Let’s be honest, dealing with physical paperwork and signatures is a major pain. Printing out documents, frantically searching for a pen, scribbling your signature, then scanning or faxing everything back is just plain inefficient in this digital age we live in.
Luckily, online signature generators have become a game-changing solution for easily adding your legally-binding digital signature to contracts, agreements, forms and more – all without lifting a pen. These web apps let you quickly create a professional e-signature that you can securely insert into any document with just a few clicks.
From self-employed freelancers juggling multiple clients to major corporations processing high volumes of paperwork, electronic signatures streamline document workflows and eliminate hassles. But with so many e-signature tools out there, how do you pick the right one?
In this article, I’ll break down the top online signature makers that can revolutionize how you Sign. Documents. (See what I did there?) Let’s get into it!
What Exactly is an E-Signature Generator?
Before we dive into the best options, let’s cover the basics. An online signature generator is essentially a web app or software that allows you to create a digital version of your handwritten signature to use on documents electronically.
Rather than print, sign, and scan, you can simply use these tools to whip up an e-signature and insert it into PDFs, Word docs, contracts, you name it – any file requiring a legally-binding digital signature.
Most e-signature makers give you a few different ways to create your signature file. You can draw it freehand using your mouse or touchpad, upload an image of your actual physical signature, or use one of the pre-made font/style options and customize things like color and text.
How to Pick the Best Digital Signature Maker for You
With all the different signature generator options out there, you’ll want to carefully evaluate which one best meets your needs and use case. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Ease of use. Can you easily create signatures with no technical skills required?
- Signature creation options. Does it let you draw, upload an image file, or type out your signature?
- Customization capabilities. Look for the ability to tweak colors, fonts, branding etc.
- File format support. At minimum it should work with PDFs, Word, images, and other common file types.
- Security features. Encryption, audit trails, signature verification – check those boxes!
- Cloud storage and sharing. The ability to save and share signature files is clutch.
- Mobile apps. Sign anytime from your phone or tablet with iOS/Android apps.
- Pricing. Compare free plans vs paid options to get features you need at the right cost.
With all that criteria in mind, let’s look at five of the top online signature generators that should cover all your e-signing needs!
1. onlinesignatures.net
OnlineSignatures.net a user-friendly and free online signature web-based platform that allows you to quickly create unique, professional-grade e-signatures to use on PDFs, Microsoft Office files, emails, and more. In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore all the features and benefits that make OnlineSignatures.net one of the top choices for online signature creation.
How Onlinesignatures.net Works
Their straightforward signature generator allows you to create a professional e-signature in three easy steps:
- Enter your name fields (first, middle, last)
- Click “Generate” to view stylish signature preview options
- Select your preferred signature style
2. Signaturely
Simple and streamlined, Signaturely aims to eliminate the headaches of document signatures while still providing all the essential functionality. The clean, modern interface is approachable for even tech novices.
With Signaturely, you can easily upload documents to sign or create them from free pre-built templates. Signing options include drawing signatures, initialing, or inserting images. You can customize signature appearance, assign signing order, and get real-time status tracking.
This signature app shines for team document collaboration too. Multiple team members can access a centralized dashboard to create, edit, and e-sign agreements using shared templates and signature tools.
Signaturely offers both a free basic individual plan and affordable paid team/business pricing tiers, giving you flexibility to upgrade as needed.
3. SignWell
If ironclad security and compliance are top priorities, SignWell brands itself as one of the most robust and trusted e-signature solutions. This generator meets the highest industry certifications for encrypted digital signatures.
SignWell’s feature set includes advanced biometric ID verification, embedded signatures with full audit trails, and strict compliance with data protection regulations like HIPAA. You also get custom branding, mobile apps, and pre-built templates.
While SignWell specializes in enterprise-grade security, they do provide a free basic individual plan to try out the core functionality. Paid options unlock team management, API integrations, and advanced admin controls.
4. Sign.Plus
As the name implies, Sign.Plus aims to deliver an effortless e-signature experience for everyone. Their free online signature maker tool is incredibly easy to use, allowing you to create custom digital signatures in seconds.
With Sign.Plus, you can generate typed or handwritten signatures and edit elements like color, thickness, font and angle to achieve the perfect look. Then simply download your signature as a PNG image file to insert anywhere.
The tool works across all devices and platforms, and you can even scan in your physical paper signature using their mobile app. Sign.Plus never stores your uploaded signature to protect privacy.
While free for basic signature creation, Sign.Plus does offer premium paid plans with more advanced functionality like audit trails, team sharing, and dedicated customer support.
5. CocoSign
Rounding out our list is CocoSign, a user-friendly and cost-effective way to streamline digital document workflows with e-signatures. Their intuitive interface makes the signing process as simple as attaching files and adding signatures.
Key capabilities of CocoSign include the ability to automate tasks with bulk sending, generate reusable templates, remotely access documents, and verify signer identity with address-based authentication. The built-in Salesforce integration is a plus for sales teams.
In terms of pricing, CocoSign offers month-to-month plans with no hidden fees, making it an affordable solution for both individual users and small businesses operating on a budget. They also provide 24/7 premium customer support.
Making Your Choice
In the modern digital era, finding a reliable online signature generator is essential for boosting productivity and maintaining professional standards. The signature makers highlighted above each offer their own blend of standout features and pricing.
For a well-rounded free option with unlimited signatures, OnlineSignatures.net Signatures is a top choice. Teams seeking real-time collaboration should consider Signaturely’s centralized dashboard. Need airtight document security? SignWell could be the answer. Just looking for basic e-signature creation? Sign.Plus and CocoSign deliver simple, no-frills solutions.
No matter which product you choose, transitioning to an online signature generator will save you and your team countless hours while elevating your document processes to stay current with today’s tech-driven workplace.