ESignature Software for Business With SignNow
Award-winning eSignature solution
What SignNow does
SignNow is eSignature software for business that lets teams send, sign, and store documents digitally instead of using paper or manual scanning. Users upload a file, add signature fields, choose recipients, and send a secure signing request. The platform records key events such as delivery, access, and completion in an audit trail. It supports U.S. business use under ESIGN and UETA, and it can fit regulated workflows when teams apply the right access, retention, and authentication controls.
Key features for business use
SignNow combines signing, routing, storage, and admin controls to support business workflows without making the process harder than paper.
Templates
Create reusable templates for contracts, forms, and approvals so teams can send the same document structure again without rebuilding fields each time.
Routing
Route documents in order and keep signer roles clear, which helps operations teams reduce delays and keep the approval path visible.
Audit trail
Track delivery, opens, signatures, and completion in one record so administrators can review what happened without searching across inboxes.
Mobile access
Use mobile apps and browser access to complete signatures on desktop, iPhone, iPad, or Android when signers are not at a desk.
Plan scaling
Add bulk send, kiosk mode, and quick invite links on higher plans when the workflow needs faster distribution or in-person signing.
Integrations
Connect with tools such as Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Box, and Procore so document data moves with less manual reentry.
Security and compliance
Encryption:
Storage protection:
Certification:
Security management:
Privacy compliance:
Healthcare compliance:
Best ROI. Our customers achieve an average 7x ROI within the first six months.
Scales with your use cases. From SMBs to mid-market, airSlate SignNow delivers results for businesses of all sizes.
Intuitive UI and API. Sign and send documents from your apps in minutes.
A quick vendor comparison
SignNow appears first for a practical, compliance-focused comparison of core business eSignature features and vendor availability.
| Recommended | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESIGN and UETA support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sending limits | Unlimited | Limited by tier | Limited by tier |
| Audit trail included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo |
| HIPAA support | Yes, BAA required | Yes, BAA available | Yes, BAA available |
Business types that benefit most
Different business sizes use SignNow for different signing volumes, approval structures, and compliance needs.
Solo practitioners and small firms use SignNow to send engagement letters, nondisclosure agreements, and invoices without maintaining a paper filing process. The simple per-user pricing and unlimited users on paid plans help small teams scale document handling without adding administrative overhead. Mid-market operations teams use SignNow for recurring approval flows, internal forms, and customer agreements that need templates, reminders, and role-based routing. Business Premium and Enterprise features fit teams that want bulk send, kiosk mode, and more structured signer authentication. Enterprise administrators and regulated organizations use SignNow for SSO, API-driven workflows, and records that need stronger governance. Site License and Enterprise options support centralized control, while HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001, and 21 CFR Part 11 requirements stay in scope.
These tasks are executed by both individual contributors and centralized administrators depending on organizational policy and required controls.
Operational best practices
A stable signing program depends on consistent templates, the right authentication level, and clear retention and access rules.
Standardize your templates
Match authentication to risk
Store records together
Limit user permissions
A simple signing workflow
Use a short workflow to move documents from draft to signature, then keep the completed file and supporting record together.
Set up document:
Upload or create the document, then add fillable fields and signer roles. Route for signing:
Choose recipients, set the signing order, and attach a message. Track progress:
Send the request and monitor opens, reminders, and completion status. Archive record:
Download the signed PDF and keep the audit trail with it.
How eSignature workflows work
SignNow moves a document from preparation to signature, tracking each action so teams can route, sign, and store records with less manual follow-up.
Prepare document: Create a document in SignNow and define who must sign first. Deliver for signature: Send secure signing links by email or shareable access. Collect signatures: Signers review, complete fields, and e-sign on any device. Store and verify: Track completion through the audit trail and archive the record.
Inside the audit trail
The audit trail records identity, timing, and document integrity so teams can verify what happened during signing.
Signer authentication:
Timestamp capture:
Document hashing:
Tamper-evident sealing:
Event history:
Retrieval and export:
Ways to send and sign
- Use the web app when a team member sends a contract from a desktop browser and wants the full document view with routing controls.
- Use the mobile app when a signer is away from the office and needs to complete a request on iPhone or Android.
- Use kiosk mode when people sign in person at a front desk, event booth, or service counter.
- Use shareable signing links when many recipients need access without repeated email invitations.
Recommended workflow settings
Use settings that balance business speed with traceable, defensible records and the retention rules that apply to your documents.
| Setting | Recommended option |
|---|---|
| Authentication method | SMS OTP for moderate assurance |
| Signature type | SES with audit trail |
| Audit trail | Enabled for every completed file |
| Document retention | 6 years for HIPAA records |
| Encryption | TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 |
Platform and browser requirements
SignNow works in modern browsers and on mobile devices, with secure access over TLS 1.2/1.3 for supported web sessions and native app support on iOS and Android.
Browser support Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge Desktop systems Windows and macOS desktops Mobile access iOS and Android mobile apps
Enterprise and regulated rollouts usually add managed devices, SSO, API access, and retention controls so administrators can govern users, documents, and exports without weakening auditability or compliance.
Risks of improper eSignature use
Weak attribution
Consent gap
Evidence gap
State-law exclusion
Common workflow challenges
Teams often lose time when signature requests are routed to the wrong person or sent without a clear signing order. Paper-heavy follow-up slows approvals when a document needs multiple signers, redlined changes, or a final archive copy. Without consistent templates, repeated forms can vary in fields, signer roles, and required approvals across departments. Disconnected storage makes it harder to find the final PDF, audit trail, and related consent records together.
Industry examples
These examples show how different industries use SignNow to reduce paper handling, speed approvals, and preserve signed records.
Real estate
A real estate team needs faster lease execution across locations and devices.
- Martin Properties processed leases online.
- Mobile and offline signing simplified turnaround.
Martin Properties said it could process and execute documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security, including mobile and offline workflows. That matters when lease and property documents need quick turnaround without in-person meetings or paper handling, especially across multiple locations and signers.
Healthcare
A healthcare practice needs secure patient forms, cleaner intake, and reliable consent records.
- Fertility Centers of Illinois relied on the API.
- Responsive support helped streamline patient document flows.
Fertility Centers of Illinois reported that the SignNow API was great and the team was responsive. For healthcare operations, that kind of workflow support matters because patient forms often need tighter access control, clear timestamps, and records that can be retrieved later for compliance.
Pricing and key features
Prices reflect verified entry-tier annual billing data, and feature availability can change by plan and contract terms.
| Features | SignNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free trial | 7 days | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified | Not verified |
| Bulk send | Business Premium | Tier-dependent | Tier-dependent | Yes | Tier-dependent |
| Audit trail | Included | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| HIPAA support | BAA required | Avail. on plan | Avail. on plan | Not verified | Not verified |
Business signing timeline
The signing process is usually fast, but the exact pace depends on the number of signers, approvals, and internal review steps.
Document preparation
Delivery to signers
Signer turnaround
Completion and archival
Document retention schedule
Retention depends on the governing rule for each record class, so the signed file, audit trail, and related evidence should stay together.
6 years for HIPAA records
6 years for FINRA files
Keep as required by IRS
Validation and audit trail required
Retain under education policy
Legal standing for U.S. business use
Electronic signatures are generally enforceable in U.S. business transactions under ESIGN and UETA when the signer’s intent, attribution, and record integrity are clear. SignNow supports admissible records through audit trails, timestamps, and tamper-evident documents. Wills, certain court orders, and other excluded documents still require separate treatment under applicable law.
FAQ and troubleshooting
These answers cover plan limits, compliance requirements, and common delivery questions so teams can resolve signing issues with less back-and-forth.
SignNow Business includes legally binding eSignatures, audit trails, templates, and mobile apps. If you need bulk send or kiosk mode, Business Premium adds those features. For HIPAA workflows, use a BAA and confirm the plan supports your document type.
21 CFR Part 11 workflows need 2FA, session timeouts, and retained document history. SignNow supports these controls, but regulated life sciences users should confirm configuration and validation requirements before use. Enterprise or Site License options may fit higher-control environments better.
HIPAA use requires a signed BAA and controls for access, integrity, and audit logging. SignNow states HIPAA compliance with a BAA. Keep PHI in encrypted records, limit access, and retain signed documents for 6 years under 45 CFR 164.530(j)(2).
Unlimited users are included on paid SignNow plans, but feature access differs by tier. Business Premium adds bulk send and kiosk mode, while Enterprise adds formula fields, conditional fields, and advanced signer authentication. Site License adds SSO and full API access.
Electronic signatures are admissible under ESIGN and UETA when you can show intent, attribution, and record integrity. SignNow’s audit trail, timestamps, and tamper-evident records help document those elements. Certain documents, including wills and some court orders, remain excluded.
If a signer cannot access the document on desktop, use the SignNow mobile apps or a shareable signing link. Review authentication settings, confirm the recipient email address, and resend the request if the original invitation expired or was removed.
Key performance indicators that demonstrate SignNow's proven track record.