The Difference Between Digital & Electronic Signatures

If you’re signing contracts, approvals, or HR docs online, you’ll see both terms everywhere. People often use them interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing.

Electronic signatures focus on showing intent to sign, while digital signatures add cryptographic proof that helps verify identity and detect changes.

To help you choose quickly, we’ll break down what ‘electronically vs digitally’ really means, when each option fits best, and how to sign and verify PDFs without turning this into a technical rabbit hole.

Electronically vs Digitally: Key Differences

Here’s the practical difference most people care about.

An electronic signature is a broad category. It’s any electronic process that shows you agreed to the document, like typing your name, drawing a signature, or clicking an ‘I agree’ step.

A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature. It uses cryptography and certificates to protect the document’s integrity, so changes after signing get detected.

A quick way to compare them:

• Intent: Electronic signatures capture intent to sign. Digital signatures capture intent and add strong proof.
• Tamper detection: A basic electronic signature may not flag edits. Digital signatures are designed to detect unauthorized changes.
• Identity checks: Electronic signatures can be lightweight. Digital signatures typically rely on certificate-based identity checks.
• Best fit: Electronic signatures work well for everyday agreements. Digital signatures fit high-risk, compliance-heavy documents.

What Counts as an Electronic Signature?

Think of ‘electronic signature’ as the umbrella term.

In the U.S., the ESIGN Act treats an electronic signature as a valid way to sign if the process shows intent and the parties agree to transact electronically.

In practice, electronic signatures often look like this:

• A typed name in a signature box
• A drawn signature on a trackpad or phone screen
• A scanned signature image placed on a PDF
• A click-to-consent step paired with a record of the action

Electronic signatures win on speed. If you’re signing a routine approval, a simple electronic signature can be enough, as long as it matches your organization’s requirements and local rules.

What Makes a Signature ‘Digital?’

Digital signatures add cryptography. That’s the real difference.

In plain English, a digital signature creates a math-based fingerprint of the document at the time of signing. If someone edits the PDF later, the fingerprint won’t match, and the signature should show as invalid in signature validation checks.

Digital signatures usually depend on public key cryptography, which uses a private key to sign and a public key to verify. The takeaway is that digital signatures are built to provide:

• Authenticity: The signature can be linked to the signer.
• Integrity: Edits after signing can be detected.
• Non-repudiation: The signer can’t easily deny signing later.

Electronically vs Digitally Under eIDAS in Europe

If you work in the EU, you’ll also see signature levels under eIDAS.

eIDAS defines electronic signatures broadly, then distinguishes between common levels like simple, advanced, and qualified. The higher the level, the stricter the identity and security requirements.

A helpful way to interpret this:

• Simple electronic signatures are the everyday sign-on-screen style.
• Advanced electronic signatures add stronger controls that link the signer to the signature and help detect changes.
• Qualified electronic signatures have specific legal status requirements and typically rely on qualified trust service providers.

If you’re not sure which level your document needs, the safest move is to follow your company policy or local legal guidance for that document type.

Electronic vs Digital Sign: Use Cases

Most signature decisions come down to risk, not preference.

When an Electronic Signature Is Usually Enough

Electronic signatures fit day-to-day agreements where speed matters and the risk is manageable:

• Vendor onboarding forms and basic service agreements
• Internal approvals and HR acknowledgments
• Low-value sales orders and routine client sign-offs

When a Digital Signature Is a Better Match

Use digital signatures when the document has higher stakes or stricter compliance:

• Financial agreements and regulated filings
• Government-related documentation
• Contracts where you need strong tamper evidence and signer verification

Electronic vs Digital Sign: Legal Considerations

Most places treat electronic signatures as legally valid if the process reliably captures intent and keeps a record that can stand up to scrutiny. That’s the common thread across major frameworks like ESIGN (U.S.) and eIDAS (EU).

Two practical tips help in almost every jurisdiction: 1. Keep a clear record of who signed, what they signed, and when. 2. Use the right signature strength for the document’s risk level.

If you’re signing something high-value, regulated, or cross-border, it’s smart to confirm the required signature type before you send it out.

How To Sign a PDF With Smallpdf

If you want a straightforward signing flow for PDFs, you can sign or request signatures with Smallpdf eSign in your browser. You can also upload from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive when that’s easier than pulling files from your device.

Step 1: Upload Your PDF

Open Smallpdf eSign, then drag and drop your PDF or click “Choose Files.” You’ll see your document load in the editor so you can place fields exactly where they belong.

Step 2: Add Your Signature or Signature Fields

Click where the signature should appear, then add your signature. If someone else needs to sign, add a signature field for them and enter their email in the send flow.

Step 3: Finish and Download

Click “Finish,” then download the signed PDF. Keep the final file together with your agreement history so you have the full paper trail if you need it later.

How To Verify a Digital Signature in a PDF

No matter which service created the signature, verification matters when you receive a signed PDF.

Most PDF readers show a signature status and let you open signature properties to review details like certificate info and tamper status. If you want a walkthrough, see our guide on verifying and validating digital signatures in PDFs.

Electronically Sign a PDF With Smallpdf

If you’re choosing between electronically vs digitally signed workflows, focus on risk first, then speed. For everyday documents, electronic signatures keep things moving. For sensitive or regulated documents, digital signatures add the extra proof you’ll want later.

If you need to sign or request signatures on PDFs quickly, Smallpdf eSign gives you a clean, browser-based way to get it done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ‘electronically signed’ the same as ‘digitally signed?’

Not always. ‘Electronically signed’ is the broader term. ‘Digitally signed’ typically implies cryptographic protection and certificate-based verification.

Which one is more secure?

Digital signatures are generally more secure because they’re designed to detect changes and verify the signer using cryptography.

Are electronic signatures legally binding?

In many cases, yes, as long as the process captures intent and meets legal and process requirements in your jurisdiction.

Can a PDF be edited after it’s digitally signed?

A PDF can still be edited, but edits often invalidate the digital signature.

How do I know which type my company needs?

Start with the document type and risk. Routine approvals often use electronic signatures. Regulated or high-stakes contracts may require digital signatures or higher-assurance signature levels under eIDAS.

Can I sign from my phone?

Yes. You can download the Smallpdf mobile app and sign your PDF even faster.