Digital signature free It is a form of electronic signature that validates the authorship of a document through digital mechanisms, using cryptography and a digital certificate to prove the signatory's identity and give legal validity to the file, including in PDF format.
In the middle of the digital era, the implementation of technological tools is necessary for the most diverse companies of all types. There are numerous practices for modernizing corporate procedures, and, within this context, the free digital signature stands out as one of the most relevant on the market.
However, despite being an essential tool for improving the effectiveness of business activities, it is still common that there are many doubts about it, both in terms of the ways in which the digital signature can be used and its effective benefits.
In this article, we explain everything about the subject and provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a free digital signature. Shall we continue?
Summary
- Technical definition of digital signature and its relationship to electronic signature.
- Legal basis for the validity and use of digital certificates and key infrastructure standards.
- Step-by-step guide to creating a free account and starting subscriptions.
- Procedure for uploading a PDF file and defining signatories.
- Advanced authentication settings and signature placement in the document.
- Practical advantages: speed, cost reduction, mobility, and agility in processes.
Quick facts
- Digital signatures use cryptographic techniques to ensure authenticity, integrity, and non-repudiation in electronic documents.
- Documents signed electronically at the federal level may have the same legal validity as physical documents when legal requirements are met.
- It is possible to verify the authenticity of digital signatures issued on public infrastructure and in digital identity accounts free of charge.
Free digital signature: what it is and how it relates to electronic signatures.
Free digital signature It is a type of electronic signature which validates the authorship of a document through digital mechanisms, combining cryptography and digital certificates to prove the signatory's identity and guarantee the legal validity of the file.
In other words, it is a resource that, based on cryptography, virtual key and digital certificate, makes it possible to prove the identity of the signatories in a safe way – and with the same legality as a handwritten signature on paper documents.
This is because the electronic signature has legal validity in virtually every country in the world. In Brazil, it was introduced by several norms, in particular by article 10, paragraph 2, of the Provisional Measure No. 2.200-2/2001 and by Provisional Measure No. 983 of 2020.
In the digital signature, to prove its authorship, the signatory uses a digital certificate issued by a certifying authority, according to the standards of the Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure (ICP-Brazil). Examples of digital certificates are the e-CNPJ and the OAB token used by lawyers, as well as different types of digital certificates, such as A1 and A3.
💡 Tip! Need a free digital signature? Click here and create yours now!
How to create a free digital signature: step by step
Now that you understand the concept and importance of the digital signature in your company's administrative routine, you must be wondering how to implement this tool in your processes, right?
ZapSign has its own platform, specially developed for the collection of electronic and digital signatures.
Featuring a simple, intuitive and strongly uncomplicated interface, the tool offers a powerful solution. Therefore, it is able to simplify the entire process of signing electronic documents, while guaranteeing the full legal validity of the signed documents.
To complete, the electronic signature platform ZapSign stands out for offering high levels of compatibility and multimedia integration, being accessible from both a personal computer, such as a PC or notebook, and a mobile device, such as a cell phone or tablet.
Still in the sense of high integrability, another advantage of the tool is its integration capabilities with various means of digital communication, ranging from traditional e-mail and SMS to the main messaging applications on the market, such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
To create your free ZapSign account, simply subscribe to our Essential Plan. This package allows you to send up to five documents per month.
All you need to do is access the our website and click the “Try Free” button to create your free account.
Then, a new screen will appear, so that you can create your account using your email, or your Google, Facebook, LinkedIn or Microsoft account.
After carrying out this brief procedure, your free account will be created and you will be forwarded to your home page on the platform.
It is worth remembering that ZapSign also has two paid packages: the Professional Plan and the Complete Plan, which offer extra benefits, such as sending more documents per month and the possibility of adding your team members to your profile, so that everyone use the platform with you.
How to make a digital signature for free?
To create your free digital signature, there is no mystery. Our tool has an extremely easy and fast process, especially if you follow the tutorial that we will present below, detailing step-by-step everything you need to do to carry out your free digital signature by ZapSign.
- Login
First, you must inform your login and password, and then you will be forwarded to the main page.
- create a document
Once inside the ZapSign dashboard, click on the “New” button to go to the next screen and create a new document.
- .PDF file upload
Click on “select document” to upload the document to be signed. The document must be in the format PDF – otherwise it will be necessary to convert the file, which can be done using this link.
On this screen, you must also specify who the signers are. You can add more signers by searching your address book – or if you want to sign the document, tap “I will sign”.
If desired, enable advanced authentication to configure some settings.
- Advanced settings (optional)
You can make the fields invisible in the final document or choose not to request the signer's email or phone number.
If you wish, request a selfie, ID photo or facial recognition. You can also choose the signer's authentication method and specify its role.
- position of signatures
The next step is to position the signatures, checkmarks and texts in the document. Just click on the screen, select the signer and select signature or visa.
Click the "Copy" icon on the signature or tick to save time copying the placement to the rest of your file's pages.
If you so wish, you can also add texts to your file, which will remain in the final document after signing. Click "Save and continue" to proceed to the next step.
| Process step | What the user does | Result in the flow |
|---|---|---|
| Create an account and log in. | Log in with your credentials and open the panel. | Access to the submission and signature environment. |
| Send file | Upload the document as a PDF and specify the signatories. | Document prepared for signature collection. |
| Collect signatures | Share links, set reminders, deadlines, and order. | Signatures collected with process tracking. |
- Sending Signature Links
Now it's time to share the subscription links. You can send them via WhatsApp, SMS, email, Telegram or any other channel you prefer.
You can enable automatic sending if you would like ZapSign to send the signature links via email for you.
Here, you can activate automatic reminders and even set a subscription deadline. It is also possible to define the order in which your signatories will sign the document.
Notifications will only reach a given signatory after the previous one has signed.
If you are one of the signatories, click on “Sign now” to check the document and make your signature.
- Verification of the document and its data
After checking the content of the document, click on “Sign” and confirm your details.
- signing
Now, just sign with your finger or mouse (or upload a photo of it). You can save this signature to use again, or clear it to redo it.
Ready! Your signature has already been made. Now, it already appears in the placed places and also in the subscriptions report.
Advantages of digital signatures in document workflow
The digital signature brings several benefits, among which we list the main ones below.
Faster document signing
Signing physical documents, when signed by parties who are not in the same place, requires the first signer to send it to the other person who must also sign – who, in turn, needs to send the document back to the sender after signing.
This is an extremely time-consuming process and can significantly delay the contracted actions. However, the digital signature speeds up and simplifies this type of process, since, with it, a single click is enough for the file to be signed.
Reduced costs
Signing a physical document requires several expenses, such as courier services, couriers and carriers, in addition to the cost of printing the documents.
Storing so much paper can also be quite expensive for the company, as some offices have entire rooms dedicated to storing printed documents.
Sustainability
The digital signature also represents benefits for the environment, since the reduction in material transport and paper consumption contribute, respectively, to the reduction of CO2 emissions and deforestation.
Decreased proliferation of viruses and bacteria
The storage of physical documents requires a series of precautions related to temperature, humidity and constant cleaning, in order to avoid the proliferation of insects, fungi and bacteria. By storing files in the cloud, all of this is no longer a problem.
Agility in closing deals
Commercial processes have become increasingly faster, which requires actions that follow the same pace. In this sense, the digital signature represents a more dynamic and effective option for closing more contracts per month.
Student Exchange
With a digital signature, you can quickly sign a document, even if you are in some other state where your signature is not notarized. To do so, all you need is a device connected to the Internet – even your cell phone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
How do I create a free digital signature on a document?
In general, the workflow involves accessing a platform, uploading the file in a supported format, defining signatories, positioning the signature fields, and sharing links for collection and completion.
Are digital signatures and electronic signatures the same thing?
No. A digital signature is a type of electronic signature that uses cryptography and a digital certificate to verify identity and reinforce the validity and integrity of the document.
Is it possible to sign PDF files for free?
Yes. The process usually allows you to upload the document as a PDF, define who will sign it, and send signature links, with a record of the signature progress.
How can we reduce bureaucracy when signing documents?
By using digital signatures, you avoid printing, physical mailings, and manual steps. The workflow becomes automated through links and authentication, with control over deadlines and reminders.
How to verify if a digital signature is authentic?
You can use an authenticity checker that verifies the signature and document status, helping to confirm integrity and authorship before accepting the file.
Now that you know how to make a free digital signature through ZapSign and what its benefits are, how about clicking here to learn more about our specialized platform?
Getúlio Santos is the CEO of ZapSign, a lawyer, technology enthusiast, and entrepreneur.
