What's an online signature?
Online signature also called online electronic signature or dematerialized signature refers to the signing of a document without paper support, from a web browser or mobile application. Specifically, you download your document (PDF, Word, image), you indicate the email of the signatory (s), each receives a secure link by email, and sign in two clicks from any device. The signed document automatically returns to the issuer with a timestamped audit trail (who signed, when, from which IP) that constitutes legal proof.
The e-signature is not a simple image of a signature pasted in a PDF it is a cryptographic electronic signature complying with the European Regulation eIDAS (EU) No 910/2014. eIDAS defines three levels: the simple signature (SES), the advanced signature (AES) with identity verification by OTP, and the qualified signature (QES) with proof of identity by a qualified provider. All three are legally admissible in the 27 Member States of the European Union, with increasing burden of proof. For the majority of B2B contracts (currency, NDAs, commercial agreements, invoices), the SES is largely sufficient.
The criterion that separates good online signing solutions from the worst is not the speed of signing (all sign in less than a minute), but the combination of eIDAS compliance + European hosting + price transparency. The American solutions (DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign, PandaDoc, Dropbox Sign) are subject to the Cloud Act which allows a US jurisdiction to require access to your contracts, even if hosted in Europe. European solutions (Certyneo in Germany, Yousign in France) are outside this scope. For serious B2B use in the EU, the combo permanent free plan + AES + EU included offers the best sovereign-price-conformity ratio.
Sign online in 2 minutes, no software needed
With an online signature solution like Certyneo, you no longer need to print, scan, or send by mail. You upload your document (PDF, Word), you provide the email of the signer(s), and each person receives a link to sign in just a few clicks from their computer or phone. The signature obtained has the same legal value as a handwritten signature (eIDAS regulation).
Why sign online with Certyneo?
2 minutes to sign
Download your PDF, add signatories, and you're set. No installation, no account needed for the signer.
eIDAS compliant
Simple (SES) and advanced (AES) signatures legally recognized throughout the European Union. Full audit trail.
European hosting
Vos documents sont stockés en Allemagne, sous GDPR strict — sans exposition au Cloud Act américain.
Comparison of e-signature solutions 2026
| The solution | Free plan | The eIDAS levels are as follows: | Accommodation | The Cloud Act |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certyneo | 5 envelopes/permanent month | SES + AES | EU (Germany) | Not exposed |
| DocuSign | 30 days trial | SES + AES | US (EU option) | Exposed |
| Yousign | 14 days trial | SES + AES | France (OVH) | Not exposed |
| Adobe Acrobat Sign | 7 days trial | The SES + AES + QES | US (Adobe Cloud) is a software company. | Exposed |
| PandaDoc | Unlimited SES only | SES only | US (AWS) | Exposed |
| Dropbox Sign | 3 signatures/month | SES only | US (AWS) | Exposed |
How to sign a document online?
3 steps, less than 2 minutes.
- 1
Upload your document
Drag and drop your PDF or Word document into the Certyneo window. No installation required.
- 2
Add signatories
Provide the email of each signer and place the signature fields in the right places in the document.
- 3
Everyone signs online
Each signer receives a link by email and signs in just a few clicks from their computer or phone. You are notified at each step.
What online signature solution is your profile?
The e-signature does not serve the same needs depending on your business. Here's how to choose the right tool and plan depending on your use case.
Self-employed / freelance
You send a few quotes and contracts a month, usually with only one client signing.
Recommendation for the : Certyneo free plan (5 envelopes/month without CB)
Association or cooperative
You sign AG agreements, partnership agreements, prefectural forms, and often several signatories (president, treasurer, secretary) have to sign the same document, and traceability is required by your auditor.
Recommendation for the : Certyneo free plan (unlimited number of subscribers)
The total number of contracts is calculated as follows:
You send HR contracts, customer quotes, supplier mandates. You need AES for sensitive contracts and EU hosting for GDPR compliance. An API is useful if you want to automate from your CRM or HR tool.
Recommendation for the : Standard plan at €19/month (team + REST API)
Security and compliance
An online signature is only as valuable as the guarantees it provides. Here's what Certyneo offers by default.
- The following information shall be provided in the ETIAS Central System:
- Hébergement en Allemagne — GDPR strict
- Time-stamped audit trail on each consignment
- Email authentication + optional SMS
- Legal archiving up to 10 years
- The following information shall be provided for each of the following:
Frequently asked questions about online signatures
Does an online signature have the same value as a handwritten signature?
Yes, provided you use a solution that complies with the European eIDAS regulation. Certyneo offers Simple (SES) and Advanced (AES) levels, both legally recognized in the 27 EU member states. Handwritten signatures and compliant electronic signatures carry the same probative force in court.
Do I need to create an account to sign a document online?
No. Only the person who SENDS the document for signature needs a Certyneo account (free). Signatories receive a simple link by email and sign in two clicks, without registration.
What document formats can I sign online?
PDF, Word (.docx), and most office formats. The system automatically converts them to PDF before signing to guarantee the integrity of the final document.
How much does online signature cost with Certyneo?
Free up to 5 envelopes per month, no credit card needed. Beyond that, the Standard plan at €19/month includes an entire team and unlimited envelopes (instead of per-user pricing like DocuSign or Yousign).
How do I sign a PDF from my phone?
The signer receives a link by email. By clicking it, they open the document directly in their mobile browser — no app needed. They can draw their signature with their finger or click to sign if a pre-defined signature is associated with their email.
What's the best online signature solution in 2026?
The criterion that distinguishes the solutions is not the speed of signing (all sign in less than a minute) but the combination of permanent free plan + eIDAS AES compliance + EU hosting. Of this trio, Certyneo is the only one to offer it: free 5 envelopes/month without expiry, AES with OTP, hosting Germany outside Cloud Act. DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign and Yousign offer temporary trials (30, 7 and 14 days respectively). PandaDoc and Dropbox Sign offer permanent free but limited to the SES level without EU hosting.
Is an online signature valid for a work contract?
Yes. An employment contract signed online with an eIDAS compliant solution has the same legal value as a contract signed on paper. For an ICD or CDD, advanced signature (AES, with OTP verification of identity) is recommended as it strengthens the proof of identity of the employee. An electronically signed contract must be kept for at least 5 years after the end of the contractual relationship.
Can we sign online with multiple signers in parallel?
Yes. Certyneo allows you to invite as many signatories as you need, either in parallel (everyone signs independently, in the order they want) or in sequence (signer A then B then C). Each signatory receives his own link by email and the final audit trail centralizes the signatories' proof of identity in a single time stamped PDF/A.
What happens if I lose my Internet connection during the signing?
The online sign-up process resumes where it left off as soon as you get back in touch: the email link remains valid for 30 days, and until you click on Confirm Signature in the last step, no signatures are saved.