guarantees that the document is signed by the right person, in line with eIDAS regulation.

Step 4: The Recipient Signs Online

Once verified, the signer can review the document and sign it with a click.
The signature is instantly applied, encrypted, and timestamped.

That’s it — Done and Legally Signed

Yousign generates a legally binding signature and provides:

  • A signed PDF for all parties
  • A detailed audit trail
  • Document tracking and automated reminders

Bonus:

You can create templates, automate follow-ups, and track the entire signing process from your dashboard — perfect for recurring contracts and team workflows.

Free vs Paid Signature Tools: What’s the Difference?

Many tools let you create a free electronic signature, but not all of them are suitable for signing legally binding documents — especially when security, compliance, and collaboration are important.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the difference:

Comparison Table

Feature

Free Signature Tools

Paid eSignature Solutions (like Yousign)

Create a signature (draw/type)

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Download PNG signature

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Legally binding signatures

❌ Not guaranteed

✅ Compliant with eIDAS / ESIGN

Identity verification (e.g. SMS code)

❌ Rarely included

✅ Included for secure signing

Audit trail & timestamp

❌ No traceability

✅ Full audit logs & timestamps

Multi-signer workflow

❌ Often unavailable

✅ Easily managed in platform

Document management dashboard

❌ Limited or none

✅ Centralised tracking & reminders

GDPR / data security compliance

❌ Varies by provider

✅ Enforced by design (Yousign is EU-based)

Integration (Google Drive, Dropbox…)

❌ Rare or basic

✅ Available in advanced plans

Suitable for legal/contractual use

⚠️ Only for informal cases

✅ Legally enforceable in business & legal docs

So, which one should you use?

  • Use a paid eSignature platform like Yousign when you need: Legal proof of consent ; Multi-party signing ; Full control and compliance

Yousign gives you both: a completely free way to create your signature — and a secure, professional eSignature platform when you're ready to scale.

Conclusion

Creating a free electronic signature is easier than ever — and with the right tool, it can also be secure, professional, and even legally binding.

Whether you just need a quick signature to insert into a PDF, or a full signing workflow with audit trails and identity verification, solutions like Yousign offer both simplicity and legal peace of mind.

  • Draw or type your signature online — for free
  • Download it as a transparent PNG in seconds
  • Upgrade to a compliant, end-to-end eSignature process whenever you're ready

No more printing, scanning, or chasing signatures — just faster, smarter document signing.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

  • How can I create a free electronic signature?

    You can create a free eSignature using tools like Yousign’s signature generator.
    You can draw, type, or upload your signature, then download it as a PNG — no account required.

  • Is a free electronic signature legally binding?

    Only if it meets legal standards: verified identity, clear intent, and document integrity.
    A simple signature image isn’t enough for most legal use cases.
    Use a platform like Yousign for compliant, secure signing.

  • Can I use my electronic signature in Word, PDF, or Google Docs?

    Yes! Once downloaded, your PNG signature can be added to most document formats — including Word, Excel, PDF, Google Docs, and more.

  • What’s the difference between free and paid eSignature tools?

    Free tools help you create a visual signature.
    Paid tools (like Yousign) offer legally binding workflows, identity checks, timestamps, audit trails, and secure document storage — essential for professional use.

Create Your Free Electronic Signature Now

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