12 Best eSignature APIs in 2023 [TOP Recommendations]

Since digitalization and remote work has increased exponentially, electronic signatures (or e-signatures) have become increasingly widespread. An e-signature acts like its handwritten equivalent in that it authenticates the signer's identity while signifying their agreement to the contents of documents. E-signatures provide fast, secure, and convenient ways for signers and recipients to exchange documents without physically being present, printing out, and mailing in documents.

E-signing documents is an easy, quick process that can be accomplished in minutes. Various platforms or software solutions for electronic signatures are available today; Adobe Sign, DocuSign, HelloSign, and SignNow are some popular examples that offer features and pricing plans tailored specifically for businesses and individuals alike.

Paperwork has changed considerably over time; it no longer requires physical printers and papers with ink to functioning effectively, and contracts no longer need to be physically signed to become legally binding documents. Still, some steps must be taken to ensure an electronic signature stands up in court if used. A dedicated eSignature app may provide the best way to sign documents online securely while holding up under legal scrutiny.

No matter the document type or your situation, I have suggestions for the right apps that will enable you to sign it quickly and efficiently digitally. After researching and testing nearly 40 electronic signature apps, these seven stand out as particularly suitable.

What is an Electronic Signature?

An e-signature, or an e-signature, is a digital representation of an individual's signature on an electronic document to signify their consent, agreement, or authentication. It's a legally binding way of signing documents online while eliminating physical paperwork and wet signatures.

E-signatures can be created using various technologies, including digital signature software, biometric signatures, and click-to-sign technologies. Digital signatures employ encryption technology to generate a secure digital fingerprint associated with only the signer; biometric signatures use physiological characteristics of individuals like fingerprints or voice recognition to authenticate identity, while click-to-sign technology requires users simply click a button or checkbox to signal their agreement with an agreement document.

E-signatures have become a standard across finance, healthcare, real estate, and legal industries. E-signature applications provide numerous advantages over physical signatures in terms of time savings and cost reduction, as well as more convenient document signing processes that increase security while decreasing fraud risk.

Electronic signatures are governed by various laws, such as the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), providing legal recognition of e-signatures within the US market. Other countries around the globe have specific regulations that govern their use. Types of Electronic Signatures

Types of Electronic Signature

Different kinds of electronic signatures and their features:

Basic Electronic Signature

A basic electronic signature is a straightforward type of e-signature that involves typing or inserting one's name directly into an electronic document without additional authentication or verification methods. It is the most widely-used form of e-signature today.

Advanced Electronic Signature

An advanced electronic signature is a more secure form of e-signature that employs additional authentication and verification methods to verify its authenticity. Signers often have to enter a password, use a security token, or undergo biometric authentication to use this form of electronic signature.

Qualified Electronic Signature 

A qualified electronic signature is the safest form of e-signature available and is legally binding in most countries. This form uses a digital certificate issued from a reliable third-party provider to authenticate its signer and verify the signature's authenticity. These e-signatures are common among highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government.

Click-to-Sign

A Click-to-Sign electronic signature requires clicking a button or checkbox to sign an electronic document and agree with its terms. It's often used in online contracts, agreements, and terms of service contracts.

Biometric Signature

A biometric signature is an advanced electronic signature that uses biometric data such as fingerprint or facial recognition to authenticate its signer. This highly secure form of e-signatures ensures that signers are who they claim to be.

Voice Signature

A voice signature is a form of biometric authentication using one's voice as the authentication mechanism. This e-signature is commonly utilized in call centers, banking, and finance industries to verify caller identity and authenticate transactions.

Signature Pad 

A signature pad is a physical device used to collect signatures electronically. This e-signature form is often utilized during point-of-sale transactions, delivery confirmation processes, and other instances when physical signatures are necessary.

Mobile Signature

A mobile signature is an electronic signature collected via a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet, often for remote transactions, mobile banking services, or any situation where the signer cannot physically sign. This e-signature form is frequently utilized during remote transactions or other situations when signers may be physically absent from signing.

Digital Signature

A digital signature is an advanced electronic signature that utilizes encryption to verify its authenticity and integrity. It is commonly used in legal, financial, and government transactions where security is of utmost concern.

What Is E-Signature Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)?

An electronic signature, also known as an e-signature, is the digital equivalent of a handwritten signature that authenticates an individual and their intent in authorizing documents or transactions. With the increasing digitization of business processes comes an increased demand for reliable electronic signature solutions, where an E-Signature API becomes an invaluable asset.

An E-Signature API, or Application Programming Interface, provides developers with tools and protocols that enable them to incorporate electronic signature capabilities into their applications or websites seamlessly. It acts as a standardized way for apps to interact with electronic signature platforms, making signing processes faster and enabling seamless e-signature integration.

Developers using an E-Signature API can take advantage of all the features a reliable electronic signature service provider provides, including document preparation, signature capture, identity verification, and document storage. Furthermore, this API enables custom workflows and integrates electronic signature functionality directly into applications - thus eliminating manual paper processes.

By adopting an E-Signature API, businesses can streamline operations, reduce paperwork, and boost efficiency. Organizations using it can automate document signing processes for faster and more convenient document signing processes for all involved. Furthermore, E-Signatures are legally binding in many jurisdictions providing them with similar enforcement as traditional handwritten signatures.

E-Signature APIs often feature extra features that improve accountability and compliance with legal requirements, including audit trails that record each signing event and ensure accountability and legal compliance. Furthermore, these APIs may support various authentication methods like SMS verification or biometric authentication to increase security further and prevent unauthorized access.

Importance of eSignature Application Programming Interfaces in 2023

APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) have become indispensable tools for businesses that rely on eSignatures, with more and more organizations taking advantage of them across different sectors and applications. In 2023, their significance continues to increase exponentially, and this article explores key points illustrating their growing relevance.

Streamlining Document Processes

eSignature APIs allow businesses to easily automate and streamline their document processes by integrating electronic signatures into existing applications or platforms. Businesses can forgo manual paper signatures by using electronic signatures, thus alleviating administrative burdens while speeding up overall document workflow and saving time, increasing productivity, and speeding decision-making timeframes.

Enhance Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are of utmost importance when handling sensitive documents or transactions, and eSignature APIs offer robust security measures to protect signed documents' integrity and authenticity. eSignature APIs utilize encryption techniques, audit trails, and tamper-evident technology to guarantee that anyone cannot alter or falsify them. Moreover, many eSignature APIs adhere to industry regulations like the ESIGN Act and eIDAS Regulation, making them reliable solutions that ensure business compliance.

Improved Customer Experience

In today's fast-paced digital era, expect convenience and efficiency from businesses they interact with, such as by using eSignature APIs to provide their customers with a user-friendly signing experience - customers can sign documents securely online from any device at their convenience, thus eliminating physical meetings or mailing documents - leading to higher satisfaction levels, greater trust levels, and stronger relationships between business and their customer base.

Cost and Resource Savings

Adopting electronic signature APIs can bring considerable cost and resource savings for businesses. Traditional paper processes are time-consuming and incur expenses associated with printing, mailing, and storing documents physically - as compared with electronic signatures, which reduce or eliminate these expenses - thus saving money on paper, ink, and postage costs as well as physical storage space costs. eSignature APIs eliminate manual data entry, freeing up resources that can be dedicated to other strategic tasks.

Integration Flexibility

eSignature APIs offer exceptional integration flexibility and compatibility across platforms, systems, and applications. Businesses can seamlessly incorporate eSignatures into existing software without disrupting processes in their workflow - increasing adoption rates while mitigating implementation hurdles.

Scalability and Adaptability

As businesses develop and evolve, their document signing requirements also change. eSignature APIs offer flexible solutions that can meet these changing requirements by scaling with organizations; whether it be handling small volumes of documents or scaling up for large transactions, the APIs can adjust accordingly; this ensures organizations continue meeting their document signing needs regardless of size or industry.

Criteria for Selecting the Optimal eSignature Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).

Implementing electronic signature functionality into your applications or workflows can greatly simplify processes, strengthen security, and boost efficiency. Selecting the ideal eSignature API is key for seamless integration and optimal user experience; in this article, we explore key criteria to remember when choosing an appropriate API provider.

Security and Compliance

Compliance is of utmost importance when handling sensitive documents and signatures, so ensure the eSignature API you select adheres to industry-standard security protocols such as SSL/TLS encryption, data-at-rest encryption, and secure data centers. Furthermore, ensure it complies with relevant regulations such as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) and eIDAS (Electronic Identification, Authentication, and Trust Services). Certifications such as SOC 2 Type II or ISO 27001 validate provider commitment to security commitment.

Integration Ease

An excellent eSignature API should provide straightforward integration options that cater to every level of technical expertise, regardless of the programming languages or frameworks supported. Look for detailed documentation, software development kits (SDKs), and code samples to guide the integration process and seamlessly incorporate eSignatures into existing apps or workflows.

Customization and Branding

Consider whether the eSignature API allows you to personalize its user interface to reflect your brand identity, such as adding your company logo, color schemes, and customized email templates. Doing this enhances the user experience while reinforcing brand presence - ensuring flexible customization options exist to meet specific branding requirements.

Workflow Flexibility

Different organizations require different document-signing workflows. When searching for an eSignature API that offers flexible creation and management of workflows, look for one with features for sequential or parallel signing, support for multiple signers, document routing options and notifications, as well as features to create documents such as adding signature fields, initials fields, dates checkboxes or text inputs.

Scalability and Performance

Before selecting an eSignature API to handle many document signing requests, evaluate its scalability and performance carefully. Check for rate limits, throughput limits, response times, and redundancy provisions to ensure it can handle expected traffic without hindering user experiences.

Mobile-Friendly Capabilities

In today's mobile-first world, an eSignature API must work efficiently across various devices and screen sizes. Make sure it offers features like responsive user interfaces, mobile SDKs, and touch interactions for seamless signing documents on smartphones and tablets - increasing accessibility and convenience for you and your users alike.

Additional Features

It is also important to consider what additional features and functionality an eSignature API offers, including features like in-person signing, advanced document markup, support for attachments and form filling, integration with third-party services (e.g., cloud storage providers) as well as being able to embed signature processes directly into applications. Based on your specific requirements, select an API that suits them accordingly.

Pricing and Cost

Carefully review the pricing structure for an eSignature API provider. Look for transparency when pricing documents, users, or API calls based on document type or number; additional maintenance or support fees may incur, and compare pricing across providers.

Documentation and Support

Comprehensive documentation is key when integrating an eSignature API into their applications, so ensure the API provider offers developer resources such as comprehensive documentation, API reference guides, and sample code. Furthermore, assess their customer support team; timely assistance could prove essential during integration or any issues that arise during implementation.

Reputation and Reviews

Research the provider of an eSign API solution. Find reviews, testimonials, and case studies from existing customers to gain insight into their experiences. Pay particular attention to factors like reliability, ease of use, customer support services, and overall satisfaction as a measure of a good solution provider with positive reviews.

What are the Best eSignature Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) in 2023?

We present our recommended APIs for adding eSignature capabilities to software solutions.

eSignly API 

eSignly is an industry leader in electronic signature API, and it provides a complete set of features for embedding this technology into any app. Using eSignly API, you can quickly create, send, sign, and manage documents within any application using advanced authentication and security features that ensure the security of documents created.

Adobe Sign API

Adobe Sign API gives developers an effective tool for incorporating powerful electronic signature capabilities into their applications, providing extensive document management features like signing, sending, and tracking documents. Furthermore, this API offers advanced workflow integrations and is an ideal business choice.

HelloSign API

HelloSign API provides a developer-friendly solution for adding electronic signature capabilities to applications. It includes features like document templates, embedded signing, custom branding options, and advanced features like attachment requests and in-person signing - making HelloSign an adaptable solution suitable for various use cases.

SignNow API

SignNow API is an ideal choice for businesses searching for an efficient eSignature integration, offering features such as document generation, signing, and real-time notifications. Furthermore, its security features, such as encryption and audit trails, ensure document integrity and legality.

PandaDoc API

PandaDoc API gives developers an API that enables them to easily generate, send, track, and eSignature documents within their applications. With features like document generation, custom fields, and collaboration features, it makes the perfect partner for businesses relying on popular CRM and productivity platforms like CRM/Productivity Suite.

OneSpan Sign API

OneSpan Sign API (formerly eSignLive) offers an advanced, scalable, and secure eSignature solution with document preparation, signing, and verification features. Furthermore, OneSpan Sign supports advanced authentication methods and compliance with various industry regulations, making it the perfect solution for industries with strict security requirements.

SignEasy API

SignEasy API offers a straightforward way to add electronic signature capabilities to your apps. It features document signing, templates, reminders, multiple authentication methods, and a mobile SDK that makes integration into mobile apps effortless.

SignRequest API

SignRequest API allows developers to integrate eSignature functionality into their applications quickly. It features document signing, templates, team management, and advanced security features like two-factor authentication and audit trails to protect the integrity of signed documents.

Sertifi API

Sertifi API offers an advanced eSignature solution suitable for businesses of any size. It features document signing, tracking, and payment collection, supporting workflow customization and integrating seamlessly with popular CRM platforms, making it perfect for sales teams or customer-centric organizations.

RightSignature API

RightSignature API offers developers a complete selection of electronic signature features for document creation, signing, collaboration, customization branding options, and integration with popular cloud storage platforms, enhancing its usability and versatility.

Eversign API

Eversign API gives developers an easy and legally binding way to integrate secure eSignature functionality into their applications, with features like document signing, templates, and multi-party signing. Furthermore, ever sign supports document workflows and integrates seamlessly with popular business tools like Google Drive and Dropbox.

Signicat API

Signicat API offers businesses a reliable and scalable eSignature solution with multiple features, including document signing, identity verification, and audit trails. Furthermore, it supports various authentication methods and meets international regulations making it suitable for industries with stringent legal regulations.

What Are the Advantages of Employing an eSignature APIs in 2023?

Leveraging eSignature APIs provides numerous advantages, revolutionizing how businesses handle the paperwork while speeding up digital transformation processes.

Time and Cost Savings 

One of the primary advantages of eSignature APIs is their significant time and cost savings potential. Traditional document signing and management processes involve printing, scanning, mailing, and storing physical copies - processes that take longer and are more costly due to paper, ink, and postage costs. With eSignature APIs, businesses can eliminate manual workflow tasks to reduce administrative overhead while freeing employees up for higher-value activities.

Enhance Efficiency

ESignature APIs enable businesses to automate document signing processes without manual intervention, increasing efficiency as documents can be signed and shared instantly across geographic borders or time zones, eliminating delays caused by physical distance or time zones. In addition, APIs integrate easily with existing business applications like customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP), further optimizing workflow efficiency.

Improved Security

Businesses recognize the vital nature of document security when handling sensitive information, so eSignature APIs offer advanced security features to safeguard documents' integrity and confidentiality, such as using encryption protocols to reduce risks from unintended access during transmission and storage. Furthermore, many eSignature solutions offer additional authentication mechanisms like multi-factor authentication, biometric verification, or digital certificates to bolster signature document protection further.

Compliance and Legal Validity

ESignature APIs offer businesses another important advantage - compliance with various legal regulations and standards. Electronic signatures have become legally binding across many jurisdictions and adhere to industry standards like ESIGN Act in the US or eIDAS Regulation in Europe to meet legal requirements. With their use, businesses can reduce compliance breach risk significantly while eliminating physical document storage, thereby eliminating risk and associated penalties associated with compliance breaches.

Improve Customer Experience

Businesses today demand seamless experiences for their customers. ESignature APIs offer an efficient and user-friendly way for individuals to sign documents remotely - whether contracts, agreements, or consent forms - from anywhere with their preferred devices. Customers no longer require printing, scanning, or faxing documents - making the overall experience faster and more convenient than before. In turn, businesses can increase customer satisfaction and strengthen relationships by offering modern signing options that increase efficiency.

Audit Trails and Document Tracking

With eSignature APIs, businesses can monitor the signing process using audit trails. These trails capture critical details such as who signed, when, and any modifications made along the way - providing verifiable proof of events while increasing transparency and ensuring accountability - making this feature particularly helpful in industries that rely heavily on document integrity audits to monitor compliance audits.

Scalability and Integration

eSignature APIs offer both scalability and seamless integration into existing business systems. Their APIs can easily be integrated into various applications without extensive modifications - giving businesses the power to scale their digital signing capabilities as their needs evolve, accommodating growing document volumes, or expanding user bases without needing significant updates or modifications to existing infrastructure. This flexibility enables organizations to scale digital signing capabilities as their document volumes or user bases increase without incurring significant modification costs or substantial infrastructure modifications.

What Are the Best Practices of eSignature APIs?

For an uninterrupted and secure user experience, following the best practices of eSignature APIs is paramount to their success and effectiveness. This article highlights some key practices which contribute to their success and effectiveness.

Compliance with Industry Standards

Achieving compliance with industry standards such as the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and European Union eIDAS Regulation is of utmost importance for any eSignature API provider to ensure documents signed electronically across various jurisdictions can be legally valid and enforceable.

Robust Authentication and Security Measures 

For optimal signing process integrity, eSignature APIs should implement strong authentication mechanisms. Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), such as SMS verification codes, biometric data, or hardware tokens, helps ensure that only authorized individuals can sign documents. In addition, data encryption protocols (e.g., SSL/TLS) and regular audits must also be put in place to protect sensitive information during signing workflows.

Flexibility and Integration Capabilities 

To meet diverse business needs, eSignature APIs should offer flexibility and seamless integration across applications and platforms. Support multiple file formats (PDF, Word) while offering comprehensive documentation, sample codes, and SDKs in popular programming languages allowing developers to quickly integrate eSignature functionality into existing systems, saving time and effort during development processes.

User-Friendly Interface and Customization Options

An intuitive and user-friendly interface is key to a seamless signing experience. eSignature APIs should offer customizable templates, branding options, and localization features that fit different organizations' visual identity and language preferences, document previewing capabilities, and real-time status updates to boost engagement and ensure customer satisfaction.

Workflow Automation and Collaboration

Effective eSignature APIs enable organizations to seamlessly automate document workflows with efficiency and collaboration. Integration with workflow management systems, document management platforms, and cloud storage services allows for automatic document routing, approval processes, archiving, parallel signing/sequential signing features, and document sharing that enables multiple stakeholders to join in the signing process, increasing productivity while decreasing manual errors.

Audit Trails and Document Tracking

Maintaining an audit trail for compliance and legal purposes is of utmost importance, which eSignature APIs should facilitate by recording every action performed during the signing process, such as document access, online signature creator, and recipient notification. Document tracking capabilities like email notifications and status updates allow stakeholders to monitor the signing workflow closely while upholding transparency and accountability.

Scalability and Integration

As businesses expand and the number of signed documents rises their eSignature APIs must remain scalable and reliable to handle high traffic loads efficiently, with quick response times and no downtime resulting from peak usage periods. Robust infrastructure, such as load balancing or redundancy measures, is essential to provide a seamless signing experience during these peak usage.

Comprehensive Error Handling and Exception Management

Comprehensive error handling and exception management are of utmost importance when signing processes address any issues that may arise during the signing. APIs should provide developers with informative error messages and codes to efficiently identify and address problems. At the same time, clear documentation and support channels ensure rapid problem-solving with minimal downtime for better user experiences.

Conclusion

2023 has seen great strides in electronic signature technology, with several APIs standing out as top contenders on the market. These APIs have revolutionized how businesses handle document signing processes by offering seamless integration, increased security, and efficiency benefits for document signing processes. Following in-depth evaluation and analysis, we have selected the 12 best eSignature APIs that stand out as top recommendations for 2023.

APIs offer many features and capabilities, from robust authentication methods to flexible signing workflows, document tracking, and compliance with legal regulations, document storage management, and compliance auditing. Developers have powerful tools for integrating eSignature functionality into applications, websites, and platforms, helping businesses streamline document signing processes while eliminating physical paperwork.

DocuSign, Adobe Sign, HelloSign, SignEasy, and PandaDoc APIs were among the top recommendations in 2023's eSignature API landscape. These APIs have proven outstanding regarding reliability, security, ease of use, developer support, and documentation/SDKs/resources, allowing developers to implement or customize eSignature functionality according to individual needs and specifications.

These APIs have proven their worth across multiple industries, including finance, healthcare, legal, and real estate. Businesses of all sizes have leveraged them to increase productivity, reduce operational costs, improve customer experiences, and ensure secure document signing processes.

As we move into the digital era, electronic signatures continue to increase in importance; 12 APIs stand out as stand-out options available in the market due to their cutting-edge features and reliability as document signing solutions for businesses looking to modernize document signing processes.