Battle of the Tablet Signatures

Two new apps popped onto my radar that I think will be very useful for attorneys. Each provide you with the ability to sign documents, or better yet, have clients or other parties sign the documents. Ive been experimenting with them, and although theyre not perfect, they seem to do the trick.

The first is SIGNificant e-Signing app by Xyzmo.

Once the file opens, you can select the area to sign by dragging and dropping the signature box.

A quick tap on the box, and youre open to sign.

If necessary, you can rotate the device to give yourself more signing room. Click accept when youre ready to place the signature.

The signature will paste itself in blue, and now you can send the file on using one of five options. 

Did you notice the German? One of my concerns is the fact that the e-signature posts as invalid when viewed in Acrobat. Although I would know that this is my document, some others may question the authenticity of the signature/file.

Youll want to check out some of the other cool features in the app, such as photo capture (though Im not sure its necessary in an e-signature app).

The competitor app is called SignMyPad ($3.99 or $19.99 for Pro). This app has many functions and features similar to SIGNificant.

 

Honestly, I found this app more difficult to manipulate than SIGNificant. Primarily because in-app opening requires a URL address, as opposed to the familiar folder tree browsing. My only question is how in the heck am I supposed to remember the URL (I know, copy & paste ugh)?

Thankfully though, because of Androids open with quiz box, I can choose what program to open the document with. In this case, SignMyPad gets saved. I cant tell from the companys website whether the $19.99 for the Pro version is worth the price for the few additional features.

One of the cool features that SignMyPad has over SIGNificant is the ability to add text, check boxes, radio buttons, or a date, in addition to a signature.

Overall, both apps are very cool.

I have tested these apps in my practice, and although Ive found a few flaws, Im switching to using them full time for most contracts and documents. I love being able to send the document via email to everyone all at the same time. No questions/worries.

Im favoring SIGNificant now (I love the movable signature box), but who knows which will prevail as I experiment. I believe that whatever you chose, youre going to love.

Now, heres some precautions and questions:

1. Verify your states requirements on e-signatures. Oklahoma, where I practice, is pretty liberal on these types of things, and usually at the forefront of technological innovation, but you better make sure.
2. What about notarized signatures? Probably doesnt fly when the requirement is sign in the notarys presence. However, I dont know that there isnt an argument for attaching a notarys seal on a separate paper to include in the original document.
3. Security. I love Acrobats ability to create a signature stamp that verifies who and when the document got signed. Im not so sure Im that comfortable presenting a document with a signature that invalid.

Id love to hear your opinions, and perhaps some of your questions too. Feel free to comment.

SignMyPad (free)                                                 

SignMyPad (Pro $19.99)

SIGNificant e-Signature (free)