Key Takeaways: Creating an electronic signature takes under 60 seconds. You can draw one with your mouse, type your name in a signature font, or upload an image of your handwritten signature. This guide shows every method with step-by-step instructions for desktop and mobile.
An electronic signature (e-signature) is any electronic mark — a typed name, drawn signature, click of an "I agree" button, or uploaded image — that indicates a person's intent to sign a document.
It is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature in over 180 countries, including:
United States — ESIGN Act (2000) and UETA
European Union — eIDAS Regulation
United Kingdom — Electronic Communications Act (2000)
Canada — PIPEDA and provincial Electronic Commerce Acts
India — Information Technology Act, 2000
Australia — Electronic Transactions Act, 1999
You do not need special software, a digital certificate, or a lawyer. If you can type or draw, you can create a legally valid electronic signature right now.
Our recommendation: For most people, typing your signature is the best default — it's fast, professional, and perfectly legible. Save a drawn signature as backup for documents where a personal touch matters.
Creating a new signature for every document wastes time. Here's how to save it once and reuse it:
In ZiaSign: Your signature is automatically saved to your account after the first use. On subsequent documents, just click Add Signature → select your saved signature → place it.
In Apple devices: iOS/macOS Markup saves your signature system-wide. Create it once in any app, and it appears everywhere.
As a file: Save your signature as a transparent PNG image. Store it in a secure folder (iCloud, Google Drive, OneDrive) so you can upload it from any device.