A contract is shown on a tablet with a place to sign.

How to Make an E-Signature Online.

Create an e-signature with Adobe Acrobat to quickly and easily sign documents wherever you are. Whether you want to create a digital or electronic signature (e-signature), the process is fast and easy.

E-signatures are as convenient as digital signatures but require less authentication. You can sign a PDF or other document quickly and securely with an e-signature. Learn how to sign with an electronic signature with Adobe below.

What you’ll learn.

Key takeaways.

Create an e-signature online.

What’s the difference between an electronic signature vs a digital signature?

How to create an electronic signature.

How to create a digital signature.

What is the best e-signature maker?

How to make an e-signature: FAQs.

Key takeaways.

You can easily create e-signatures online for free on a range of platforms, including Adobe Acrobat online.

When you create an e-signature, you can choose from a range of signature types, whether that’s text, images, or even drawings for e-signatures that appear handwritten.

Digital signatures and e-signatures vary slightly, with the latter being better for general use.

Create a signature online.

Say goodbye to paper documents. Creating an electronic signature in a PDF file is easy with Acrobat. Start signing documents faster and more efficiently – right from your mobile device to improve your digital workflows.

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What’s the difference between an electronic signature vs a digital signature?

While there may not be many obvious differences between an e-signature and a digital signature at first glance, they each have distinct purposes:

An e-signature is a broader term that covers sounds or symbols used to sign a legal contract. It typically relies on basic user authentication, like emails or passwords.

A digital signature is a more advanced and secure type of signature, more like a unique fingerprint. It uses cryptographic technology to authenticate the signer’s identity and ensure that the document hasn’t been tampered with. Digital signatures are often required in highly regulated industries.

For routine tasks that require a basic level of security, the speed and convenience of an e-signature may be more suitable than a digital signature. However, for situations requiring the highest level of trust and legal compliance, digital signatures are essential.

Fortunately, with Adobe, you can create both e-signatures and digital signatures, so you can be prepared for any requirement.

How to create an electronic signature.

Creating an e-signature only takes a couple of quick and easy steps. Follow this simple 7-step guide to get started.

1. Click review and sign the link in an email.

Firstly, make sure you trust the sender and the files received by email. If so, open the email with the document to sign, and click the link labelled “Click here to review and sign...”

2. Click the signature prompt in the document.

3. Create electronic signature.

4. Select signature option.

5. Sign document.

6. Finalise signature.

7. Send.

A screenshot of an email showing a blue link with a red box around it that reads Click here to review and sign Summary.

Screenshot of a document with a "Click here to sign" field in the upper-right corner, marked up by a red box.

Screenshot of a pop-up window with an Acrobat signature field that reads “Type your signature here.

Screenshot of a pop-up window with an Acrobat signature field and a red box around the top bar menu that shows Type, Draw, Image and Mobile as available options.

Screenshot of a pop-up window with an Acrobat signature field and a drawn signature on it.

Select “Click to Sign” at the bottom to finalise your electronic signature.

Screenshot of a pop-up window with a document on the left and a confirmation message on the right that the document has been successfully signed, as well as a CTA button to download a copy.

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How to create a digital signature.

Digital signatures are simple to apply to new and existing documents. Here are the steps for how to use the Acrobat digital signature solution.

1. Click review link and opt to digitally sign.

Click the review link and opt to sign PDFs digitally. In the email you received from the document sender, click the “Click here to review and sign” dialogue box, then click the “Click to digitally sign” button.

2. Select signature source and select name.

3. Sign in and apply a digital signature.

4. Preview signature.

5. Authenticate the signature.

6. Send your signed document.

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What is the best e-signature maker?

The best e-signature maker is one that offers ease of use, robust security and functionality, and seamless PDF integration. Adobe Acrobat Sign stands out by supporting both e-signatures and digital signatures, integrating with your Adobe Acrobat Cloud, and supporting Microsoft Word. This makes it an ideal choice for individuals, small businesses, and enterprises alike.

While Docusign is another trusted e-signature platform widely used by businesses and individuals, Adobe Acrobat Sign offers unique advantages and enhanced tools. Particularly for those already within the Adobe ecosystem.

Try to look for the following in your e-signature software:

Ease-of-use across platforms

Intelligent features and workflow tools

Compatibility with other file types (such as Microsoft Word, PDFs, and Google Drive)

Security, such as encryption or audit trails

Flexibility in signature creation (typing, images, drawing to sign).

Learn more about Adobe Acrobat Sign today.

How to make an e-signature: FAQs.

How do I create my own signature?

How do I make my e-signature handwritten?

Are Acrobat electronic signatures legally binding?

What devices does Acrobat support?

Can I create e-signatures for free?

When should I use an online signature?

More resources.

How to Write on a PDF

How to Draw on PDF

How to Highlight in PDF

How to Redact a PDF

Useful PDF tools

Whether it’s e-signatures or document edits, Adobe Acrobat offers a range of incredible PDF tools to bring your documents to life. Try Adobe Acrobat online today.