The short comparison
| Electronic signature | Digital signature | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Any electronic way of signing: a drawn or typed name, a signature image, a click to accept. | A cryptographic signature created with a private key tied to a certificate. |
| Proves who signed | Only as far as surrounding evidence goes, such as email or an audit trail. | Yes, through a certificate issued after identity checks. |
| Detects later edits | No, a plain signature image does not. | Yes, changing the file breaks the signature. |
| Typical use | Rental agreements, forms, offer letters, consent and everyday approvals. | Company filings, e-tenders and other filings that name a certificate. |
| What you need | A way to mark the document, like this tool. | A certificate, often on a USB token, from a licensed certifying authority. |
Where Aadhaar eSign fits in India
Aadhaar eSign is an online service where you authenticate with your Aadhaar, usually through a one-time password, and an eSign provider applies a signature to your document. Under India's Information Technology Act, 2000, electronic signatures created by approved techniques have legal recognition, and the Act also covers digital signature certificates issued by licensed Certifying Authorities. The Act lists some documents it does not apply to, such as wills and powers of attorney, so always check what your particular document or office requires.
When a signature image is enough
- Both sides are happy to accept it, as with most rental agreements, offer letters, consent forms and internal approvals.
- No law, office or form names a specific signing method.
- You are signing to show agreement, not to prove identity to an authority.
- If in doubt, ask the person or office requesting the signature what they accept. This is general information, not legal advice.
What this does not do
This adds an electronic signature image to the PDF. It is not a certificate-based digital signature such as a DSC or Aadhaar eSign, which some legal and government filings require. It also does not verify who signed, add an audit trail or lock the document against later edits. If the person asking for your signature names a specific method, such as a DSC, Aadhaar eSign or a particular e-signature service, use that method instead. See electronic vs digital signature for the differences.
Questions
What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?
An electronic signature is any electronic mark showing you agree, such as a drawn name. A digital signature is a cryptographic one made with a certificate, which proves who signed and shows whether the file was changed.
Is an electronic signature legally valid in India?
Generally yes. The Information Technology Act, 2000 gives legal recognition to electronic signatures, but it excludes some document types, and some filings require a specific method like a DSC or Aadhaar eSign. Check the requirement for your document, or ask a lawyer.
Is a scanned or pasted signature image a digital signature?
No. A signature image is a picture on the page. It is an electronic signature, and it does not carry a certificate or detect later changes to the file.
Do I need a DSC to sign a PDF?
Only if the document or the office asking for it requires one, for example some company filings and e-tenders. For many everyday documents an ordinary electronic signature is accepted.
Can this tool create a DSC or Aadhaar eSign signature?
No. It adds a signature image, date and text to a PDF. For a certificate-based signature, use your DSC with a signing tool or an Aadhaar eSign service.