How to Sign a Contract Electronically (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you've ever found yourself asking, "How do I sign a contract electronically?", you're not alone. From business agreements to vendor contracts, more and more deals today are closed without a single sheet of paper changing hands. Electronic signatures make this process faster, more secure, and legally binding in most parts of the world.

But if you're new to e-signatures, the steps can feel confusing. Do you need special software? Are electronic signatures really valid? And how do you know your document is secure?

This guide breaks it all down in plain English. You'll learn what electronic signatures are, the exact steps to sign a contract online, the legal rules that matter, and which tools can help you do it quickly and cost-effectively. By the end, you'll know exactly how to move from printing and scanning to signing contracts with just a few clicks using SignWith.

Understanding Electronic Signatures

At its core, an electronic signature (often shortened to "e-signature") is just a digital way to show that you agree to the contents of a document. Instead of printing, signing, scanning, and emailing, you can add your signature directly to a file online.

These signatures are legally valid in most countries, like in the USA, e-signatures are valid under the ESIGN Act, and UETA. In other words, an electronically signed contract holds the same weight as a paper one, provided it meets compliance requirements like audit trails and secure authentication.

Think of it as the modern evolution of signing: faster, paperless, and accessible from anywhere.

How to Sign a Contract Electronically (Step by Step)

The exact process can vary depending on the tool you use, but here's what it generally looks like:

1. Choose the Right Tool

You'll need an e-signature platform. Some are subscription-heavy and designed for enterprise users, while others, like SignWith, keep it lightweight, letting you sign documents on a pay-per-document basis without monthly commitments.

2. Upload the Contract

Once you've chosen your tool, upload your contract in PDF, or another supported format. The platform will prepare the document for signing.

3. Add Signature Fields

If you're signing the contract yourself, you can simply drag-and-drop your signature field onto the document.

If you're sending it to someone else, add recipient details and place the signature fields where they need to sign.

4. Verify and Authenticate

Most e-signature platforms (including SignWith) include a simple identity verification process, like email authentication, so both parties know who signed.

5. Sign and Complete

Click to sign, confirm, and you're done. Both parties receive a signed copy, and the document is securely stored with a timestamp and audit trail.

Here's a setp by step tutorial on how to sign a contract using Signwith:

https://youtu.be/ieMV8v0cMP0?si=IVnciNiA-yXNziG7

Signing Yourself vs. Sending to Others

A common question is: "What if I just need to sign something myself versus sending a contract to a client or partner?"

Signing for yourself: You can upload the contract, add your own signature, and download the signed file immediately. Perfect for things like NDAs, offer letters, or internal agreements.
Sending to someone else: Enter their email, place the signature field, and send. They'll receive a secure link to sign electronically, and once they complete it, the final contract will be shared with everyone involved, including an audit trail.

This flexibility is why e-signatures are so widely used, whether it's a one-off freelance agreement or a multi-party business contract.

Why Businesses Prefer Electronic Signatures

Speed: What used to take days (printing, couriering, scanning) now takes minutes.
Cost Savings: Paper, ink, courier fees, and time add up. Digital contracts cut these out.
Security: Encrypted storage and digital audit trails are far safer than filing cabinets.
Flexibility: Sign from your laptop, tablet, or even your phone.

In fact, studies show contracts signed electronically are completed 21x faster than paper ones.

Making It Cost-Effective with SignWith

Most traditional e-signature platforms lock you into monthly subscriptions ($25–$65 per user). That's overkill if you only need to sign a few documents a month.

This is where SignWith keeps things simple:

Get 3 free signatures every month, enough to cover most individual or small business needs.
Need more? Use pay-per-document pricing for as low as ~$0.50 per contract.
No subscriptions, no unused fees.

For freelancers, startups, and growing teams, this model makes electronic signing both affordable and flexible.

Best Practices for Smooth Electronic Signing

Double-check document details before sending, typos or missed clauses can slow things down.
Use clear signing instructions so your recipient knows exactly where to sign.
Keep records organized, most e-signature tools automatically store completed contracts, making retrieval painless.
Choose the right authentication level, basic email verification works for most cases, but high-stakes agreements may need stricter identity checks.

Learning how to sign a contract electronically doesn't need to be complicated. Whether you're handling your own paperwork or sending an important contract to someone else, the process is now as simple as a few clicks.

If you value speed, clarity, and cost-effectiveness, start with a tool that doesn't overwhelm you with unnecessary features. With SignWith, you can sign your first three documents for free every month—and if your needs grow, just pay as you go.

The future of contracts is digital. And with electronic signatures, you can get there faster, more securely, and with far less hassle.

FAQ Section

1. Are electronic signatures legally binding?

Yes, in most countries electronic signatures are legally binding. In the U.S., the ESIGN Act and UETA recognize them as valid. As long as the platform you use provides an audit trail and secure authentication, your electronically signed contract holds the same legal weight as a paper one.

2. Do I need special software to sign a contract electronically?

No. You just need an e-signature platform that works in your browser. With SignWith, you can upload a contract, add your signature, or send it to someone else, no app downloads or complicated setup required.

3. Can I sign a contract electronically on my phone?

Absolutely. Most e-signature platforms, including SignWith, are mobile-friendly. You can open the contract on your phone, add your signature, and send it back in minutes, perfect for when you're on the go.

4. How much does it cost to sign a contract online?

Costs depend on the platform. Many require monthly subscriptions that start around $25 per user. With SignWith, you get 3 free signatures every month, and if you need more, it's just pay-per-document (as low as $0.50 each), ideal if you don't sign contracts daily.

5. What's the difference between signing for myself and sending a contract to others?

If you're signing for yourself, you simply upload the contract, add your e-signature, and download it. If you're sending to someone else, you just enter their email and place the signature field, they'll receive a secure link to sign. SignWith supports both scenarios, so you can handle personal agreements or client contracts with ease.