Digital Signature vs. Electronic Signature: What's the Difference?

The terms "electronic signature" and "digital signature" get used interchangeably, but they describe two different things. Knowing which is which helps you choose the right approach for a given document — and sound informed when someone asks.

Electronic signature: the broad category

An electronic signature (e-signature) is any electronic indication of intent to agree. That covers a lot of ground: typing your name, drawing a signature with a mouse or finger, or placing an image of your handwritten signature onto a page. It is the everyday digital equivalent of signing on a dotted line, and it is what most routine documents need.

Digital signature: a specific, cryptographic kind

A digital signature is a particular type of electronic signature backed by cryptography. It uses encryption and a certificate to bind your identity to the document and to detect whether the file has been altered after signing. If even one character changes, the signature breaks — which makes it well suited to high-stakes or regulated agreements.

A simple way to remember it

Every digital signature is an electronic signature, but not every electronic signature is a digital one. Electronic is the umbrella; digital is the cryptographically secured version underneath it.

Which do you need?

For everyday forms, letters, and routine agreements, a clear electronic signature is usually all that is expected — add one quickly with the Sign tool. For legally sensitive contracts where tamper-evidence and verified identity matter, a formal digital signature with a certificate is the stronger choice.

The legal weight of any signature depends on your jurisdiction and the document type. This article is general information, not legal advice.