Question 1

What is OpenSign?

Accepted Answer

OpenSign is an open-source digital signature platform that enables secure signing of documents with ease and efficiency. It's designed to provide a free alternative to commercial e-signature services like DocuSign, offering transparency and customization opportunities to meet your unique business needs.

Question 2

Is OpenSign really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, OpenSign is completely free to use. Being open-source, it can be downloaded, used and modified without any cost. We believe in democratizing digital signature technology for everyone. Even the hosted version free tier comes with unlimited free signatures, you only need to pay to use the advanced version of the software that comes with features like API access, advanced validations etc. For most of the small & medium businesses, free version should suffice.

Question 3

How can I install OpenSign?

Accepted Answer

To install OpenSign, you'll need to download the software from our GitHub repository and follow the installation instructions provided in the INSTALLATION.md file. If you have any issues, you can visit our community discord channel for support.

Question 4

What formats does OpenSign support for documents?

Accepted Answer

OpenSign supports various formats including PDF, Docx, JPG & PNG which are widely used for contracts, agreements and other formal documentation.

Question 5

Is OpenSign secure?

Accepted Answer

Security is our top priority. OpenSign ensures document integrity by using advanced encryption methods and we constantly update our platform to incorporate the latest in security practices. The best part is, our source code is open and being monitored by hundreds of developers constantly. This makes identifying any security issues significantly faster.

Question 6

How does OpenSign ensure the legality of electronic signatures?

Accepted Answer

Electronic signatures through OpenSign are created in a manner that meets the requirements of electronic signature laws in various jurisdictions, providing legally binding signatures.

Question 7

Can I contribute to the OpenSign project?

Accepted Answer

We welcome contributions from the community. Whether you're a developer, a designer, or just an enthusiast, you can contribute to the OpenSign project through code contributions, documentation, translations, and more.

Question 8

How can I verify a digital signature created with OpenSign™?

Accepted Answer

Verification can be easily conducted through any software(we recommend Adobe Acrobat reader) which checks the digital signature against the document and the signer's digital certificate to ensure it has not been tampered with and remains valid.  Adobe Acrobat shows a message "Signed and all signatures are valid" if the signature is valid and the document is not tempered with.

Question 9

Are digital signatures legally binding across different countries?

Accepted Answer

Yes, digital signatures are legally binding in numerous countries, provided they adhere to the specific regulations and standards set forth by each jurisdiction, such as the eIDAS regulation in the European Union, the ESIGN Act in the United States and similar laws in other regions.

Question 10

Does OpenSign™ comply with global digital signature laws?

Accepted Answer

OpenSign™ is designed to comply with the highest standards of digital signature technology and while it facilitates the creation of digital signatures, the legal compliance in any given jurisdiction depends on the use case and adherence to local laws. OpenSign™ encourages users to consult with legal experts to ensure compliance with regional legislation.

Question 11

How does OpenSign™ ensure the security of digital signatures?

Accepted Answer

OpenSign™ employs advanced cryptographic techniques to ensure the integrity, non-repudiation and authenticity of digital signatures. It utilizes industry-standard protocols to safeguard against unauthorized access and tampering.

Question 12

Can digital signatures created with OpenSign™ be used in court proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Digital signatures created with OpenSign™ are intended to be legally robust. However, the admissibility of digital signatures as evidence in legal proceedings can vary and is determined by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the court is located.

Question 13

What steps should I take to ensure my digitally signed documents are legally valid?

Accepted Answer

While OpenSign™ provides a platform for digital signatures, legal validity also depends on the nature of the document, the identity verification of the signatories, and the laws of the jurisdiction. It is advisable to consult legal counsel to ensure all criteria for validity are met.

Question 14

Is electronic signature the same as digital signature?

Accepted Answer

No, electronic signatures are broader in definition and include any electronic process that indicates acceptance of an agreement or a record(for example annotating a PDF by drawing or typing a signature), whereas digital signatures are a specific type of e-signature using cryptographic techniques.

Question 15

What is the differences between UETA and eIDAS?

Accepted Answer

The Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) and the Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services (eIDAS) regulation are both legal frameworks that facilitate the use of electronic transactions and signatures. However, they differ significantly in their scope, geographical applicability, and detailed provisions.