Electronic signature vs handwritten: the comparison

Two signatures, one same function

A signature, whether electronic or handwritten, fulfils three identical legal functions: it identifies the signatory, expresses their consent to the content and guarantees the integrity of the document. What changes is the technique that provides proof of each of these three functions.

Contrary to a common misconception, electronic signature is not a digital imitation of paper. It is a cryptographic process that, in many respects, is more robust than the manual flourish.

Legal value

Both signatures are recognised as equivalent in French law since Law No. 2000-230 of 13 March 2000 (Article 1367 of the Civil Code). The European eIDAS regulation strengthened this equivalence in 2016 by establishing the principle of non-discrimination: an electronic signature cannot be refused as evidence solely on the grounds that it is electronic.

For perfect equivalence with handwritten signatures, a qualified (QES) signature must be aimed at: it has the same legal value as a handwritten signature throughout the European Union. Advanced (AES) and simple (SES) signatures remain perfectly valid, but their probative value is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the judge — see the differences between the three levels.

Speed

This is the most striking point for operational teams.

Step | Paper | Electronic

Document preparation | 10 min | 2 min

Sending to signatory | 1 to 3 days (post) or minutes (scan) | < 1 minute

Return signed | 2 to 5 days on average | Minutes to a few hours

Filing / archiving | Manual | Automatic

Over a complete commercial cycle, electronic signature divides the timeframe by 5 to 10. On large volumes (HR, real estate, training), the impact on cash flow and customer satisfaction is measurable.

Traceability

Paper leaves only a scribble. It is impossible to prove when exactly the signature was applied, where it came from, whether the document has been altered since.

Electronic signature, on the other hand, embeds a timestamped audit trail:

• precise date and time of each consultation and signature

• signatory's IP address, browser identifier

• proof of identification (OTP code entered, authentication)

• cryptographic fingerprint of the document that invalidates any subsequent modification

This audit trail is integrated into the final PDF and remains accessible for 10 years. In case of dispute, it constitutes the main evidence that can be mobilised before a court. See proof of electronic signature.

Complete cost

The direct cost of paper (sheet + printing) is deceptively low. The complete cost includes:

• printing + consumables

• registered postage with AR (between £5 and £10 per shipment)

• administrative time (preparation, follow-ups, filing)

• physical storage for 10 years

• risks of loss or alteration

Commonly accepted estimates in the profession place the complete cost of a paper cycle at around £15 to £35 per document. Electronic signature typically costs less than one pound per envelope on an enterprise plan.

The advantages that favour electronic

• dramatic time savings (cycles divided by 5 to 10)

• reduction in administrative costs

• superior traceability thanks to the audit trail

• remote signature possible, without travel

• centralisation of signed documents in a dashboard

• automatic reminders for inactive signatories

• instant filing and retrieval

• reduction in paper footprint and carbon footprint

• smooth and modern customer experience

When paper still has its place

Certain acts still require paper form or specific procedures:

• authenticated deeds executed before a notary (certain wills, donations)

• civil status documents (signature before the officer)

• certain legal proceedings (service by bailiff)

For all other documents in the daily business of a company, electronic signature is largely preferable.

Comparative use case: a freelance contract

Let's take a freelance services contract worth £5,000.

On paper: printing, registered mail (£7), waiting 2-4 days, phone follow-up, return 3-5 days later, scan for filing, physical storage. Total: 5-9 days cycle time, risk of loss, weak evidence in case of dispute.

With electronic signature: envelope prepared in 3 minutes, instant sending, signature by OTP in less than an hour, signed PDF automatically archived with audit trail. Strong evidence, marginal cost.

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo allows you to replace all your contractual paper workflows with a simple digital experience: deposit the PDF, add signatories, place fields, send. The signatory receives an email, clicks, signs — no account to create, no app to install.

For each signed document, Certyneo automatically generates the final PDF with audit footer, archives everything for 10 years and gives you a dashboard to track in real-time the status of each envelope.

Discover Certyneo's electronic signature solution

FAQ

Is an electronic signature easier to contest?

No, it's actually the opposite in most cases. The timestamped audit trail, IP address and strong authentication make electronic signature more difficult to contest in good faith than a simple manual flourish.

Can a document signed electronically be printed?

Yes, but printing loses the probative value. It is the digital PDF that carries the cryptographic signature and fingerprint. Once printed, you have just a visual copy.

Can handwritten signature be scanned and used as electronic signature?

A scanned image pasted into a PDF is not an electronic signature in the eIDAS sense — it offers neither identification nor integrity. For a valid signature, use a dedicated platform.

Do bilingual contracts require two signatures?

No. A single bilingual PDF can be signed once. Electronic signature has nothing to do with the language of the document.

How do you archive a document signed electronically?

The signed PDF is archived like any other digital file, but it is recommended to keep the audit trail and timestamp. See how to archive a signed document.

Conclusion

Electronic signature is not a "substitute" for paper: it is an improvement. Faster, more traceable, less costly, legally equivalent in the vast majority of cases. The real question is no longer whether to go digital, but when.

Try Certyneo to send, sign and track your documents online simply, quickly and securely.