Electronic signature vs handwritten: the comparison

Two signatures, the same function

Two signatures, the same functionThe signature, whether electronic or handwritten, fulfills three identical legal functions: itidentifiesthe signatory, expresses theirconsentto the content and guarantees theintegrity

of the document. What changes is the technique which provides proof of each of these three functions.

Contrary to popular belief, the electronic signature is not a digital imitation of paper. It is a cryptographic process which, in many respects, is more robust than manual initialling.

Contrary to popular belief, the electronic signature is not a digital imitation of paper. It is a cryptographic process which, in many respects, is more robust than manual initialling.Legal valueThe two signatures arerecognized as equivalentunder French law since law n°2000-230 of March 13, 2000 (article 1367 of the Civil Code). The European eIDAS regulation reinforced this equivalence in 2016 by establishing the

principle of non-discrimination ⬥⬥⬥: an electronic signature cannot be refused as proof for the sole reason that it is electronic.For perfect equivalence with the manuscript, you must aim for aqualified signature (QES) ⬥⬥⬥: it has the same legal value as a handwritten signature throughout the European Union. The advanced (AES) and simple (SES) signatures remain perfectly valid, but their probative value is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the judge — seethe differences between the three levels ⬥⬥⬥.Speed ​​⬥⬥⬥ This is the most striking point for operational teams.

Speed ​​⬥⬥⬥ This is the most striking point for operational teams.

Step | Paper | Electronic

Document preparation | 10 mins | 2 min

Send 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, the electronic signature

divides the time by 5 to 10 ⬥⬥⬥. On large volumes (HR, real estate, training), the impact on cash flow and customer satisfaction is measurable.TraceabilityThe paper leaves only a scribble. Impossible to prove

The paper leaves only a scribble. Impossible to prove

whenexactly the signature was affixed,whereit came from, whether the document has been altered since.The electronic signature, on the contrary, includes a

time-stamped audit trail ⬥⬥⬥:precise date and time of each consultation and signatureIP address of the signatory, browser identifier

• proof of identification (OTP code entered, authentication)
• proof of identification (OTP code entered, authentication)
• cryptographic fingerprint of the document which invalidates any subsequent modification
• This audit trail is integrated into the final PDF and remains consultable for 10 years. In the event of a dispute, it constitutes the main evidence that can be used in court. See

electronic signature proof ⬥⬥⬥.The full costThe direct cost of paper (sheet + printing) is deceptively low. The full cost includes:

printing + consumables

registered postage with return receipt (between €5 and €10 per shipment)

• administrative time (preparation, reminders, classification)
• administrative time (preparation, reminders, classification)
• physical storage over 10 years
• risk of loss or alteration
• The Estimates commonly accepted in the profession place the complete cost of a paper cycle around

15 to 35 € per document ⬥⬥⬥. Electronic signature typically costsless than one europer envelope on a business plan.The advantages which lean in favor of electronicsdrastic time saving (cycles divided by 5 to 10)

reduction in administrative costs

• reduction in administrative costs
• superior traceability thanks to the audit trail
• remote signature possible, without moving
• centralization of documents signed in a dashboard
• automatic reminders of inactive signatories
• instant archiving and retrieval
• reduction of paper and carbon footprint
• fluid and modern customer experience
• When paper keeps its place

Certain acts still require paper form or procedures specific:

Certain acts still require paper form or procedures specific:

• authentic documentspassed before a notary (certain wills, donations)
• civil status documents(signature before the officer)
• certain legal procedures(service by bailiff)

For all other daily documents of a company, electronic signature is much preferable.

Comparative use case: a freelance contract

Let’s take a freelance service contract for €5,000.

Let’s take a freelance service contract for €5,000.In paper ⬥⬥⬥: printing, registered delivery (€7), waiting 2-4 days, telephone follow-up, return 3-5 days later, scan for archiving, physical classification. Total:5-9 cycle days ⬥⬥⬥, risk of loss, weak proof in case of dispute.By electronic signature ⬥⬥⬥: envelope prepared in 3 minutes, instant delivery, signature by OTP in

less than an hour ⬥⬥⬥, signed PDF automatically archived with audit trail. Strong evidence, marginal cost.How Certyneo helps youHow Certyneo helps youCertyneo allows you to replace your entire contractual paper flows with a simple digital experience: submitting the PDF, adding signatories, placing fields, sending. The signer 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 monitor the status of each envelope in real time.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution

FAQ

Is an electronic signature easier to challenge?

No, it’s even the opposite in the majority of cases. The time-stamped audit trail, IP address and strong authentication make the electronic signature more difficult to challenge in good faith than a simple manual initial.

No, it’s even the opposite in the majority of cases. The time-stamped audit trail, IP address and strong authentication make the electronic signature more difficult to challenge in good faith than a simple manual initial.

Can we print an electronically signed document?

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

Can the handwritten signature be scanned and used as an 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, go through a dedicated platform.

Do bilingual contracts require two signatures?

Do bilingual contracts require two signatures?

No. Only one bilingual PDF can be signed once. The electronic signature has nothing to do with the language of the document.

How to archive an electronically signed document?

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

The electronic signature is not a “substitute” for paper: it is an improvement. Faster, more traceable, less expensive, legally equivalent in the vast majority of cases. The real subject is no longer

The electronic signature is not a “substitute” for paper: it is an improvement. Faster, more traceable, less expensive, legally equivalent in the vast majority of cases. The real subject is no longerifwe must go digital, butwhen.

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