How do digital signatures work?ĭigital signatures are based on public key cryptography, also known as asymmetric cryptography. In many countries, including the U.S., digital signatures are considered legally binding in the same way as traditional handwritten document signatures. Signers can also use them to acknowledge informed consent. A digital signature is intended to solve the problem of tampering and impersonation in digital communications.ĭigital signatures can provide evidence of origin, identity and status of electronic documents, transactions or digital messages. It's the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature or stamped seal, but it offers far more inherent security.

Ben Lutkevich, Technical Features WriterĪ digital signature is a mathematical technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a digital document, message or software.

With the rise of online document signing, this is still one of the safest and easiest ways to add a digital signature to a document.

When you are ready to sign, click Sign.

A Sign box will appear where you can type you name out to use as your signature, or you can upload an image you might have stored on your computer.

To add your signature, double click next to the “X.”.

In the yellow alert bar, select View Signatures.

Once you have opened the document, you will be notified at the top menu bar with a yellow alert bar that states that this document requires a signature.

If you are the person receiving the document, these are the steps to follow to complete a signature.

When you’re ready, share the document with the person from which you’re requesting the signature.

A signature line now appears in your Word doc.

Place the cursor in your Word document where you want to insert a signature.

When you need to make a document that requires a signature, here are the steps to add a signature to your Word document. There are many documents that require a signature like a lease, medical forms, and basically anything official in your life.

How to create digital signature in word