Digital signing of documents: a complete guide to secure PDF signing with MitID
A digital signature is more than a scanned scribble; it is a digital method for signing documents, contracts and transactions. Unlike a handwritten signature, it is created, stored and transmitted electronically and may take the form of a scanned image, a keyboard-generated mark, or a cryptographically generated signature such as MitID. The most secure options rely on public-key cryptography, where a public key encrypts the data and a private key decrypts and verifies it, ensuring that the signature belongs to the right person and that the document has not been altered. Electronic signatures are widely used in business and public institutions to speed up processes and increase traceability while meeting legal requirements.
Why go digital?
Traditional signing requires in-person meetings or print-scan-send cycles, which waste time and money. Digital platforms allow parties to sign on a computer, phone or tablet, eliminating physical delays and automating much of the signing process so staff can focus on higher-value tasks. Modern providers enforce encryption, access control and compliance with eIDAS and GDPR. Beyond efficiency, digital signatures also help the planet: around 15 billion trees are felled every year, and roughly 17 trees are needed to produce a ton of paper. By signing electronically and avoiding print and transport, organisations cut deforestation and emissions.
How to sign documents and PDFs digitally
Digital signing of documents or PDFs is straightforward, especially with a platform such as ePact. Upload your document; setup takes about thirty seconds and supports multiple documents and signers. Add recipients; the system tracks who has received, opened and signed. Send the document; parties sign using MitID or a handwritten signature and the platform sends automatic reminders to reduce waiting time. The signatures are encrypted end-to-end and only authorised people can view the document. When signing purchase agreements or other legal contracts, you must demonstrate the identity of the signer and the integrity of the document. Once everyone has signed, the document is stored securely and can be verified through a document key.
Choosing a provider and why ePact stands out
Large players on the market focus on heavy integrations and multiple eIDs. ePact, on the other hand, focuses on simplicity and accessibility for Danish businesses. There is no training required; setup takes about thirty seconds, and the platform monitors the entire signing process with automatic reminders. Documents are protected with end-to-end encryption and MitID integration, meeting EU data-protection standards. ePact offers responsive support from developers and legal experts. Pricing starts at DKK 200 per month, and you can choose exactly the modules you need, from advanced KYC to templates. Despite its size, ePact already has over a thousand active users and more than one hundred thousand signed documents.
Conclusion
Digital signatures make document management faster, more secure and greener. By using MitID-based signatures and an intuitive platform like ePact, businesses and individuals can sign purchase agreements, PDF files and other documents within minutes while maintaining compliance and security. Moving from paper to digital saves time, reduces costs, benefits the environment and delivers a better experience for everyone involved.
