Compare tools by task
Signing a PDF or electronic signature: which tool to choose?
Add a visual mark, get a document signed, or meet a level requirement
The phrases “sign a PDF” and “electronic signature” cover several uses. The right choice depends first on your task: completing a file yourself, asking someone else to take action, or meeting a specific requirement for identification, timestamping or retention.
Three needs not to confuse
1. Add a signature, text or initials to your own PDF
This is a change to the file that you make yourself. Parapheo meets this need with its local mode: the PDF stays on your device, and you can place a drawn or imported signature, initials, a date, text or a stamp before export.
2. Ask someone else to sign
This requires a process for delivering the document, sending notifications and retrieving the result. Parapheo offers a separate sending option: the PDF is encrypted in the browser before transfer, and the recipient verifies their email address and signs without an account. A technical certificate of evidence documents the recorded steps. See the details of encrypted sending.
3. Meet a requirement for an advanced or qualified signature
This is a different need. It may involve a specific signature level, identity checks, a trust service, timestamping or retention defined by your procedure. Parapheo must not be presented as a qualified signature provider. If there is a formal requirement, check the level requested and the appropriate provider before choosing the tool.
Quick comparison by task
- Combine or organise PDF pages: use a PDF tool. This operation does not sign the document.
- Place your signature or initials without uploading the file: use Parapheo's local mode.
- Get an everyday document signed remotely: use Parapheo's encrypted remote process and keep the records of your procedure.
- Manage several roles, templates, reminders, integrations or an organisation: check the features offered by a dedicated solution before committing.
- Deed subject to a specific signature level: first follow the requirement of your recipient, your sector or your adviser.
What Parapheo does, and what it doesn't promise
Parapheo makes it easy to sign a PDF locally and to request a remote signature with encryption in the browser. The tool does not present itself as a solution for full PDF text editing, file conversion, OCR, team management or qualified signatures. This limit is deliberate: it avoids confusing an available feature with a guarantee the service does not provide.
Public reference points
General-purpose PDF offerings and process signing offerings do not cover exactly the same scope. For example, the official pages of Adobe Acrobat, iLovePDF, Docusign and Youtrust describe distinct categories: PDF tools, signing workflows, users, templates or organisation features. Always compare the specific feature and the provider's terms, not just the word “signature”.
What the eIDAS Regulation says
The eIDAS Regulation governs electronic signatures in the European Union. In particular, it distinguishes between simple, advanced and qualified electronic signatures. The text does not allow you to conclude, without context, that a type of signature meets all the formalities of a deed. To read the source, see Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 on EUR-Lex. This page is general product information and does not constitute legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Are initials equivalent to a qualified electronic signature?
No. Initials are a mark placed in the document. On their own, they are not enough to establish a level of electronic signature.
Does a certificate of evidence automatically make the document qualified?
No. Parapheo's certificate of evidence is technical: it describes the information recorded by the process. On its own, it does not turn the service into an advanced or qualified signature.
Which mode is the most private for signing myself?
Local mode: the PDF is processed in your browser without the document being uploaded.