A digital signature It does not generally require that each page be initialed in order to verify the integrity of the file. initial in digital signature It functions primarily as a visual endorsement of science or conference; however, technical security depends on the signature method, authentications, and evidence linked to the document.
This doesn't mean the signature has lost all its usefulness. In certain workflows, companies still prefer to display signatures on specific pages based on organization, contractual custom, or ease of verification. In ZapSign, it's even possible to position signature fields in the document when this element makes sense for the process.
In this article, we explain the difference between initials, electronic signatures, and digital signatures, when a visa is not required, and how to configure signatures and initials on the platform.
Summary
- The signature is a visual verification and does not replace technical authentication and integrity mechanisms.
- Electronic documents generally do not need to reproduce the initials found on every page of a physical contract.
- Electronic signature, digital signature, and initial have different functions.
- ZapSign allows you to place your signature or initial at specific points on the document.
- The digital certificate has its own rules within the platform, including regarding the positioning and order of the signatories.
Quick facts
- Visa is optional in the process: a ZapSign Help Center It indicates that it is possible to place a signature or initial on the document, but also to proceed without placing them in the body of the file.
- Electronic integrity: a Provisional Measure No. 2.200-2/2001 It recognizes electronic documents and handles the verification of authorship and integrity, including through means other than ICP-Brasil, under the conditions stipulated in the standard.
- Three options: a Law No. 14.063 / 2020 It classifies electronic signatures as simple, advanced, and qualified, the latter being based on a digital certificate under the terms of ICP-Brasil.
What is digital signature?
A digital signature is a type of electronic signature which uses cryptographic mechanisms and a digital certificate to link the signatory to the document and allow verification of its integrity.
In a digital signature, protection does not depend on the visible design of the signature or an initial on each page. What matters technically is the cryptographic link between the signature, the certificate, and the electronic content.
If the file is altered in an incompatible way after signing, the validation may indicate that the original integrity has not been preserved. This is different from saying that an electronic file becomes literally "immutable": it can be modified, but the alteration may compromise the verification of the existing signature.
When we founded ZapSign, we had two very clear principles: legal validity and simplicity. I continue to view resources as a heading using the same logic. Reproducing a formality from paper only makes sense when it adds something to the process; digital security needs to protect without creating bureaucracy simply out of habit.
What is a rubric and what is its purpose on the pages of a contract?
Pills It is a short graphic representation, often used as seen on the pages of a document. In a physical setting, it traditionally helps to indicate that a particular sheet was part of the set reviewed or accepted by the parties.
However, it's best not to claim that a signature alone "proves" that the entire contract was read. It serves as a visual indication of acknowledgment or verification, and its legal significance should be analyzed in conjunction with the rest of the document and the circumstances.
In electronic media, this visual function can still be used, but it is not what technically protects the file against alterations nor does it identify the signer.
Is initialing required in a digital signature?
Generally, no. An electronic document does not need to reproduce the same initialing logic used on paper on every page for a digital signature to protect its integrity.
In digital signatures, cryptography links the signature to the electronic data in the file. Any subsequent relevant modifications can be identified during validation, without relying on a graphic mark placed page by page.
A MP 2.200-2/2001 It establishes the ICP-Brasil (Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure) and recognizes the legal effects of electronic documents, in addition to admitting other means of proving authorship and integrity under the conditions provided for in Article 10, § 2. The rule does not establish a general obligation to initial all pages of electronic documents.
On ZapSign itself, the current documentation states that the visa field is not mandatory for document validation. If a signatory does not fill in the visa field, this does not automatically invalidate the file within the workflow; the main element is the signature and the evidence generated by the process.
This does not prevent a company, a contracting party, or a specific procedure from requiring visas for a particular reason. The point is different: Visual branding should not be confused with the mechanism that guarantees authorship and integrity in the digital environment..
One of the lessons I learned from my experience with the digitization of Estonia was precisely this: transforming paper into PDF and repeating all the old steps is not, in itself, digital transformation. The gain appears when we understand why a step existed and verify if the technology already solves that problem in another way.
| Element | main function | Does it protect the integrity of the file? | Is it mandatory on all pages? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature or signature | Visual signal for science or conference. | No, in isolation. | Not as a general rule |
| Signature on screen | To represent the signatory's statement within the electronic flow. | It depends on the evidence and controls of the platform. | No |
| Digital signature with certificate | Cryptographically link signatory and document | It allows you to detect changes that are incompatible with the signature. | No |
| Audit report and trail | Record process events and data. | Provides supplementary evidence. | Not applicable |
💡 Tip! Need a free digital signature? Click here and create yours now!
How do I initial or initial a document in ZapSign?
Even though it's not a general technical requirement for digital signatures, ZapSign allows you to position checkmarks when you want that representation to appear on specific pages.
The images below belong to the original tutorial and have been preserved for their educational value. As the interface is constantly evolving, some button names or visual elements may appear different in the current version.
Step 1: Log in to the system
Start by accessing the our website and log in to your account to open the platform's dashboard.
Step 2: Generate a new document.
In the ZapSign dashboard, use the option to create a new document and start the signature workflow.
Step 3: Upload the document.
Select the file to be signed. PDF It remains a widely used format for preserving the document's presentation during the process.
Before proceeding, review the submitted version and confirm names, values, clauses, pages, and other important information.
Step 4: Choose the authentication method.
Register the signatories and configure the authentications appropriate to the document's risk. If you specifically need a qualified signature, you can use a [feature/tool/method - context needed]. digital certificate.
ZapSign's current documentation maintains some specific conditions for this method:
- The use of a digital certificate currently costs 5 credits, equivalent to R$ 0,50 per subscription;
- A signature made with a digital certificate cannot yet be positioned or edited in the document;
- Signatories configured for digital certificates must be last in the signing order;
- Before sending, confirm that the recipient has a valid A1 or A3 certificate; our content on how to do this is available here. check the validity This explains that care.
These rules also show why a signature and a digital certificate should not be treated as the same thing. A visual signature may be useful for presenting the contract, while qualified authentication works through a different technical mechanism.
Step 5: Add your own signature, if needed.
If you are also among those who need to sign, include your name in the flow and proceed to the placement step.
Step 6: Position signatures and endorsements.
In the placement step, click on the desired location and choose from the signature and visa options available to that signatory.
ZapSign's Help Center also states that you can proceed without placing these elements in the document body. When placed, there is still the option to copy the fields to subsequent pages, which simplifies lengthy documents.
In practice, I prefer to think of the visa as a choice of experience and organization, and not as a fictitious layer of security. More recently, when we worked with Open Gateway to strengthen identity validation at ZapSign, the goal was precisely to add real security without creating new friction for those signing.
Step 7: Generate and send the subscription links.
After reviewing the fields, generate the links for the participants. If communication with the client, partner, or supplier takes place via... WhatsAppThe link can be shared through this channel, depending on the available resources.
It is also possible to use other means of communication or configure automatic sending options offered by the platform.
Step 8: Organize the signatories
If the document requires sequential signatures, configure the order of participants. This way, each step can be released after the previous one is completed.
Step 9: Finalize the procedure.
Review the recipients, message, reminders, deadline, and other settings before finalizing the sending. After that, the progress of the subscriptions can be tracked in the dashboard.
Step 10: The signatories sign the document.
Upon receiving the link, each person accesses the document, reviews the content, and goes through the authentication steps configured by the sender.
When using on-screen signature, the signer can draw the signature with their finger or mouse, upload an image, or use other options provided by the system. If there is a field for approval, the workflow may also request it.
After completion, ZapSign keeps a report with evidence of the process. Thus, the probative value does not depend solely on the appearance of the signature or initials inserted in the PDF.
⚠️ Also check out these related articles 👇
➡️ Learn how to sign with a digital certificate
➡️ Understand what a digital signature verifier is for
➡️ What is a digital contract and how to adopt one for your company
Therefore, the rubric remains available when it helps in organizing or reading the document, but it should not be confused with the technology that authenticates and protects an electronic signature. If you want to learn more about the platform's features, just click here!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At ZapSign, you can place a signature field on the desired page during document preparation. The signature acts as a visual element; authentication and integrity depend on the signature method and the evidence generated by the process.
Not as a general rule. Electronic documents can preserve authorship and integrity through their own signature and authentication mechanisms. A signature can be used for convenience, custom, or specific requirement, but it is not a universal technical requirement for every page.
Not necessarily. A signature usually functions as a check or graphic sign of acknowledgment. An electronic signature involves a declaration of intent and evidence of authorship and integrity. The legal effect of each element depends on the context and formalities applicable to the document.
A rubric is a visual mark used as a signature. A digital signature, on the other hand, uses a certificate and cryptography to link the signatory to the document and allow verification of its integrity. Therefore, the two resources serve different functions.
Not generally. Current ZapSign documentation states that the placement of signatures and checkmarks is optional and that the checkmark field is not required to validate the document. It can be used when the process requires this visual representation.
Getúlio Santos is the CEO of ZapSign, a lawyer, technology enthusiast, and entrepreneur.
