Using a scanned or device-captured e signature reduces manual handling, speeds document turnaround, and maintains a verifiable electronic record that supports compliance and internal audit needs.
A corporate counsel who reviews signed agreements and requires a clear audit trail of signature placement, signer authentication, and document integrity checks. They rely on timestamped records and stored copies to support legal defensibility and regulatory responses.
An HR manager who collects employee onboarding forms and consents, needing a simple signer experience on mobile or desktop plus secure storage and controlled access for personnel records and audits.
Organizations combine signer identity checks and robust audit logs to reduce risk when relying on scanned signature assets in regulated or high-value transactions.
Multiple capture options let users upload scanned images, photograph signatures on mobile devices, or draw a signature on a touchscreen, providing flexibility for in-person and remote signer scenarios while keeping a consistent asset for placement.
Configurable tagging allows placing signature images alongside required fields, checkboxes, and dates, enabling precise document composition and enforcing required inputs before finalization in a signing session.
Support for password, email/SMS confirmation, and certificate-based authentication offers tiered identity assurance, letting organizations select appropriate verification for transaction risk and regulatory needs.
Comprehensive, tamper-evident logs capture signer actions, timestamps, and system events to support dispute resolution and compliance review with clear, exportable records for legal or audit teams.
Options for encryption, access controls, redaction, and watermarking help protect sensitive content and ensure only authorized users can view or export signed documents under defined policies.
APIs, connectors, and native integrations with document editors, CRMs, and storage systems enable automated document flows, metadata mapping, and centralized archival to reduce manual steps.
Direct integration allows inserting documents from Google Docs, applying a scanned signature image in-context, and saving executed copies back to Drive while preserving folder structure and access controls.
Connectors to CRMs enable pulling contact data, sending signature requests with embedded scanned signatures, and recording signed agreements to the customer record for sales and compliance tracking.
Automatic saving to cloud services provides centralized retention of signed documents with versioning, lifecycle policies, and controlled sharing for audit readiness.
Add-ons for document editors let users place signature images and required fields during document authoring for faster pre-sign preparation and fewer manual edits.
| Feature | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Reminder Frequency | 48 hours |
| Signer Authentication Level | Email or SMS |
| Signature Image Validation | Enabled |
| Document Locking | On completion |
| Retention Period | 7 years |
Ensure camera and microphone permissions are configured for capture devices, use recommended resolutions for scanned images, and confirm browser or app versions meet minimum security and compatibility requirements to preserve document fidelity and audit data.
A clinic collects patient consent with a captured signature image on a tablet
Ensures secure storage and auditability, resulting in clearer compliance records and easier chart access.
A utilities company uses photographed signatures from field tablets to sign service reports
Leading to faster invoicing and complete service logs for audit and billing reconciliation.
| Criteria | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign | Adobe Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-factor Authentication | |||
| Mobile Capture | |||
| Bulk Send | |||
| HIPAA BAA Availability | Baa available | Baa available | Baa available |
Seven years typical for many agreements
Restrict access by role
PDF/A recommended
Automated deletion after retention
Archive executed document within 24 hours
Review access and retention annually
Suspend disposition during litigation
Move to cold storage after one year
Securely delete per policy at end of retention
| Provider | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | HelloSign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (per user/month) | $8/user/mo billed annually | $10/user/mo | $14.99/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $19/user/mo |
| Free Trial | Yes, trial available | Yes, trial available | Yes, trial available | Yes, trial available | Yes, trial available |
| API Access | Included in paid plans | Available on higher tiers | Available via Adobe Cloud | Paid plans include API | Available on business plans |
| Advanced Auth Options | SMS and SSO available | SMS and phone auth | SSO and certificate options | SMS and SSO | SSO and 2FA |
| Document Storage Policies | Cloud storage with retention controls | Cloud archive options | Adobe Document Cloud retention | Cloud storage included | Integrated storage and archiving |
Create, execute, and manage workflows of any complexity, electronically from virtually anywhere. Scalable eSignature capabilities allow you to share documents with the right people in the correct order and define roles for each recipient. Execute document workflows faster and easier than ever before.
Optimize complex signing processes with airSlate SignNow’s powerful features to enhance your business. Control your automated eSignature workflows to ensure they're running at peak performance with instant notifications and reminders.
Bring teams together in a secure, shared environment. Manage documents, use form templates and notifications to create more efficient cross-organization collaboration. Free your employees from having to spend time on repetitive activities so that they can focus on valuable, business-critical tasks.
Run your projects with industry-leading integration. Collect Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint all in one business flow. Connect your software to a single system for endless possibilities and more productiveness.
Feel safe understanding that your information is protected by the most up-to-date in encryption security. airSlate SignNow is GDPR and eIDAS certified and offers you awareness into your signing procedure with court-admissible audit trails. Configure user access permissions and roles to control who has access to what.
