Are you still using a pen to sign documents? In today’s fast-paced world, the difference between a traditional “wet” signature and an electronic one can be a matter of days—or even weeks.
While both are used to authorize and authenticate a document, they belong to two different eras of business. Understanding the distinction is the first step to modernizing your workflows.
What is a Wet Signature?
A wet signature is a physical signature made with an ink pen on a paper document. It gets its name from the fact that the ink is “wet” when applied. For centuries, this has been the standard for legally binding agreements, from contracts and leases to financial documents.
However, relying on a wet signature means:
Documents must be physically present for signing.
You have to print, sign, scan, and email, or use a courier service.
The process is slow, costly, and can lead to lost or damaged documents.
What is an Electronic Signature
An electronic signature (or e-signature) is any electronic symbol, sound, or process that a person uses to legally sign a document. It can be a typed name, a mouse drawing of a signature, or even a clicking of an “I agree” button.
Unlike a wet signature, an e-signature is:
Instant: Sign documents from anywhere, on any device.
Secure: Modern e-signatures are built with powerful encryption.
Auditable: They create a digital trail that tracks every action, from viewing to signing.
The rise of the digital age has made e signatures free and accessible to everyone, fundamentally changing how businesses operate.
Wet vs. E-Signature: A Key Comparison
Why an E-Signature is the Modern Standard
For years, the gold standard was a wet signature. Today, the gold standard is an e-signature for free. The benefits are too significant to ignore.
Using a solution that allows you to create an electronic signature or get a digital signature for free can completely transform your business. It allows you to:
Close deals faster without waiting for a courier.
Create a secure, legally compliant digital record.
Reduce costs associated with paper and printing.
This is where a platform like SignTech comes in. You can get a free electronic signature as part of a comprehensive paperless platform. Whether you need to know how to electronically sign a document in Word or manage a full workflow, SignTech provides a secure and easy-to-use solution that proves a wet signature is no longer the most efficient option.
Ready to start your paperless journey? Try our free e signature tools today.
