The short answer: an electronic signature is any electronic indication of intent to sign — a typed name, a drawn mark, a click. A digital signature is a specific cryptographic technology that secures a signature and detects tampering. In short: every digital signature is electronic, but not every electronic signature uses digital-signature cryptography. OpenSign™ combines both for secure, legally binding signing.
What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature (eSignature) is the legal concept: a sound, symbol or process attached to a record that shows intent to sign. Typing your name, drawing on a touchscreen, or clicking "I agree" can all be electronic signatures. They're legally binding under the ESIGN Act, UETA and eIDAS.
What is a digital signature?
A digital signature is the underlying technology — based on public-key cryptography — that binds a signature to a document so any change after signing is detectable. It provides integrity, authentication and non-repudiation. Think of it as the security mechanism that can power an electronic signature.
Side-by-side comparison
| Electronic signature | Digital signature | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Legal concept of signing | Cryptographic technology |
| Purpose | Show intent to sign | Secure & verify the signature |
| Tamper detection | Not inherent | Yes |
| Example | Typed name, drawn mark | PKI-based document seal |
Which do you need?
For everyday agreements — contracts, NDAs, offer letters — a legally binding electronic signature with an audit trail is enough. For documents needing strong tamper-evidence and identity assurance, a digital signature adds cryptographic protection. OpenSign provides both, so you get legal validity and security together.
Ready to sign? See free electronic signature or free digital signature.
Ready to try it? Create a free OpenSign account and start signing documents in minutes — no credit card required. Prefer to run it yourself? OpenSign is 100% open source on GitHub.