There are three related but distinct concepts: an electronic signature (a scanned or drawn signature image placed on a document), a digital signature (a cryptographic signature tied to a verified identity, issued by a Certifying Authority), and 'a legally binding signature' — which is a legal question, not a technical one. Understanding the difference matters when the document is important.
Electronic vs. digital signatures
An electronic signature is the visual mark — a drawn or uploaded signature image, or a typed name in a signature-styled font. It records intent to sign but isn't cryptographically tied to your identity.
A digital signature uses a cryptographic key, typically stored on a hardware token or in a secure store, and issued by a Certifying Authority (CA). It provides strong, verifiable proof that a specific person signed the exact document.
Both can be labelled 'signatures' in casual speech, but they aren't interchangeable when the stakes are high.
What PDF Hub produces
The Sign PDF tool produces an electronic signature — an image of your signature placed on the PDF, plus an audit trail (sent → viewed → signed events with timestamps and IPs). This is enough for many everyday agreements, but it is not the same as a certified digital signature.
When an electronic signature might not be enough
Some documents legally require a specific type of signature to be enforceable — for example, certain government filings, real-estate deeds, or documents requiring notarisation in your jurisdiction. Requirements vary considerably by country and document type. If the document has real legal or financial consequences, ask a lawyer whether an electronic signature is sufficient in your case. PDF Hub does not provide legal advice.
About India's IT Act 2000 (informational only)
India's Information Technology Act, 2000 introduced a legal framework for electronic and digital signatures. It distinguishes between electronic signatures generally and 'digital signatures' issued by Certifying Authorities authorised by the Controller of Certifying Authorities (CCA India). Whether a particular electronic signature is legally valid for a particular document depends on the type of document, the parties, and how the signature was collected. This is a general summary and not legal advice — laws change and specific cases are decided on their facts. If you have doubts, consult a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction.
Signing safely with PDF Hub
1. Open /sign-pdf.
2. Choose Sign myself (add your own signature) or Send for signature (email a link to another party).
3. For Sign myself: drop your signature image onto the PDF at the correct position; download the signed file.
4. For Send for signature: enter the recipient's email; they get a link, sign in-browser without an account, and PDF Hub stores the audit trail.
5. Save the signed file and the audit trail together.
Related tools
Protect PDF — add a password to the signed file before emailing.
Watermark PDF — stamp the file 'DRAFT' or 'FINAL' as an additional signal.
Redact PDF — remove sensitive parts before signing a public copy.
For everyday documents, an electronic signature via PDF Hub is fast and convenient. For high-stakes documents, understand the legal requirements first, and use a certified digital-signature provider if that's what's needed.