Introduction

In this article, we will explore the leading options for the best electronic signature software available. We'll delve into their applications, highlighting their specific uses and determining which software stands out. The analysis will feature concise bullet points outlining key features, as well as the pros and cons of each platform. Following this, a dedicated section will guide you through selecting the optimal free e-signature software for your business. Five crucial factors will be discussed: mobile compatibility, compliance and security, integrations, ease of use, and the availability of free trials. Ready to discover the top choices for the best free electronic signature software currently available? Let's dive in.

What is the Best Free E-Signature Software? Top 10 Options

BoloForms – Best Overall

BoloForms stands out as the best digital signature service, simplifying the process of signing legally binding contracts online. With this tool, creating a digital signature and swiftly signing documents becomes a seamless experience, streamlining your contract workflow effectively.

BoloForms proves to be the best free electronic signature software suitable for businesses across various industries and sizes. Not only is it cost-effective, but it also encompasses all the essential features to enhance your contract management processes. To add to its appeal, BoloForms offers a free trial, allowing users to explore its capabilities before making a commitment to a paid plan.

Key Free Features

1. Form Submissions: Collect signatures seamlessly with the ability to handle 5 form submissions.
2. Document Management: Manage and sign 2 documents efficiently within the platform.
3. Template Support: Utilize 2 templates for standardized and quick document preparation.
4. Form Creation: Create up to 5 customizable forms tailored to your specific needs.
5. Audit Log and History: Keep track of all activities with a comprehensive audit log and historical data.
6. Structured Folder System: Organize your documents systematically using a structured folder system.
7. Signing Order: Specify the signing order to streamline the signature collection process.
8. Notification Reminder: Receive timely notifications and reminders to ensure prompt action.
9. Certification of Completion: Obtain a certification of completion for signed documents.
10. Electronic Record Disclosure: Ensure compliance with electronic record disclosure for legal validity.
11. Form Field Variety: Customize forms with various field types, including drop-downs, radio buttons, and approve/decline options.

Zoho Sign – Best For HR

Zoho Sign stands out as a digital signature application designed for business use. This versatile program allows you to effortlessly create digital signatures and sign various documents, contracts, and agreements online. With a range of powerful features, Zoho Sign becomes a valuable tool to enhance your company's operational efficiency.

Simplify collaboration and contract party management with Zoho Sign's user-friendly interface. Enjoy real-time comments, timely reminders, and multiple signing options that collectively contribute to the efficient processing of your documents.

Key Free Features

1. Single user only
2. 5 envelopes per month
3. Signature workflows
4. Reminders & notifications
5. Sign using Zoho's DSC
6. Audit trail
7. Cloud storage import & export
8. Mobile & desktop apps

DocuSign – Best Multi-Purpose E Signature Software

DocuSign provides a 30-day free trial only.DocuSign stands out as a leading eSignature tool, simplifying the document workflow with its user-friendly editor. The platform facilitates the seamless digital signing of contracts and agreements through the creation of personalized digital signatures. Boasting a vast user base of over one million customers, DocuSign is the software of choice for expediting document processes across various sectors, including human resources, legal, procurement, and sales. While DocuSign excels in its capabilities, there are also numerous cost-effective alternatives in the market worth considering.

Key Free Features

1. Limited Number of Envelopes
2. Basic Signing Workflows
3. Reminders & Notifications
4. Cloud Storage Import & Export
5. Mobile & Desktop Apps
6. Audit Trail

SignNow – Best For Simplifying Document Workflows

SignNow, an advanced electronic signature tool, empowers users to effortlessly sign and manage documents in the digital realm. This cloud-based application facilitates the creation of digital signatures, whether typed or hand-drawn, enhancing the efficiency of processing forms, agreements, and legally binding contracts.

With SignNow, you enjoy versatile options for signing, whether in-person or remotely, complemented by effective notifications and reminders to keep all parties on track. Tailored for various industries, including healthcare, real estate, finance, and construction, SignNow proves particularly valuable for departments such as sales, human resources, and legal. Streamline your document workflow with SignNow's robust features designed to simplify and expedite the signing process.

Key Free Features

1. Document Signing
2. In-Person and Remote Signing
3. Notifications and Reminders
4. Cloud Storage
5. Mobile and Desktop Accessibility

PandaDoc – Best For Managing Documents

Key Free Features

1. Document Signing
2. Notifications and Reminders
3. Cloud Storage
4. Mobile and Desktop Accessibility

DropBox Sign– Best For Legal Documents

DropBox Sign stands out as a cloud-based electronic signature platform, offering seamless online document signing capabilities. Whether you prefer a hand-drawn or typed digital signature, DropBox Sign ensures the legality and authenticity of your electronic signatures on various documents such as forms, contracts, and agreements.

The platform is distinguished by its user-friendly features designed to simplify document processing for businesses. One notable functionality is the ability to bulk send documents to multiple parties, streamlining the signature request process. Additionally, DropBox Sign provides timely reminders and notifications, facilitating a faster turnaround for document completion.

Key Free Features

1. 3 Documents per Month
2. Unlimited Signers
3. In-Person Signings
4. Audit Trail
5. Mobile Apps
6. Status Notifications
7. Embedded Signatures

pdfFiller – Best For Personal Use

pdfFiller emerges as a comprehensive digital signature platform that provides a complete suite for signing and finalizing documents online. Offering a legally recognized electronic signature, pdfFiller allows users to create typed or hand-drawn signatures, seamlessly incorporating them into contracts, forms, and agreements.

One notable feature is the ability to request signatures from other parties involved in the contract. Using email, you can send a link to your contract parties, enabling them to digitally sign the document with just a click. To facilitate the process, pdfFiller includes notification features that serve as reminders for timely signatures.

Key Free Features

1. Electronic Signatures
2. Document Editing
3. Form Filling
4. Document Storage
5. Sharing and Collaboration

GetAccept – Best For Engaging Proposals

GetAccept stands out as a robust electronic signature platform, earning acclaim for its seamless integration with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Trusted by notable brands like Samsung, CHEQ, Crisp Video, Chargebee, and SkyLab Solutions, GetAccept streamlines the end-to-end process of creating, sending, and processing forms and contracts with exceptional efficiency. One of its standout features is the all-in-one content creation tool, empowering users to enrich their proposals with engaging content, such as videos and case studies, thereby significantly increasing the likelihood of document approval. Designed with a focus on B2B sales teams, GetAccept proves its versatility across diverse industries, including IT and tech, telecom and media, and staffing and recruitment.

This electronic signature solution not only ensures seamless integration with CRM for enhanced workflow but also provides an efficient means for businesses to manage documents. By choosing GetAccept, companies can elevate their electronic signature processes, optimize sales workflows, and foster better customer engagement.

Key Free Features

1. Basic Electronic Signatures
2. Document Tracking
3. Templates
4. Mobile Accessibility
5. Security Measures
6. Integration

FormSwift – Best For Legal Form Creation

FormSwift is a cloud-based SaaS platform designed for effortless creation, editing, and digital signing of legal documents. Boasting a repository of over 1100 templates, FormSwift offers a versatile eSignature creator feature that accommodates both drawn and typed digital signatures. The platform caters to diverse needs, allowing users to craft personal legal documents like Bills of Sale, Resignation Letters, Affidavits, and Powers of Attorney. For small businesses, FormSwift provides templates for essential documents such as Purchase Orders, Non-Compete Agreements, and Non-Disclosure Agreements. With its exclusive focus on legal forms, contracts, and agreements, FormSwift emerges as a comprehensive digital document solution suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Key Free Features

1. Free Templates
2. Document Editing
3. eSignature
4. Cloud Storage
5. Personal Legal Forms

Nitro – Best For PDF Files

Nitro is an all-encompassing PDF and e-signature tool designed to streamline your document workflow effectively. With its eSign feature, you can create a digital signature and seamlessly send documents to your contract parties for their signatures. Real-time tracking capabilities provide status updates, and the platform allows you to send reminders, expediting the contract signing process.

Enhanced team collaboration is facilitated through features that ensure your team works together efficiently. Nitro provides customizable permissions, allowing you to grant the appropriate level of access to team members. This software is particularly well-suited for companies dealing with PDF files and caters to diverse industries such as real estate, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, financial services, education, and professional services. Nitro offers a comprehensive solution for handling various aspects of document management and e-signatures.

Key Free Features

1. View and Print PDFs
2. Create PDFs
3. Convert and Export
4. Fill and Sign
5. Review and Collaboration
6. Secure and Certify

How to Choose the Best eSign Software For Your Business

When selecting the optimal eSign software for your business, consider the following crucial aspects:

1. Mobile Compatibility:
In today's digital landscape, the ability to conduct workflows seamlessly across multiple devices is essential. Ensure that the chosen best digital signature software is mobile-compatible. Many options, including those mentioned in the article, offer dedicated mobile apps. Even if the tool is web-based, it should be accessible from various devices, allowing your team to sign and process documents digitally from anywhere.

2. Compliance & Security:
Prioritize the protection of your and your contract parties' information, documents, and data. Verify that the electronic signature tool complies with essential security standards such as PCI and AATL. Hosting data in secure data centers with robust physical security measures is crucial. Encryption of stored data, vulnerability testing, and features like 2-factor authentication, security incident reporting, service level agreements, and regular backups contribute to a secure environment.

3. Integrations:
Seamless integration with your existing technology stack is vital. Ensure that the e-signature tool works harmoniously with your CRM platform and integrates with popular cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Compatibility with your existing tools enhances efficiency and streamlines your overall business processes.

4. Ease of Use:
User-friendly design is a key consideration. No matter how feature-rich a software solution may be, its usability is paramount. An electronic signature application should be intuitive and easy to navigate. A tool that is simple to use encourages adoption across your team and ensures that valuable features are utilized effectively.

5. Free Trial:
Opt for e-signature platforms that offer a free trial. A free trial allows you to test the tool's functionalities, evaluate its compatibility with your workflows, and assess user experience. It serves as a valuable opportunity to explore the software's features and gauge its effectiveness for your business. A credible e-signature platform typically provides a free trial, and its absence could be a red flag.

FAQs

What is the best e-signature software?
BoloForms stands out as the best digital signature software for small businesses. With its robust feature set, BoloForms effectively streamlines contract workflows, enhancing operational efficiency. The platform empowers users to generate digital signatures, request signatures, and monitor document progress seamlessly.

Which software is recommended for PDF signatures?
BoloForms takes the lead as the best PDF, free electronic signature software. It facilitates the creation, editing, and sending of PDFs for signature requests from contract parties. Users can easily draw or type their digital signatures, ensuring a legally binding process for PDF contracts, forms, and agreements.

Is Adobe eSignature available for free?
No, Adobe eSignature is not offered as a free service. The pricing structure includes a monthly fee of $12.99 for individuals or $19.99 for a more advanced individual plan. Team plans are available at $14.99 per user per month or $23.99 per user per month. Larger companies can opt for a customizable plan, and inquiries for quotes should be directed to a sales representative.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the realm of e-signature software is vast, offering a myriad of options tailored to diverse business needs. As we explored the top contenders for the best free e-signature software, each platform showcased unique strengths and features. BoloForms emerged as the standout choice for its efficiency in simplifying the process of signing legally binding contracts online. With robust features, BoloForms is a free digital signature software and proves to be a cost-effective solution suitable for businesses across various industries.

Zoho Sign caters specifically to HR needs, providing a versatile platform for effortless digital signatures and document management. DocuSign, a multi-purpose e-signature tool with a vast user base, excels in streamlining document workflows across sectors. SignNow specializes in simplifying document workflows, making it an ideal choice for industries such as healthcare, real estate, finance, and construction.

PandaDoc shines in document management, offering a user-friendly platform for creating, editing, and requesting digital signatures. DropBox Sign stands out for handling legal documents seamlessly, providing a cloud-based solution for online document signing. pdfFiller is well-suited for personal use, allowing users to create legally recognized electronic signatures and request signatures from other parties involved in the contract.

GetAccept, with its focus on engaging proposals, integrates seamlessly with CRM systems, making it an ideal choice for B2B sales teams. FormSwift stands out for its comprehensive legal document creation, while Nitro provides a robust solution for handling PDF files efficiently.

In the quest for the best e-signature software, businesses should consider crucial factors such as mobile compatibility, compliance and security, integrations, ease of use, and the availability of free trials. A careful evaluation of these aspects will guide businesses in selecting the optimal e-signature software that aligns with their unique requirements.