People use "digital signature" and "electronic signature" interchangeably, but they’re different things -- and the difference matters when you’re dealing with contracts, legal documents, or anything that might end up in court.
An electronic signature is broad: a typed name, a drawn squiggle, a scanned image of your handwriting. It proves you intended to sign.
A digital signature is specific: it uses cryptographic certificates to verify your identity and prove the document hasn’t been altered since you signed it. It’s the stronger option for high-stakes documents.
| Feature | Electronic Signature | Digital Signature |
|---|---|---|
| Security Level | Low to Medium | High |
| Legal Acceptance | Varies by jurisdiction | Widely accepted as legally binding |
| Verification | Often none | Cryptographic verification |
| Use Cases | General documents, low-risk approvals | High-stakes contracts, legal documents |
Now that we know the differences, let’s get into the step-by-step of adding these to your PDFs using StackBloom’s PDF Suite.
How to Add an Electronic Signature to a PDF
For most everyday documents -- internal approvals, low-risk agreements -- an electronic signature is fine. Here’s how to add one using StackBloom’s PDF Suite:
Step 1: Open Your PDF in PDF Suite
Upload your document or open it from your dashboard. This takes about 30 seconds.
Step 2: Select the E-Sign Tool
Click the E-Sign tool in the toolbar. If you need help, there's a guide at help/pdf-suite-signatures.
Step 3: Create Your Signature
You have three options: type your name (the tool generates a signature-style font), draw it with your mouse or touchpad, or upload an image of your handwritten signature.
Step 4: Place the Signature
Click where you’d like to place the signature and resize it if needed. That’s it.
How to Add a Digital Signature to a PDF
For contracts, legal documents, or anything where tamper-proofing matters, use a digital signature. Here’s how with the E-Sign tools:
Step 1: Access Your Document
Open your PDF the same way as before.
Step 2: Choose the Digital Signature Option
Select the digital signature option. This differs from the electronic version because it uses a certificate to verify your identity.
Step 3: Set Up Your Digital Signature
You’ll need a digital certificate. If you don’t have one, StackBloom walks you through obtaining it. The setup takes a few minutes the first time; after that, the certificate is saved for future use.
Step 4: Sign and Secure
Place your digital signature on the document. The software encrypts it, ensuring the document can't be altered after signing without breaking the seal.
Real-World Use Cases for Digital and Electronic Signatures
Let’s put this into perspective. Imagine you're working for TechNova Solutions, a mid-sized IT company. You constantly need to send NDAs and service agreements to clients. For NDAs, an electronic signature suffices. It's quick and efficient. But for service agreements involving sensitive data, you’d opt for a digital signature to guarantee security and compliance.
Or consider Bloom Health, a healthcare provider. For patient consent forms, electronic signatures are perfect. However, when dealing with contracts with suppliers, digital signatures ensure the agreements are secure and compliant with industry standards.
Which One Should You Use?
Use electronic signatures for internal approvals, simple agreements, and low-risk documents. Use digital signatures for contracts with outside parties, legal documents, and anything where you need to prove the document wasn’t tampered with.
Both options are available in StackBloom’s PDF Suite and E-Sign tools.
