Electronic signatures can function just like signatures on paper
There are all kinds of electronic documents requiring signatures. There are several ways to sign a document electronically and these will vary depending on what the person or company requesting the signature wants or offers. They might want an actual handwritten signature that has been uploaded or they might simply want you to type your name in a certain field. They might also want a digital signature, which is a type of electronic signature with added security features.
Instructions
1. Capture or create your signature in an image file if you want a signature that looks handwritten. You can do this a variety of ways. You can scan a piece of paper that has your signature, you can use a paint program or a website like My Live Signature to draw your signature and then save it as a jpeg file; or, you can use certain applications on smartphones to draw the signature with your finger and send it to your computer. In a program like Microsoft Word, you can insert the image of the signature by clicking "Insert", then "Signature line". Click the signature box that appears and select "Insert image". Choose the file you saved containing your signature.
2. Type your name into required fields of a document. Some electronic signatures only require that you do this. Others may also want you to add a pin number, which they have given to you. Follow the exact instructions on write your name. If the document asks for a middle initial, include this. Likely, the document will want your name typed a certain way, consistently, throughout. Date the document where it prompts for this.
3. Sign a digital document provided to you from a third party called a certificate authority. One example uses encryption and decryption. Certain encrypting and decrypting technology uses public and private keys to ensure both parties involved are who they say they are. If the company or sender has their own way of encrypting and decrypting, they might send you the document directly. When signing an electronic document, there will be certain lines or fields where you will need to type out your name and other information requested of you.
