Glossary
Electronic signature
Definition · Electronic signature
Electronic signature — An electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or associated with a record and adopted by a person with the intent to sign it.
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What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is an electronic way of showing a person agrees to a document, such as a typed name, a drawn signature, or a click to accept. Learn how e-signatures work and what a good record includes.
Digital signature (definition)
A cryptographic technique for showing that a document came from a particular signer and has not changed. Often used to implement an electronic signature, but narrower in meaning.
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How to cite this page
ArcSign. (2026). “Electronic signature: definition.” https://usearcsign.com/glossary/electronic-signature (last reviewed 2026-09-30).