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

Feature Electronic Signature Digital Signature. Purpose Shows intent to sign Proves identity and document integrity Proof Level Limited proof High proof (non-repudiation) Technology Simple methods (typed name) PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)

How do I make sure my e-signature is legally valid in the EU?

First, understand the eIDAS regulation in the EU. It defines three levels of e-signatures. For basic needs, a Simple e-signature is okay. It shows intent but has limited proof. For stronger proof, choose an Advanced (AdES) e-signature. This uses better security. For the highest legal standing, choose a Qualified (QES) e-signature. This is legally equal to a handwritten signature. Acrobat Sign helps you meet these standards by providing options for different signature levels.

If I use Acrobat Sign, how can I ensure the audit report is always with my signed documents?

In Acrobat Sign settings, look for global configurations. Find the option to 'Attach audit report to emails and downloads'. Enable this setting. This makes sure the audit trail is automatically included with your signed PDFs.

Define E‑Sign Controls in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

CDecide — “help me choose”I want to move from pilot to full electronic signature adoption and need to craft the controls…+

I want to move from pilot to full electronic signature adoption and need to craft the controls procurement and legal will accept. Tell me which three controls (identity proofing, immutable audit trail, and retention/backup) are non-negotiable, and draft the compromise I'd present so both IT and Legal sign off.

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 document you need to secure in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Go to the File menu and select Protect Using Password or choose Protect from the right pane.
3
In the protection options, select Restrict Editing and Printing.
4
Set a strong password that will be required to change permissions or remove restrictions.
CautionIf you forget this password, you cannot remove or change the restrictions.
5
Choose the specific permissions to restrict, such as disallowing printing, editing, or copying content.
6
Click Apply to enforce the permissions and save the document.
7
Save the secured PDF to a safe location, ensuring the original is overwritten or archived as needed.
Best practiceAccording to best-practice blogs, always keep an unprotected master copy in a secure location in case future edits are required.

In the appWith the API

You can review or change document restrictions at any time by opening the PDF and checking the permissions summary in the Protect panel.

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 signatureA digital signature is an electronic mark that proves who signed a document and that it has not changed.

Audit trailA record that shows who signed and when.

Who does this

3 roles

Compliance OfficerCorporate ParalegalContract Manager

FAQ

about this task

Feature	Electronic Signature	Digital Signature
Purpose	Shows intent to sign	Proves identity and document integrity
Proof Level	Limited proof	High proof (non-repudiation)
Technology	Simple methods (typed name)	PKI (Public Key Infrastructure)

First, understand the eIDAS regulation in the EU. It defines three levels of e-signatures.
For basic needs, a Simple e-signature is okay. It shows intent but has limited proof.
For stronger proof, choose an Advanced (AdES) e-signature. This uses better security.
For the highest legal standing, choose a Qualified (QES) e-signature. This is legally equal to a handwritten signature. Acrobat Sign helps you meet these standards by providing options for different signature levels.

An audit trail is very important because it creates court-ready evidence. It records key details like who signed, when, from what device, and their IP address. This information, along with cryptographic hashes, proves the signature's authenticity and that the document has not been changed. Without it, proving the validity of an e-signature in a legal dispute can be difficult.

A Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) is the highest level of e-signature under the EU's eIDAS regulation. It is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature. You should use a QES when you need the strongest possible legal proof, especially for high-value contracts, official documents, or when legal requirements specifically demand it. It offers the highest assurance of the signer's identity and the document's integrity.

In Acrobat Sign settings, look for global configurations.
Find the option to 'Attach audit report to emails and downloads'.
Enable this setting. This makes sure the audit trail is automatically included with your signed PDFs.

Define E‑Sign Controls

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Other guides