Sign Documents Electronically - No Printing Needed!

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for electronically signing documents received via email, focusing on alternatives to printing, signing, and scanning. Participants explore various software options, devices, and techniques for signing documents, particularly in PDF and Word formats.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about software that allows direct signing of documents on a computer without printing.
  • One participant suggests using a graphics tablet connected via USB for easier signing.
  • Another participant mentions that Adobe PDF and newer versions of Word allow for writing directly on documents.
  • Several participants propose uploading a picture of a signature to paste into documents as a workaround.
  • Concerns are raised about the practicality of certain methods, particularly for those without specialized devices.
  • Participants discuss the limitations of using Adobe Acrobat Reader DC for editing PDFs and whether the documents are form formatted.
  • One participant suggests downloading a handwriting-like font to type a name as an alternative to signing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the best method for signing documents electronically, with multiple competing views and techniques discussed. Participants express varying levels of practicality and feasibility regarding the proposed solutions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention limitations based on their hardware, such as using an older PC or lacking a stylus, which may affect their ability to implement certain suggestions. The discussion also touches on the compatibility of software with different document formats.

mathman
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At times I receive a document through e-mail which requires my signature and return. What I do now is print out the document, sign it, scan the signed copy back into the computer, and return via e-mail.

Is there a program which would allow me to sign the document directly on the computer (without printing) and return it?
 
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mathman said:
At times I receive a document through e-mail which requires my signature and return. What I do now is print out the document, sign it, scan the signed copy back into the computer, and return via e-mail.

Is there a program which would allow me to sign the document directly on the computer (without printing) and return it?
Something like this, connected to your computer via USB? http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/hand-writing-touch-pad-holding-pen-against-computer-38936492.jpg

What format are the documents you are receiving? Word, PDF?
 
I do this all the time. Adobe PDF let's you write on the document and so does the newest version of Word.

EDIT: Shoot, Stevie beat me to it :redface:
 
Maybe you could upload a picture of your signature and paste it into the document?
 
Borg said:
Maybe you could upload a picture of your signature and paste it into the document?
That is usually what I do, as well.

But if you are getting PDF's and don't have Adobe Acrobat (compared to Adobe Reader), would you be able to edit the PDF to enable pasting a pic of your signature in the appropriate area?
 
Borg said:
Maybe you could upload a picture of your signature and paste it into the document?
StevieTNZ said:
That is usually what I do, as well.
That seems really impractical. But perhaps I'm different.
 
ProfuselyQuarky said:
That seems really impractical. But perhaps I'm different.
I only do it because the device I have isn't compatible with my current laptop. Need to get a newer one!

But of course I'm not doing this on official documents. I rarely get forms emailed to me that need filing out and a signature.
 
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StevieTNZ said:
I only do it because the device I have isn't compatible with my current laptop. Need to get a newer one!
What "device" do you speak of? :) I've got a graphics tablet that I use all the time. It makes writing on the computer as easy as writing on paper, too. Do you mean something like that?
 
  • #10
Thanks for the replies, but I am somewhat limited. My computer is an old-fashioned PC so I don't have any stylus or anything like that. The only freely moving instrument I have is the mouse - cursor. Documents are often PDF and I have Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.
 
  • #11
As long as you have a way for plugging a USB type A plug into your PC, it shouldn’t matter how old your computer is . . . . and graphic tablets run quite cheap. Since you wouldn’t be using it for rigorous digital design/art, you could find one for as low as $40 to $50.

Another idea: Download a font that looks similar to your handwriting and just type your name in that font (?)
 
  • #12
mathman said:
Documents are often PDF and I have Adobe Acrobat Reader DC.

Are the PDF's form formatted, where Adobe Reader allows you to insert text (or tick a box) at various input points?
 
  • #13
StevieTNZ said:
Are the PDF's form formatted, where Adobe Reader allows you to insert text (or tick a box) at various input points?
I don't know. What do I look for?
 
  • #14
mathman said:
I don't know. What do I look for?
Ah, I see. You're only after requiring the PDF to be signed, and the rest intact. Never mind.
 

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