What is the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

Feature Electronic Signature Digital Signature. Proof Level Limited proof of identity Strong proof of identity (non-repudiation) Technology Simple intent (e.g., typing name) PKI-backed cryptographic technology Legal Weight Varies by law (e.g., US ESIGN Act) Highest legal weight (e.g., EU QES)

How do I make sure my electronic signature is legally valid in the European Union?

Understand eIDAS: The EU's eIDAS regulation defines three types: Simple, Advanced (AdES), and Qualified (QES). Choose QES: For the highest legal validity, choose a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). This type is legally equal to a handwritten signature. Use a compliant tool: Ensure your signing tool, like Adobe Acrobat Sign, supports eIDAS QES standards. Keep the audit trail: The audit trail provides strong evidence of the signature's authenticity and integrity.

Why is it important to attach the audit report to signed PDFs?

Provides proof: The audit report serves as court-ready evidence of the signature's validity. Ensures compliance: It helps meet legal requirements for electronic signatures. Easy access: Having it attached means all proof is with the document, making it easy to find and use.

Ensure Legal Compliance in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Define and save the [digitization standards PDF] (naming, resolution, color profile, file…+

Define and save the [digitization standards PDF] (naming, resolution, color profile, file format) and apply compression settings to archived files so the collection's long-term records are consistent for legal and research use.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”To enforce standards, create a confirmed [digitization standards document] that specifies…+

To enforce standards, create a confirmed [digitization standards document] that specifies resolution, color profile, file naming, metadata fields, and permitted compression; attach the standard to the archive upload process and certify a sample batch so legal and research teams can verify compliance.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file you need to review for legal compliance.
2
Select the option to view the document’s properties and check the Description and Security tabs for metadata accuracy and security settings.
CautionEnsure sensitive metadata is not present or is properly redacted, as incorrect metadata can lead to compliance violations. [ADOBE]
3
Use the Redact tool to permanently remove confidential or legally protected information from the document.
Best practiceAfter redacting, use the 'Sanitize Document' feature to remove hidden data and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. [BLOGS]
4
Apply password protection or set permissions by choosing the option to restrict editing, printing, or copying, as required by your compliance policy.
NoteSetting document restrictions helps prevent unauthorized access or changes, supporting legal compliance. [ADOBE]
5
Save the document with a new file name to preserve the compliance changes.

In the appWith the API

Always double-check that all sensitive information is fully redacted and that security settings match your compliance requirements before sharing the PDF.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

E-signatureA way to sign documents online instead of with a pen.ExampleYou type your name or draw your signature on an online agreement and submit it.

Digital SignatureAn electronic mark on a document that proves who signed it and that the document has not changed.ExampleA digital signature on your tax return confirms you submitted it and that its contents are unchanged.

Audit TrailA record of all actions taken on a document, like who signed and when.ExampleThe audit trail showed that the document was signed by three different people last Tuesday.

Who does this

3 roles

Compliance OfficerParalegalRecords Manager

FAQ

about this task

Feature	Electronic Signature	Digital Signature
Proof Level	Limited proof of identity	Strong proof of identity (non-repudiation)
Technology	Simple intent (e.g., typing name)	PKI-backed cryptographic technology
Legal Weight	Varies by law (e.g., US ESIGN Act)	Highest legal weight (e.g., EU QES)

Understand eIDAS: The EU's eIDAS regulation defines three types: Simple, Advanced (AdES), and Qualified (QES).
Choose QES: For the highest legal validity, choose a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). This type is legally equal to a handwritten signature.
Use a compliant tool: Ensure your signing tool, like Adobe Acrobat Sign, supports eIDAS QES standards.
Keep the audit trail: The audit trail provides strong evidence of the signature's authenticity and integrity.

An e-signature audit trail is a detailed record of the signing process. It captures information like the signer's IP address, device used, timestamps, and cryptographic hashes. This matters for legal compliance because it provides strong, court-ready evidence that proves who signed a document, when they signed it, and that the document has not been changed since signing. It is crucial for non-repudiation, meaning the signer cannot later deny their signature.

If you need strong proof that a specific person signed a document, you should use a digital signature. Digital signatures use advanced technology to verify the signer's identity and ensure the document has not been altered. In the EU, a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the best choice for this level of proof.

Provides proof: The audit report serves as court-ready evidence of the signature's validity.
Ensures compliance: It helps meet legal requirements for electronic signatures.
Easy access: Having it attached means all proof is with the document, making it easy to find and use.

Ensure Legal Compliance

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Other guides