Digital signature free It is the process of validating an electronic document at no cost, using digital means for authentication and recording of agreement. The method replaces physical paper, reduces bureaucracy, and allows signing PDF files on any device, maintaining legal validity according to Brazilian law.
To be relevant in the market and attract customers who are aware of the technologies of the moment, companies need to be aware of their consumption habits, which involves digitally signing documents. If you know this and were looking for a solution to free digital subscription, you have come to the right place.
In this post, we'll outline the steps to achieve this, as well as clarify the concepts and benefits that a digital signature can bring. Let's get started?
Summary
- The concept of a digital signature and its relationship to electronic signatures.
- Differences between digital and electronic signatures.
- Step-by-step guide to creating a free digital signature with ZapSign.
- Operational benefits: speed, mobility, cost reduction, and safety.
- Administrative impacts, such as the organization and disposal of physical documents.
Quick facts
- Around 95% of companies already use or plan to use digital signature solutions, according to a study by forms.app.
- Uncertainty about validity remains the biggest global obstacle, according to a report by European Parliament, reinforcing the importance of clear standards.
- Research shows that digital signatures reduce costs and speed up authentication, according to a study by MDPI.
What is a free digital signature?
Free digital signature It is a type of electronic signature that uses digital methods to validate the signer's identity, record agreement, and guarantee the authenticity of the electronic document, supporting PDF files and mobile devices.
As many people are used to physically signing documents, it is common for a question to arise: is digitally signing a document legally valid?
The answer is yes. THE Provisional Measure No. 2.200-2 of 2001 ensures that a digital firm is legally valid, which allows entrepreneurs to use it.
What is the difference between digital signature and electronic signature?
As we said, the digital signature is within the types of electronic signature which can range from biometrics and facial recognition to login and password authentication. This is the main difference.
In fact, on 24/09/2020, the Law No. 14.063 / 2020 that makes the use of electronic signatures available in interaction with public entities.
Thus, in the digital signature, encryption is required to make it valid when using a dedicated solution, as we will present below.
| Technical element | Digital signature | Electronic signature |
|---|---|---|
| Technological base | Cryptography and technical validation | Various methods (password, biometrics, token) |
| Identification document: | PDF and other digital formats | Various digital files |
| Legal validity | Proven by certification and protocol. | It varies depending on the method and context. |
| Practical use | Structured and formal contracts | Extensive digital interactions |
💡 Tip! Need a free digital signature? Click here and create yours now!
How to create a free digital signature step by step.
Now let's see how you can make your digital signature for free using ZapSign, a electronic signature.
Step 1: Register on the platform
To use ZapSign's services, the first step is to register for the plan that is most convenient for you. Are they:
- professional plan: it allows you to collect up to 20 document signatures, in addition to including up to 6 users for R$ 29 per month;
- full plan: when using it, document subscriptions are unlimited and it allows the inclusion of up to 11 users, the price is R$ 65 per month.
In case you are still not sure which plan to choose and you want to try the tool first, no problem.
ZapSign has a essential plan to get you started for free by issuing up to 5 subscriptions per month.
In this tutorial, we are going to show you how to get started with the free plan by having simpler steps. First, visit the ZapSign website via computer or mobile phone and click on “Try Free”.
After clicking, the next screen will ask you to enter your email and password to log in every time you access the platform.
Then click on “Create Account” to complete the registration.
Step 2: Upload the document to the platform
ZapSign only accepts files PDF, so you need to have the document in this format or use some converter.
Once this is done, click on “+ NEW” to bring up the upload screen.
Then select the file you have on your computer or phone and click on “Select Document” to execute the action.
Step 3: Insert the signatories
After having the document on the platform, it is necessary to define who will sign it. This is shown on the next screen, as seen below.
Basically, you only need to enter the name of the person who will sign the document. However, if you need to collect more information, the advanced authentication option allows you to request data such as email, phone and identity.
After clicking continue, ZapSign will ask you to choose which part of the document the signature will be placed on.
This functionality was created on purpose, as many people are still used to signing contracts manually on specific lines.
Thus, this insertion reproduces the experience of the physical signature so that signatories who are not used to digital do not find the process strange.
After making this setting, click on “Save and continue”.
Step 4: Send the subscription link
Finally, it's time to ask people to sign the document.
If you are already in contact with them, you can copy the signature link generated by ZapSign and send it to them.
Nowadays, it is common to close deals by WhatsApp. So, if you are chatting with the signer through the app, the ZapSign platform has an option to send the signing link through it.
On the other hand, if you prefer to formalize this type of operation by email, you can click on the option I made “I want ZapSign to send signature links to signatories” and a field will open to enter the email of the people who must sign the document.
Then click on “Submit and Finish” to access the next step.
Step 5: Receive the subscription
After sending the document link, the person who must sign it will receive it and, when clicking on it, you will see a screen like the print below.
The signatory will be asked to fill in the full name, e-mail, telephone and click on “Continue”.
Then, a screen will be presented in which the person, if accessing the ZapSign platform through phone, you can sign it with your finger, as we do for physical documents using a pen.
Ready! After completing these 5 steps, the subscription process is complete.
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Benefits of digital signatures in electronic documents
Now let's see the benefits of online document signature.
faster
How communication is adopting processes faster and faster, it is common for people to expect the same agility when talking to companies. Proof of this is that the online service, nowadays, is lighter and doesn't make people wait too long to solve their problems.
The same goes for signing documents. When this procedure is done physically, it is necessary to wait for them to reach their recipients so that they can sign and send them back if the parties cannot be together in the same place to carry out the signature.
In digital signature, this problem does not happen. It takes just a few seconds, making the process much faster.
Less bureaucracy
The steps of physically signing a document can be quite bureaucratic. In some cases, it is necessary for the parties to go to the registry office to recognize the signatures. As much as this is not mandatory by law, it is a reinforcement of public faith from the moment the notary confirms that the signatures belong to the signatories.
When a company closes a few contracts per month, perhaps the realization of this format is not so time consuming. But when you need to collect signatures from multiple customers, vendors, and employees, it's not practical.
Signing documents digitally reduces these bureaucracies, in addition to maintaining the legal validity that protects all parties involved.
Student Exchange
As much as a company has a physical office, its owners and managers are not there all the time. After all, meetings in other places, business trips and the adoption of a hybrid work model that includes the home office makes them stay away from their captive work desks.
If this is your scenario, how do you sign a document if you need to be at the office and you can't go because you're somewhere else? Adopting a digital signature model brings this advantage: being able to sign documents anywhere.
By using ZapSign, both you and anyone else have the ability to sign documents using a smartphone, no matter where you are.
administrative organization
Considering that documents are evidence of agreements made with your employees, suppliers or customers, it is essential to keep them. But if they are physical documents, this requires space.
If you've ever been to an office accounting, must have seen a room with many metal cabinets full of papers. All are documents that are part of their work routine. Imagine how hard it must be to find a contract among them.
On the other hand, when documents are stored digitally, space becomes the limit of cloud storage and searching for a file comes down to the agility of a ctrl+F.
Reduced costs
Signing physical documents requires several costs, such as: reams, printer toner, motoboy or post office expenses, among others.
When we look at this cost individually, it doesn't make much difference to your cash flow. However, when many contracts are generated and you do the multiplication, you can see how much you could have saved if you had chosen to digitize your documents.
Safety
As much as it is valid by law, many people are afraid to make an agreement verbally or merely signed on a piece of paper in tow. This is because security is required in contractual arrangements.
This thought also permeates the minds of the public who may do business with you. Therefore, offering a digital solution in terms of signature conveys greater security.
Considering that it is a quick, practical operation that is covered by the entire legal validity, people will feel safe when signing a contract like you.
Now that you've reached the end of this article, you know how to create a free digital signature using ZapSign. However, what do you think about talking to us to find out which premium plan suits you best? We have that provision! Just click here to request the contact of a consultant!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a free digital signature?
It is the process of authenticating and validating electronic documents at no cost, using digital methods that record agreement and guarantee legal authenticity.
Is a free digital signature legally valid?
Yes. Brazilian law recognizes electronic and digital signatures, provided that the method guarantees authenticity, integrity, and identification of the signatory.
Which documents can receive a free digital signature?
Electronic documents in PDF format are the most commonly used, but the method can be applied to various digital files, depending on the needs of the process.
Do I need to install any software to use a free digital signature?
Not necessarily. Digital platforms allow you to send, sign, and validate documents directly in your browser or on your mobile phone.
Can I use a free digital signature on my mobile phone?
Yes. The method works on smartphones, allowing you to sign documents anywhere with internet access.
Getúlio Santos is the CEO of ZapSign, a lawyer, technology enthusiast, and entrepreneur.
