How Do I Sign Something Electronically With SignNow

Award-winning eSignature solution

What electronic signing means

An electronic signature is a digital way to show intent to sign a record, and it works by linking a signer to a document through a defined signing process. In the U.S., that usually means the signer opens a file or online form, reviews the content, confirms identity if needed, and applies a signature by clicking, typing, drawing, or using a signature certificate. The platform then records the event, stores the signed document, and preserves evidence such as timestamps, signer details, and an audit trail.

Why electronic signing matters

It reduces paper handling, speeds approvals, and creates a record that can support enforceability under ESIGN and UETA when the signer’s intent, consent, and attribution are documented.

Why teams look for DocuSign alternatives

Frequent signing pain points

Signers may miss required fields, which delays completion and creates avoidable back-and-forth.
Weak identity checks can make it harder to prove who actually signed the document.
Missing consent language can create compliance issues for electronic delivery and signing.
Poor record retention can leave teams without the audit trail needed for disputes or reviews.

Business documents

Teams use electronic signing for contracts, approvals, disclosures, and forms that need a clear record of intent.

Operational workflows

It fits onboarding, healthcare forms, lease packets, tax records, and other signed records that need fast turnaround.

People who benefit most

A real estate operations manager at a brokerage uses signNow to send lease agreements, rental applications, and closing packets from one workflow. The value is faster turnaround, fewer in-person meetings, and a cleaner record of who signed what and when across mobile and desktop devices.
A director of NetSuite operations at a large technology distributor uses signNow to route the right documents to the right approvers in the right order. The workflow helps keep approvals aligned with ERP data, reduces manual follow-up, and supports more consistent internal and external document handling.

be ready to get more

Get legally-binding signatures now!

Start free trial

Request a call

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.

Audit trail

Create a signing flow that captures intent, records activity, and keeps the signed file tied to its history.

Mobile signing

Send documents from desktop or mobile so signers can complete forms without printing or scanning.

Templates

Use templates to reuse approved forms, reduce setup time, and keep recurring documents consistent.

Routing

Route documents in order so each signer receives the file only after the prior step is complete.

Status tracking

Track completion status so teams can see where a document is stuck and follow up quickly.

Record integrity

Store signed records with tamper-evident evidence so the final file is easier to defend later.

Connected workflows and systems

Connected systems move documents, signer data, and completed files between the tools teams already use, reducing duplicate entry and manual uploads.

How the signing flow works

The signing process follows a simple sequence from document preparation to final record storage.

Add document: Upload or prepare the document in signNow.
Set recipients: Assign signers and required fields.
Send request: Send the signing request securely.
Collect record: Receive the completed file and audit trail.

Quick steps to get started

Use a short setup sequence to prepare a document, route it, and collect signatures without extra steps.

Upload file:
Upload the file you want signed.
Prepare document:
Add names, fields, and signature spots.
Assign signers:
Choose how each signer should receive it.
Send for signature:
Review the setup, then send it.

Setting	Recommendation
Authentication method	SMS OTP for higher assurance
Signature type	SES for routine U.S. contracts
Audit trail	Enable full event logging
Document retention	6 years for HIPAA records
Encryption	TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256

Devices and browsers supported

signNow works across major browsers and mobile devices, with secure access over modern TLS connections.

Desktop browsers Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge on Windows and macOS.
Mobile devices iOS and Android mobile apps for signing on phones.
Connection security TLS 1.2 or TLS 1.3 for secure access.

For managed deployments, teams often pair browser access with mobile apps, SSO, and API-based workflows. Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android support mixed-device signing, while enterprise controls can help align access, retention, and identity requirements across departments.

Security and compliance basics

Encryption:

TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit

Storage protection:

AES-256 at rest

Independent controls:

SOC 2 Type II available

Security management:

ISO 27001 certified

Healthcare use:

HIPAA support with BAA

Legal framework:

ESIGN and UETA aligned

Real estate operations

A brokerage team needed to move lease packets faster while keeping a clear record of approvals.

Lease agreements
Rental applications

The team used signNow to reduce paper handling and keep signatures organized across mobile and desktop workflows.

ERP operations

A technology operations leader needed the right signatures on the right documents inside an ERP-driven process.

NetSuite routing
Approval order

signNow helped keep document routing aligned with system data and improved consistency across internal and external approvals.

Practical ways to improve signing

A few consistent habits make electronic signing easier to manage, easier to review, and easier to defend later.

Set a clear signing order

Use a signer order when approvals must happen in sequence, and keep required fields visible so each person knows what to complete before sending.

Choose identity checks by risk

Match the authentication method to document risk. Use stronger verification for healthcare, finance, or real estate records that may need more evidence later.

Preserve the full record

Keep consent, timestamps, and completion records together so the final file can support internal review, audits, or later dispute resolution.

Standardize recurring documents

Standardize templates for recurring forms so teams reuse approved language, reduce setup errors, and keep the signing experience consistent across departments.

FAQ and troubleshooting

These answers focus on plan limits, compliance needs, and the evidence signNow records during a signing workflow.

signNow Business includes legally binding eSignatures, audit trails, templates, and mobile apps. If a document is missing evidence, check that the audit trail is enabled and that the signer completed the full flow under ESIGN and UETA requirements.

The Business Premium plan adds bulk send, which helps when one document must go to many recipients. If you need higher-volume routing or advanced controls, review whether your plan includes the feature before sending.

HIPAA use requires a BAA, plus controls that support unique user identification, integrity, and audit logging under 45 CFR 164.312. signNow supports HIPAA workflows when the account is set up with the right agreement and retention practices.

For 21 CFR Part 11 workflows, use validated processes, secure audit trails, and unique signer credentials. The platform must preserve time-stamped records and identity evidence for regulated electronic records and signatures.

If a signer says the document was altered, compare the completed file against the audit trail and tamper-evident record. signNow’s signed record should show the signing sequence, timestamps, and document history.

The Business plan starts at $8/user/mo with annual billing, while higher tiers add bulk send, advanced authentication, and enterprise controls. If a feature is unavailable, confirm whether it belongs to a higher plan.

signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	HelloSign
Audit trail	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope cap	No cap	100/year	Not verified
Starting price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo

Day 0:

Set up the account and prepare the first document.

Day 1:

Send the first signature request to one signer.

Week 1:

Onboard the full team and standardize templates.

7-day trial:

signNow includes a 7-day free trial, no credit card required.

HIPAA retention:

Keep signed PHI records for 6 years under 45 CFR 164.530(j)(2).

ESIGN consent:

Capture electronic consent before relying on electronic delivery.

Part 11 records:

Retain secure audit trails for FDA-regulated records.

Ongoing review:

Recheck access, retention, and authentication settings quarterly.

Risks of a poor signing process

Weak attribution

Document may be harder to enforce.

Missing trail

Audit evidence may be challenged.

No BAA

HIPAA records may fail review.

Part 11 gap

FDA records may be rejected.

Authenticate signer:

Verify the signer’s identity before access is granted.

Record timestamp:

Capture the signing event time in UTC.

Create document hash:

Hash the document to detect later changes.

Seal the record:

Apply a tamper-evident seal after signing.

Preserve audit trail:

Store the event history with the signed file.

Retrieve evidence:

Export the record for review or retention.

	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	Not verified	Not verified	Yes	Not verified
Audit trail	Included	Included	Included	Included	Included
HIPAA compliance	BAA required	BAA available	BAA available	Not verified	Not verified

28M+Documents signed

13+Years in business

4.6/5Average G2 rating