These three terms get thrown around as if they're synonyms, and in casual conversation they mostly are — but technically, they describe things with meaningfully different levels of verification behind them.
| Term | What it actually is |
|---|---|
| Signature | The general concept — a mark indicating agreement, handwritten or otherwise |
| Electronic signature (e-signature) | Any electronic mark showing intent to sign — typed name, drawn image, click-to-accept |
| Digital signature | A specific cryptographic technology that verifies signer identity and detects tampering |
"Electronic signature" is the broad, everyday category
A drawn or typed signature image, like the ones this tool creates, falls under "electronic signature" — a wide category that covers anything electronic used to indicate agreement, without requiring cryptographic backing.
"Digital signature" is a specific technical mechanism
This refers to a cryptographic method — using certificates and encryption to verify who signed a document and confirm it hasn't been altered since. It's a subset of electronic signatures, not a separate category entirely, but a more technically rigorous one often required for higher-stakes documents.
Why the distinction matters practically
A form asking for an "electronic signature" is usually satisfied by a simple drawn or typed image. A form specifically requiring a "digital signature" or "qualified electronic signature" often needs certificate-based signing software, not just an image — worth checking exactly which is being requested.
For most everyday business use
Invoices, internal approvals, simple agreements, and most day-to-day paperwork are well served by a straightforward electronic signature image — reserve certificate-based digital signing for documents that specifically call for it.