Electronic Signature vs Image of Signature: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

An electronic signature — often called an eSignature — is a digital way to express agreement to the content of a document. It replaces the need for a handwritten signature on paper, allowing you to sign documents online in a fast, secure and legally recognised way.

What does it look like?

An electronic signature can appear in several forms, depending on the tool used:

• A typed name in a specific font
• A hand-drawn signature using your mouse, stylus or touchscreen
• A click-to-sign action linked to your email or mobile number
• A digitally generated certificate with cryptographic validation

But the key is not how it looks — it's how it works.

What makes an eSignature truly valid is not the visual element, but the identity verification, the timestamping, and the proof of consent behind it.

Under European eIDAS regulation, there are three recognised levels of eSignatures:

Simple Electronic Signature (SES)

• Most common
• Basic identity link (e.g. email + click to sign)
• Suitable for low-risk documents

Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)

• Requires signer identification and encryption
• Detects any post-signature changes
• Ideal for contracts, HR, legal workflows

Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)

• Highest legal value, equivalent to a handwritten signature
• Requires face-to-face or remote identity verification
• Often used for highly regulated industries

With trusted tools like Yousign, you can create an electronic signature and apply it to your documents easily, securely, and in full compliance with EU and UK regulations.

An image of a handwritten signature is exactly what it sounds like: a visual reproduction of your real signature, often created by writing your name on paper and scanning or photographing it.

This type of signature is typically saved in image formats such as:

• PNG (often with a transparent background)
• JPG or JPEG
• PDF (if embedded into a document)

There are a few common ways to create and reuse this kind of signature:

• Sign on paper, then scan or photograph it
• Draw your signature using a trackpad, mouse, or touchscreen
• Use an online tool to create and download a signature image
• Save the image file and insert it into digital documents (Word, PDF, etc.)

While an image of your signature may look official, it has no legal or security value by itself.

Why? Because it’s:

• Not linked to the signer’s identity
• Easily copied or misused
• Not protected by encryption or a timestamp
• Cannot prove consent or document integrity

Inserting an image of your signature into a document is not considered a legally binding electronic signature under laws like eIDAS or the ESIGN Act.

So, while a scanned image might be acceptable for informal or internal use (like email signatures, design mockups, or basic acknowledgments), it should never be used for contracts, legal agreements, or regulated documents.

For that, you need a real electronic signature backed by a trusted platform like Yousign.

While both methods allow you to "sign" a document digitally, there are major differences between an electronic signature and a scanned image of your handwritten signature — especially in terms of security, legality, and professional use.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you make the right choice:

With a trusted solution like Yousign, you can sign documents online with full confidence — and without the risk of your signature being misused or challenged.

Yes — electronic signatures are legally binding in many countries around the world, including across the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States, provided they meet certain conditions.

eIDAS Regulation (EU & UK)
Recognises three types of electronic signatures:

• Simple Electronic Signature (SES)
• Advanced Electronic Signature (AES)
• Qualified Electronic Signature (QES)

All can be legally binding, depending on the level of risk and identification.

ESIGN Act & UETA (United States)

Gives electronic signatures the same legal status as handwritten ones, as long as there's:

• Clear intent to sign
• Consent to do business electronically
• Ability to retain and reproduce the signed document

To be considered legally binding, an electronic signature must meet these key criteria:

1. Identifiable signer – You must be able to confirm who signed.
2. Clear intent – The signer must agree to the terms of the document.
3. Document integrity – The document must not be altered after signing.
4. Auditability – A trail of who signed, when, and how must be traceable.

Yousign complies fully with eIDAS regulations and offers all these guarantees by default.

• A signature pasted as a .png or .jpg image
• A handwritten signature scanned into a document
• Any method that lacks identity verification or tamper-proofing

These may look like signatures, but legally, they offer no real protection — especially in disputes or compliance checks.

Using a certified solution like Yousign gives you:

• Trusted signer authentication (via email, SMS, ID checks)
• Encrypted document storage
• Timestamped signatures and full audit trail
• Peace of mind in case of audits or legal challenges

Conclusion: If your signature matters — legally, professionally, or financially — using a legally compliant eSignature tool isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Whether you're signing a sales contract, an employment agreement, or a supplier form, choosing the right type of signature matters.

• A scanned image might look like your real signature, but it's just that — an image.
• A real electronic signature, on the other hand, offers legal protection, security, and peace of mind.

With Yousign, you benefit from:

• Legally binding eSignatures (eIDAS compliant)
• Identity verification & audit trail
• Easy-to-use, 100% online signing platform
• Confidence in every document you send or receive