Is electronic signature legal? The answer is—yes, it is; these signatures carry the same weight as traditional signatures.

To those wondering, “Is electronic signature legal?” the answer is yes—electronic signatures 

If you wish to know more about the legality of e-signatures and how to use them—we are here to help! In this article, we discuss key aspects like the e-signature concept, types, usage, regulation, and their benefits.

Electronic signatures are symbols, letters, or other data in electronic format attached to an online document as proof of 

. Its importance is equal to an offline signature.

E-signatures are used to sign documents remotely via a 

. Businesses often use them to create court-admissible signatures, which secure electronic transactions and enhance customer experience.

There are three major types of electronic signatures:

: It is the most widespread type of e-signature, which implies electronic information (letters or other symbols) attached to a transmittable digital document. This signature variant does not require verification; the documents that contain it have no high integrity levels.


: This type of electronic signature is made the same way as SES. The key difference is that AES’ security levels are higher. For example, you can create an AES and use a delivery service with 

: Lastly, these encrypted e-signatures have the 

, as they use the public key technology. This means that only the sender and the receiver can see the signed document. On top of that, QES also requires a face-to-face video call or live verification.

Electronic signature technologies, such as digital signatures, make e-signatures impregnable. While the 

digital signature vs. electronic signature

 comparison may cause confusion, the key difference is that the former protects an e-signature, whereas the latter is data in digital form attached to other data in the same form.

and carry the same weight as traditional signatures.

Generally, when examining if an electronic signature is legal, one needs to analyze several factors, including intent to sign, consent, verification, and record-keeping.

of a person to make a document official by putting their signature on it. This also implies that the signer understands their actions and agrees with the terms under which the document was made.

In contrast to offline signatures, where the signer’s intent is visible, e-signatures must have 

 of the intent. Some ways to prove it include using screenshots or making changes to the document before signing.

 before it can be valid. This applies to every electronic document. If an individual has given consent to sign a document in the past and never retracted it, the consent can still be active later on.

For instance, individuals signing documents in the US must get a 

, which they can use to give consent. Needless to say, a consent withdrawal will render an e-signature invalid.

Another factor essential for legally binding signatures is electronic signature authentication. The verification method can differ depending on the signature type; the simplest procedure is for the signer to 

For more robust authentication, the signer may need to use a PIN code received by SMS or upload an official ID. Verification via video call or in person is also standard.

Successful record-keeping is the last element to solve the dilemma when wondering whether an electronic signature is legal. Primarily, the signed document must have 

; in other words, there must be evidence that no document changes have occurred.

This is why electronic signatures have text or graphic components confirming that the signing process is digital. An alternative way to prove integrity is for document creators to explain how they made and attached the signature.

 for every contracting party. Document retention refers to storing documents where all authorized individuals can access them. Only after all these safety measures have been applied is an electronic signature legal.

As previously mentioned, an electronic signature is legal whenever it meets the criteria mentioned in the previous section. However, this type is mostly used in specific industries, such as sales, contracts, healthcare, government forms, and similar.

Firstly, the most common example of e-signatures is in sales contracts. If buyers and sellers cannot sign a contract in person, they can do so legally 

. This process includes verification of both buyer and seller. The same goes for other aspects like intent, consent, etc.

E-signatures in sales agreements can speed up and improve the efficiency of this process. This is useful for buyers and sellers hurrying to obtain funds or legally take possession of property or assets.

Dealing with sensitive and confidential patient and research information is a typical occurrence in the healthcare industry. Researchers, doctors, patients, and others may share such data for various purposes; in such cases, electronic signatures keep all the details secure.

For instance, e-signatures in hospital settings are essential for sharing medical records, such as a patient’s medical history. The same applies to medical billings, procedure approvals, and prescriptions.

The government uses high-protection electronic signatures for documents regardless of their level (federal, state, or local). They ensure security by issuing 

The transport industry also uses e-signatures for shipping documents, as physical documents may be lost or difficult to keep neat during transportation. On the other hand, 

 electronic documents are practical for both shippers and recipients.

Do Electronic Signatures Hold Up in Court?

Electronic signatures hold up in court, as they are equally legally binding as physical ones and regulated by online document signing laws.

The main regulatory act for making e-signatures admissible in court is the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, or the 

. It affirms that electronic signatures are as impactful in court as physical paper signatures. Another official act issued in 1999, the above-mentioned UETA, evens the effect of e-signatures with traditional signatures.

If an e-signature meets the set criteria (intention, consent, verification, and integrity), court representatives can prove its validity more easily than they would do for traditional signatures. Instead of hiring handwriting experts and presenting copies of previous signatures, executives can use 

Audit trails provide data collected during the signing process and serve as substantial proof of e-signature authenticity. Automating this process removes the possibility of human error and 

 regarding document receipt, opening, viewing, time, location, and IP address.

We know it’s legal in many areas, but is electronic signature legal worldwide? The answer is yes—

. Still, the regulation of e-signature varies from one region to another, but the US, UK, Europe, and Australia have the most impactful regulations.

Let’s have a look at the acts and directives for each region.

The ESIGN Act and UETA directly regulate electronic signatures in the US, and passing these two acts gives e-signatures the 

Still, there are certain cases in which only a wet (or traditional) signature is valid. These include:

“Do not resuscitate” and health proxies in healthcare documents

These examples may vary from state to state, so it's important to check which documents the e-signature is valid for in each area.

 passed in 2000 changed the status of e-signatures from non-valid to valid in the UK. In 2002, the 

 completely systematized e-signatures within the UK law jurisdiction.

Even though they are fully regulated, electronic signatures in this area do not carry the same weight as wet signatures on every occasion. To have the same impact as traditional ones, e-signatures must either be 

 was the first electronic signature regulatory act in the EU. Shortly after, Regulation (EU) No 910/2014, or the 

, codified simple, advanced, and qualified e-signatures.

First, simple electronic signatures encompass every electronic signature that transmits digital data for authentication purposes. Such an e-signature is valid in 

Advanced and qualified signatures are valid for consumer credits and loans, court briefs, and commercial lease agreements. While these are the general rules, each EU state has its e-signature directives.

 of 2000 rank electronic signatures alongside wet signatures in Australia. The ETA proposes a specific set of rules (e.g., intention, consent, etc.) for legally binding e-signatures globally. On the local level, most administrative units have their own ETAs.

Finally, e-signatures are almost universal. For instance, most South American, Middle Eastern, and Asian countries 

3 Benefits of Using Electronic Signatures

Not only is an electronic signature legal, but it also brings benefits such as speed and efficiency, environmental friendliness, and security.

Signing a document electronically may only take several minutes. The entire signing process, except for the signing act, 

, which speeds up the procedure. The faster this process goes, the more your workflow can become more efficient.

—everything is in one place. Therefore, all parties can sign, use, and manage the documents, even on a multidepartmental level.

#2. Environmental Friendliness & Cost Reduction

Using electronic signatures can reduce paper consumption, which directly and positively impacts the environment. It also reduces the costs of buying paper and printing documents. Unlike traditional paperwork, which implies transportation, e-signatures are both

Electronic signatures boast high safety levels, sometimes even higher than traditional signature levels.

Advanced electronic signatures involve multiple measures like 

, which confirm time, location, document reception, opening, and viewing.

 that only the sender and the receiver have and can use to unlock and view the signed document.

PDF tools can help with e-signatures by allowing you to load your document quickly, use a specialized feature to add your signature to it, adjust signature font style, color, size, and opacity, and upload your signature image to a document from your device.

A valid signature is essential for purchasing, selling, or performing similar actions. However, finding reliable software that will help you sign your documents electronically can sometimes be challenging. But worry not; our 

 tools can help you streamline this process seamlessly.

 makes it easy to create electronic signatures, and the software also offers valuable options for transferring digital information to other data in electronic format. Therefore, you can sign files and tweak your document using the 

Most importantly, the whole set of tools is 

—online protection and privacy are guaranteed.

#1. How can I prove the validity of an electronic signature?

You can prove the validity of an electronic signature by checking the signer’s intent and consent, verifying their identity, and using audit trails and public keys, which reliable software can provide.

#2. What should I look for in a legal e-signature tool?

In a legal e-signature tool, you should look for authentic and original signatures, tamper-proof ability, compliance and security of the platform, a transparent audit trail, mobile friendliness, etc.

#3. How do I make my electronic signature legal?

You can make your electronic signature legal by expressing your intent and consent, verifying your identity, securing the document, making copies, and keeping documents ready for check-ups.

#4. Can electronic signatures be tampered with?

Electronic signatures can be tampered with. However, this is mostly the case with e-signatures made with poor-quality tools from untrusted sources. To avoid such scenarios, you can use PDF.net for signing your documents, as it boasts high-security levels and keeps your documents private.

Is Electronic Signature Legal: How to Ensure Compliance

Wondering, “Why won’t my PDF open?” It could be due to an outdated PDF reader, incomplete downloads, or other common issues.

There are many answers to the “Why won’t my PDF open?” question—your PDF reader may be outdated, the file may be corrupted, or you may not have completed the download.

Whatever the reason may be, there’s no reason to fret—a PDF not opening isn’t an uncommon issue, which means there are ways to resolve it.

causes of the “PDF file won’t open” error

fixes depending on your operating system and browser

Here are the most common reasons why a PDF file doesn’t open:

: PDF technology constantly evolves with new features, and older software may not understand these updates. Simply put, if your reader is outdated, it may not recognize a file using advanced functions like digital signatures. As a common PDF reader problem, this can either cause the file not to display properly or fail to open at all.

: Your system crashing or power failing can disrupt the creation, transfer, or saving of a PDF file and corrupt it. This is known as a PDF file error—it essentially means that the 

 is broken so that no program can read it properly. As a result, the original data may be lost, and you may be unable to open the file.

: If your device uses an incompatible program to open a PDF file, you’ll likely see an error or a page with incoherent text. This doesn’t mean the PDF isn’t readable—the issue lies with how the device interprets it. For example, if your computer tries to open a PDF file in a text editor, this means the file association is wrong.

: A PDF document containing sensitive information is likely to be secured with a password. Needless to say, if you don't enter the correct password, the file won't open, and even a minor typo can prevent you from accessing it.

: There’s a chance that the PDF document you’re trying to open isn’t a PDF at all. Your reader may not recognize its format, or the file may have the wrong extension. This error can occur if the file was incorrectly renamed or saved using software or settings not typically used for PDFs. The error message may resemble one shown for a corrupted file.

: If something interrupts a PDF file download (like your internet disconnecting), said file won’t fully transfer to your device. When you try to open it, your reader will detect its missing parts, and the PDF will fail to load. This can result in the file appearing unusually small or not opening at all.

How to Fix PDF Files Not Opening on Different Platforms

Now, let’s see how to fix PDF files not opening on different platforms, including Windows, Mac, and mobile devices:

The default PDF viewer in Windows is Microsoft Edge. However, it may fail to load a file if there’s a problem with your system. In that case, you’ll need to change a few Windows settings to fix PDF opening issues.

Choose the PDF reader you want to install from the drop-down menu.

When the installation process is done, the word on the button will turn from 

 on the list and set your chosen reader as the default app.

If you run into a similar problem in the future and your PDF doesn’t open when you double-click on it, one of the following fixes might do the trick:

. Launch the program you use to open PDF files and check for updates. If a newer version of the reader is available, you can get it by tapping on 

Ensure that the file is properly downloaded and has the right extension

. Try opening a different PDF from the one that’s been causing you problems. If you’re successful, the issue is with the file, not your reader. In this case, try re-downloading the file or manually changing its extension to .pdf.

. PDFs can have viruses that corrupt them, so you should run a malware check to rule this out as a possibility. To do this, open the 

If your PDF won’t open on Mac, the issue may lie within the system or the file itself. Either way, here are some helpful tips on how to resolve it:

, which is the default Mac app for opening PDF documents, another program may have been set as default. To fix this issue, right-click on the file, select 

If you still can’t open your PDF, the file may not have been downloaded properly. To rule this out, try deleting it from your device and 

As previously mentioned, if the issue isn’t with the system settings or the download process, it’s likely with the file itself. First, check its extension—it should be .pdf. If it’s not, select the file, tap on the 

Alternatively, the document you’re trying to open may carry a virus. You can check if it does by opening the 

If your PDF won’t open on an iPhone or Android, here’s what may be the problem and how to fix it:

Check if your device has an app that can open PDF files. While some phones come with built-in readers, others require you to download one from the 

You may have lost a Wi-Fi connection, and your mobile data may be off. In this scenario, the file you’re trying to open likely hasn’t been fully downloaded. Make sure you have a 

If your phone has a basic built-in reader, you’ll probably have trouble opening files with advanced features. If this is the case, you’ll need to 

 even if you have a preinstalled PDF reader.

The app you use for opening PDFs may be outdated and thus unable to load newer files. To fix this, 

Let’s see how to open a PDF file in a browser, be it Chrome, Firefox, or Safari:

Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner and select 

Open a PDF file in a browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)

Tap on the three horizontal lines in the upper right corner and choose 

Drag the PDF file you want to open into the Safari window.

If the PDF file isn’t saved on your device, enter its URL or click on the link, and Safari will open it in the browser window.

There can be many reasons why your PDF won’t open in Chrome or another browser, from a slow internet connection to a disabled PDF viewer.

Let’s explore them in more detail and see how to repair a PDF not opening in a browser:

: If you’re trying to open a large PDF file, a slow Internet connection can make it seem like the browser can’t load it. In this scenario, you can either wait for the file to load or download it directly.

: The browser may fail to open a file with special characters in its name or a complex path. To fix this, try renaming the document to something simpler and moving it to a folder with a basic path.

: If you have an older version of a browser, it may not open PDFs properly (or support the format at all). In this case, you can update your browser or download an extension for PDF support.

: Your browser may block PDFs due to security settings. To solve this problem, you can change these settings to allow PDF access or temporarily 

: Your browser may have been set to only download PDFs instead of opening them. You can change this in settings by enabling the built-in PDF viewer.

Let’s see how to fix a corrupt PDF since this is one of the main causes of a PDF not opening:

The problem behind a corrupt PDF may be an outdated reader. In this case, all you need to do is 

update the program to the latest available version

. Check for updates, and if there are any available, install them.

Another problem with your reader may be in its files—these might be corrupted. You can fix this by selecting the 

If the file worked up to a certain point, then it may be its current version that’s corrupted. To solve this problem, right-click on the file and choose the 

 option. Select one of the backed-up versions from the list to restore it.

. This way, you’ll ensure no important information is lost, and you can easily convert the Word document back to PDF using a trusted online editor such as PDF.net.

If You’re Having Trouble Opening PDFs, Try PDF.net

You can open a PDF file online instead of wasting time trying to figure out why it won’t load otherwise. All you need is a trusted 

, and PDF.net is the ideal choice. This reliable, user-friendly tool is the perfect way to eliminate the hassle of troubleshooting and get you straight to your file.

Let’s take a look at some of the reasons you should make PDF.net your go-to PDF viewer:

: PDF.net will save you time and energy by opening your files directly online—there’s no need to download programs or change browser settings.

: As long as you have an internet connection, you can open your files in PDF.net on any device, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone.

: However large or complex your PDF file may be, PDF.net can handle it—you don’t have to worry about your system crashing or screen freezing.

#1. How do I recover a PDF that won’t open?

To recover a PDF that won’t open, try changing its extension or re-downloading it. If that doesn’t work, the problem may be with your reader. In that case, the fastest way to open the file is to use a reliable online PDF tool such as PDF.net.

#2. Why can’t I open a PDF on my phone?

If you can’t open a PDF on your phone, you may not have a PDF reader, or the one you have may be outdated. Depending on the reason, update the app or download one from Google Play or Apple Store.

#3. Why is my browser not opening PDF files?

If your browser isn’t opening PDF files, it may be outdated. Other reasons include a slow internet connection, file name or location issues, security settings, and a disabled PDF reader.

Why Won’t My PDF Open? 6 Common Causes and Easy Fixes

The answer to the question “Can PDFs have viruses?” is yes, so it’s important that you learn how to protect your documents against malware.

The answer to the “Can PDFs have viruses in them?” question is yes, which means they can compromise your security, privacy, data, and devices. The risk is especially high considering the popularity of the PDF format—its compatibility across platforms and ease of sharing make it a common target.

With that in mind, it’s important that you know 

 and learn how malicious PDF files can harm your system.

In this article, we’ll explore PDF security risks, focusing on how to tell secure PDFs from those carrying malware. In addition, we’ll offer a few helpful 

How Hackers Exploit PDFs and Use Them to Deliver Viruses

Hackers exploit PDFs and use them to deliver viruses in several ways, including embedding malicious scripts or macros, exploiting software vulnerabilities, hiding malware in attachments and links, and enabling dangerous content through social engineering.

Let’s explore these more closely to understand how PDFs can carry viruses:

#1. Embedding Malicious Scripts or Macros

PDFs can have viruses in the form of malicious scripts or macros that turn them into dangerous tools. These small programs start running

automatically as soon as you open the file. They can cause a number of issues, such as 

The worst part about a PDF file carrying these viruses is that it looks completely normal. For this reason, you should only open PDFs from trusted sources.

#2. Exploiting Software Vulnerabilities in PDF Readers

Hackers commonly target PDF reader vulnerabilities, also known as 

. They look for these weaknesses and craft malicious PDFs to exploit them. For example, when hackers identify a bug, they might 

Simply put, PDFs can have viruses that activate as soon as you open the document. This allows hackers to manipulate your files and create backdoors for future attacks.

#3. Hiding Malware in Attachments or Links

Hackers often hide malware in PDFs in attachments and links that look like harmless documents or images. However, if you click on them, you can 

onto your computer. This is one of the major ways PDFs can have viruses like 

It’s noteworthy that hackers often disguise these PDFs as invoices, resumes, or other common files to trick you into opening them.

#4. Using Social Engineering to Enable Dangerous Content

PDFs can have viruses that specifically target your personal information. Hackers often use 

 to design the malicious file to look like something most people would be interested in, like a job offer.

This misleads users into opening a link or allowing permissions, unintentionally activating the virus hidden in the file and giving hackers access to their sensitive data.

this method relies on human error rather than a bug

. In fact, a hacker can tailor their message based on your interests or contacts to make the infected PDF file appear trustworthy. This version of social engineering is known as 

3 Key Signs that Your PDF Might Be Malicious

Now that we know the answer to the question, “Can PDFs have viruses?” let’s look into some key signs your PDF might be malicious. These include unusual file size or content behavior, requests for suspicious permissions, and unexpected pop-ups.

#1. Unusual File Size or Content Behavior

The simplest way to check if a PDF contains a virus is to look at its size. Namely, a simple document like a resume or invoice shouldn’t be hundreds of megabytes. If it is, it’s likely malicious—

hackers tend to hide malware in large files

Another red flag is the file’s unusual behavior—if it 

If you try to open a PDF file and see a request asking you to install a piece of software or grant some other suspicious permission, you’re probably being targeted by hackers. Following their instructions can open doors for them to 

Getting unexpected pop-ups when you download a PDF file can be a 

. This is a type of virus designed to trick you into believing your system is infected and prompt you to visit a dangerous website or install an antivirus program that’s actually malware. Needless to say, if you comply, you’ll allow hackers access to your system and data.

What Happens if You Open a PDF Containing a Virus?

If you open a PDF containing a virus, you’re 

potentially exposed to various security risks

. “Potentially” is the operative word here—merely opening a malicious file doesn’t automatically mean your device will get infected.

In other words, a virus may be coded to attack your system only if you click on a specific image or link where it’s hidden.

Conversely, some malicious PDF files release malware into your device as soon as you view them.

That said, the consequences of interacting with an infected file (or its elements) depend on the hacker’s intention. Some aim to infect your device with 

spyware to collect your personal information

 and commit identity theft or fraud. Others have 

Blog

Is Electronic Signature Legal: How to Ensure Compliance

Why Won’t My PDF Open? 6 Common Causes and Easy Fixes

Can PDFs Have Viruses? How to Stay Safe While Using Them

What Is a Wet Signature? Meaning, Uses, and Importance

How Do I Make a PDF File? 7 Ways Explained With Steps