Understanding document signing terminology. From audit trails to zero-knowledge proofs, find clear definitions for every term you will encounter.
A complete record of everything that happened with your document — who opened it, when they signed it, and from what device. It's like a receipt for your signing process, and it's created automatically every time someone interacts with your document.
The documented journey of your document from the moment you upload it to the moment it's signed and stored. Chain of custody proves your document wasn't swapped or tampered with along the way — SignVow handles this automatically behind the scenes.
A more secure type of electronic signature that uses encryption to prove the document hasn't been tampered with after signing. Think of it as a signature with a built-in security seal. Most everyday signing doesn't require this level, but it's there when you need it.
A digital way to say "I agree" — no pen, no paper, no hassle. Electronic signatures let you sign documents from anywhere using your phone, tablet, or computer. They're legally binding in most countries and just as valid as a handwritten signature for everyday business.
A fancier word for "signer" — the person who puts their name on the dotted line (or the digital equivalent). In legal terms, a signatory is someone who has the authority to sign on behalf of themselves or their organisation.
Anyone you send a document to for signing. Your signer gets an email with a secure link, clicks it, reviews the document, and signs — all without creating an account. Easy for them, easy for you.
The unique, secure URL sent to each signer that takes them directly to their document. Each link is one-time-use and tied to a specific signer, so there's no risk of someone else accessing the document. No account creation, no app downloads — just click and sign.
The old-school, pen-on-paper signature. It's called "wet" because the ink needs to dry — and because the process can be a real drag. Printing, signing, scanning, mailing... there's a better way, and that's why you're here.
Send the same document to multiple signers at once — perfect for onboarding new clients, collecting NDAs from contractors, or getting permission slips signed by an entire class. Each recipient gets their own unique signing link, and you can track everyone's progress from a single dashboard.
A collection of related documents that need to be signed together as part of a single transaction. Instead of sending five separate signing requests, bundle them into one package so your signer can review and sign everything in one session.
The container that holds your documents, signers, and signing settings for a single transaction. An envelope is what you create when you start a new signing campaign — it wraps up everything needed to get your documents signed and delivered.
A streamlined signing experience that minimises the number of steps between opening a document and completing the signature. The goal is to make signing as frictionless as possible — fewer clicks means faster turnaround and happier signers.
The sequence in which multiple signers need to sign a document. For example, you might want the employee to sign first, then the manager, then HR. Setting a signing order ensures everyone signs in the right sequence and nobody gets the document before it's their turn.
A reusable document with pre-placed signature fields that you can send again and again without setting it up each time. Save your most-used contracts, agreements, and forms as templates to speed up your workflow. Templates are a huge time-saver for documents you send regularly.
A step up from a basic e-signature — AES is uniquely linked to you, can detect if the document was changed after signing, and is created using data under your sole control. It's the sweet spot between convenience and security for most business needs.
The EU law (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) that makes electronic signatures legally valid across Europe. Thanks to eIDAS, a document you sign electronically in London is just as binding as one signed in Berlin or Paris. SignVow is designed with eIDAS compliance built in.
The US law (Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act) that makes electronic signatures legally valid for commerce in the United States. If you're doing business with anyone in the US, the ESIGN Act is why your e-signatures hold up in court.
The highest level of electronic signature under EU law, backed by a digital certificate from a government-approved provider. QES has the same legal standing as a handwritten signature in every EU country. Most small businesses won't need this level, but SignVow supports it when you do.
The most basic form of electronic signature — think typing your name, ticking a checkbox, or drawing your signature on screen. SES is legally valid for most everyday documents like contracts, proposals, and agreements. It's what most SignVow users need.
A secure way to connect SignVow to other apps without sharing your password. OAuth lets you grant specific permissions to third-party tools — like letting your CRM create signing campaigns — without giving away full access to your account.
A unique code that identifies your application when it talks to SignVow's system. Think of it like a password for your software. You'll need an API key if you want to integrate SignVow with your own app or automate your document workflows programmatically.
A mathematical process that creates a unique "fingerprint" of your document. If even a single character changes, the fingerprint changes completely. This is how SignVow detects tampering — every document gets its own unique hash the moment you upload it.
The behind-the-scenes technology that makes digital signatures secure. PKI uses a pair of mathematical keys — one private (only you have it) and one public (anyone can use it to verify your signature). You don't need to understand the maths; SignVow handles it all for you.
A web address where your signer is automatically sent after they finish signing. Use it to redirect signers to a thank-you page, a payment form, or your website. It's a small touch that makes the signing experience feel more polished and professional.
A security feature that makes it obvious if someone has tried to modify a signed document. Like a physical seal on an envelope, a tamper-evident seal doesn't prevent tampering — it just makes it impossible to hide. Every document signed through SignVow gets one automatically.
An automatic notification sent to your app or system when something happens — like when a document gets signed or viewed. Instead of constantly checking for updates, webhooks push the information to you in real time. Great for connecting SignVow to your existing tools and workflows.