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Digital signature or inserted signature – what is the difference?

An inserted signature looks good, a digital signature protects against changes. When you need which.

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Both are called “signing” in everyday language, but technically they are two different things.

The visible signature

You draw your signature and place it into the document as an image. Quick and fine for many internal processes – but later changes to the document are not detectable.

The digital signature

A cryptographic fingerprint of the document is encrypted with your certificate and embedded. Any later change is detectable, and the signer can be identified through the certificate.

Which one when?

  • Internal approvals, simple confirmations: visible signature.
  • Contracts, quotes, documents that need proof: digital signature.
  • Legally required written form: possibly a qualified electronic signature – seek legal advice if unsure.

PDFnord does both – see Sign PDF.

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