Today, fewer and fewer contracts are signed by hand. Do you remember the time when you had to print a document, sign it, scan it, send it by email, and wait for a response? A real obstacle course! Fortunately, the electronic signature is here to save your precious minutes and make your life easier. And among the most popular solutions, we find Universign, a major player in the market.
If you’re wondering how Universign works, why to use it, and especially if it’s 100% legal, you’re in the right place. We will go through all of that together, without any incomprehensible technical jargon.
What is Universign?
Universign is a service for electronic signatures that allows you to authenticate documents online in an ultra-secure manner. Basically, instead of using a pen, you sign with a digital certificate that proves it’s really you (and not your neighbor or your cat who jumped on the keyboard).
The magic of Universign is that it is compliant with eIDAS regulations (that’s the large European legal framework governing electronic signatures). As a result: your signed documents are as valid as a paper signature in court.
The services offered by Universign
Universign is not limited to simply signing documents. Here’s what you can do with this platform:
1. Electronic signature
You can sign contracts, quotes, purchase orders, invoices, and even HR documents. All of this, in just a few clicks, without having to print anything.
2. Electronic seal
It’s a bit like a digital company stamp. It certifies that the documents are indeed issued by a company, which is super practical for electronic invoices or digital payslips.
3. Timestamping
Timestamping is proof of date and time. Basically, if you want to prove that a document existed at a specific date, it’s the perfect tool. Super useful for legal documents or sensitive transactions.
Why use Universign?
If you’re still skeptical, here are some solid reasons to adopt Universign:
- Save time: No more need to print, scan, and send papers by mail. One click and it’s signed.
- Secure your documents: Universign uses certificates that comply with European standards. No chance of your document being forged.
- Be eco-friendly: Less paper used is good for the planet (and it’s kind to your printing budget).
- Legally recognized: Unlike a scanned signature which has no legal value, the electronic signature is enforceable in court.
Universign and legality: it’s solid!
The question everyone is asking: is it really legal?
The answer is YES, and not just a little. Thanks to the eIDAS regulation, electronic signatures are recognized across Europe. There are three levels of signature:
| Type of signature | Security level | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Simple | Basic | Internal contracts, quick validations |
| Advanced | Identity verification | Legal documents, commercial contracts |
| Qualified | Maximum level | Notarial acts, ultra-sensitive documents |
Universign offers all three levels, allowing you to tailor your choice based on the type of document to be signed.
Who uses Universign?
Whether you are an entrepreneur, employee, lawyer, or business leader, Universign has a solution for you. Here are some concrete cases:
- Freelancers use it to sign their contracts with clients remotely.
- Lawyers use it to certify legal acts.
- HR adopts it to get work contracts signed in one click.
- Banks and insurers secure their sensitive documents with Universign.
You see the picture? No matter your field, there’s bound to be a moment when you need to sign a document. Might as well do it quickly and securely.
How to use Universign? (it’s simpler than you think)
You might be thinking: “OK, it sounds cool, but how does it work in practice?” Here are the super-simple steps:
- Upload the document → You upload your contract or any other document to be signed.
- Add signers → You provide the email addresses of the concerned parties.
- Online signature → Each signer receives a link to affix their digital signature.
- Validation and archiving → Once signed, the document is secured and archived.
And there you go, no more unnecessary prints!
Pricing: how much does it cost?
Universign offers several plans depending on your usage. Here’s an idea of the pricing:
| Plan | Price | Main features |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Pack | From €10/month | Simple signatures, electronic seal |
| Pro Pack | Upon request | Advanced signature, customization options |
| Universign API | Tailored | Complete integration for businesses |
The great deal is that you can test Universign for free before choosing a subscription.
Testimonials: what users think
Users love Universign for its simplicity and security. Here’s what they say:
💬 Lucas, Freelancer: “Before, I had to chase my clients to sign a contract. With Universign, I send them a link, and it’s done in 2 minutes.”
💬 Sophie, HR Director: “We saved a ton of time with signing work contracts. Universign is simple and efficient.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Is Universign secure?
Yes, all signatures are encrypted and comply with European standards.
❓ Do you need special software to use it?
No, everything is done online through your browser.
❓ Can a signature be canceled?
If the document has not yet been signed by all parties, yes. Otherwise, you will need to check directly with Universign.
Adopt electronic signature and save time!
As you’ve seen, Universign is an ultra-practical tool for signing your documents securely. No more paper, everything is done online, quickly and legally.
If you want to try Universign, feel free and try their free version. And if you enjoyed this article, share it with your colleagues or friends who are still struggling with their printers!
