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Cover image for How to Virtually Sign a Document in 2025
Dhinesh Sekar for BoldSign

Posted on • Originally published at boldsign.com

How to Virtually Sign a Document in 2025

Virtually signing a document isn’t just about saving time; it’s about staying ahead in a digital world. Whether you’re running a startup or you’re a solopreneur, BoldSign empowers you to streamline workflows and impress clients with a seamless signing experience. Let’s dive into how it works and why BoldSign should be your go-to solution. 

What does virtually signing a document mean?

When you virtually sign a document, you’re using an electronic signature (eSignature) to approve a digital file—a PDF, Word doc, or even an image—without ever touching paper. An electronic signature (eSignature) is legally valid, equivalent to a wet signature, and binding under laws like the E-Sign Act and UETA.  

Here’s why allowing virtual signatures on your documents is a must in 2025:

Whether it’s a sales contract, employee onboarding form, or lease agreement, offering virtual signatures on your document keeps your business moving.

How to virtually sign a document with BoldSign

Ready to request your first document signature with BoldSign? Here’s how to get virtual signatures on your documents in under five minutes and in just six steps:

1. Create a BoldSign account

Head to the BoldSign website and sign up for a free trial. No credit card is required, and upgrading to a $15/month plan unlocks unlimited templates and branding.

Create a new account


Create a new account

2.Upload your document

From the BoldSign dashboard, select Create New and upload your file, whether that’s a PDF, Word document, or image file. BoldSign supports all major formats for maximum flexibility.

Browse your documents


Browse your documents

3.Add signers

Specify who needs to sign—you, a client, or multiple parties. Need a specific signing order? BoldSign has you covered. You can toggle the signing order option to set who signs first.

Add recipients


Add recipients

 
Optionally, add your brand’s logo and colors for a professional touch and customize automated reminders to keep the signing process on track. 

Customize document settings


Customize document settings

4.Customize fields and send

Use the drag-and-drop editor to add signature fields, initials, dates, or text boxes. Once you’re done, select Send to email the document to signers.

Add form fields


Add form fields

 
5.Receive secure signatures
Signers get a secure link to review and sign, which can be received via SMS, WhatsApp, or email. You’ll be notified once the signatures have been collected. You’ll be notified once the signatures have been collected.

Signature request email


Signature request email

6.Track and store signed documents

Easily track multiple documents with real-time updates, even when managing several files at once. Signed documents are securely stored in the cloud with a detailed audit trail for compliance.

Download audit trail


Download audit trail

 Key benefits of using BoldSign for eSignatures

Why pick BoldSign to virtually sign a document? Here’s what sets it apart in 2025:

  • Budget-friendly: BoldSign offers a free plan with essential eSignature features, ideal for occasional users. Paid plans with unlimited templates and envelopes start at $15/month, perfect for small businesses, compared to DocuSign’s higher pricing and other competitors in the market with often complex or costlier plans.
  • Super easy to use: No tech skills? No worries. BoldSign has an intuitive interface that makes signing as simple as sending an email.
  • High security: Advanced encryption, signer authentication, and audit trails keep your documents safe and compliant with the E-Sign Act, UETA, and GDPR.
  • Seamless integrations: Connect BoldSign with Google Drive, Microsoft 365 or other tools to streamline your workflow.
  • Scalable for all: From freelancers to growing enterprises, BoldSign adapts to your needs without breaking the bank. Explore our pricing.

BoldSign vs. competitors: How we compare

With so many eSignature platforms on the market, how does BoldSign stack up? Here’s a side-by-side look at the top players:

Feature BoldSign DocuSign Adobe Acrobat Sign PandaDoc SignWell
Free plan Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Starting price $15/month (unlimited signature requests) $25/month (limited features) $12.99/month (complex plans) $19/month (editing focus) $10/month (basic features)
Truly Unlimited Unlimited documents, templates, and brands in Business+ plans; Pay As You Go Limited envelopes in Standard+ plans; higher cost for more Unlimited eSignatures in most plans; complex pricing Unlimited eSignatures in paid plans; limits in free plan Unlimited documents in paid plans; limited templates in free
User Experience Intuitive, user-friendly, ideal for non-tech-savvy users Robust but steeper learning curve Functional but complex for beginners, PDF-focused Document creation focus, intuitive but editing-heavy Simple, streamlined, highly user-friendly
Customer support Free live chat and email for all plans Basic self-service; phone/live chat for higher tiers Basic support; phone support for higher tiers Chat/email for paid plans; limited free support Free email, phone, and Zoom support for all plans
Customer Satisfaction 4.8/5 on G2, praised for reliability and effectiveness 4.5/5 on G2, strong enterprise adoption but complex 4.4/5 on G2, reliable but less intuitive 4.7/5 on G2, valued for document creation but pricier 4.8/5 on G2, highly rated for simplicity and affordability
Security Advanced encryption, audit trails High security, enterprise focus High security, PDF integration Moderate security Basic security
Dedicated data centers US, EU, and Canada with strict data residency rules Regional options mostly for enterprise; some global hosting Global storage, limited regional control US-only storage, no regional options US-only storage, no data residency control
Powerful API Fast API (<200ms), unlimited senders, custom fields, embedded signing Comprehensive API, complex integrations, usage-based pricing REST API, strong PDF integration, enterprise-oriented API for automation, CRM-focused, requires Enterprise plan Basic API, Zapier support, 25 free API docs/month

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are virtually signed documents legally binding?

Yes! eSignatures comply with global laws like the E-Sign Act, UETA, and eIDAS. BoldSign offers audit trails that provide proof of signing for extra confidence.

Can I virtually sign a document on my phone?

Definitely. BoldSign is a mobile-friendly platform that lets you sign from any device—phone, tablet, or laptop—with just a few taps. Download the app for Android or iPhone to get started.

How secure is virtually signing a document with BoldSign?

BoldSign uses advanced encryption, signer authentication (like SMS or passcode), and detailed audit trails to ensure top-tier security and compliance.

How fast can I virtually sign a document?

With BoldSign, you can upload, prepare, and sign a document in under five minutes. Automated reminders speed up the process for other signers.

Can multiple people sign the same document?

Yes! BoldSign supports multiple signers and lets you set a specific signing order for complex workflows like contracts or approvals.

What types of documents can I sign with BoldSign?

Virtually anything—contracts, NDAs, invoices, lease agreements, consent forms, and more. BoldSign handles PDFs, Word docs, and images.

Can I customize documents with my brand?

Absolutely. BoldSign lets you add your logo, colors, or custom fields to create a professional, branded signing experience.

Get started with BoldSign today

With BoldSign, you can virtually sign a document in minutes—securely, affordably, and from anywhere. Transform your workflow and impress your clients with a modern signing experience. Try BoldSign free today and join thousands of businesses making document signing faster and easier!

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Note: This blog was originally published at boldsign.com

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