If you’re here, it’s because you want to understand what Universign is and how it works, without feeling like you’re reading an old administrative law manual. Good news, you’re in the right place! We’re going to talk about electronic signatures, timestamping, and certifications, but with a light tone and concrete examples. Ready? Let’s get started.
What is Universign exactly?
You have probably already signed a document online without really questioning what was behind it. This is where Universign comes in: it’s a platform that allows you to sign documents electronically in a legal and secure way.
👉 Imagine you need to sign a freelance contract with a client who lives on the other side of the country. Instead of struggling with printing, scanning, and emailing back, you go through Universign. In a few clicks, your document is signed, authenticated, and legally valid.
At this point, you’re probably thinking: “OK, but how does it work?”
How does Universign work?
The principle is simple: Universign applies an electronic signature to a document, giving it legal value. But beware, it’s not just a copy-paste of your scanned signature on a PDF!
There are three levels of electronic signatures:
- Simple electronic signature: Basic, but not always sufficient for sensitive documents.
- Advanced signature: Thorough identity verification and strong authentication. Ideal for contracts and official documents.
- Qualified signature: The digital equivalent of a handwritten signature in front of a notary. Highly secure and legally recognized throughout Europe.
Furthermore, Universign not only signs, but it also timestamps the documents, proving that they have not been altered after signing.
Why choose Universign over another service?
There are tons of electronic signature services, so why choose Universign? Simple:
- Compliant with eIDAS: Meaning it complies with European standards, which is a huge trust factor.
- Easy to use: No need to be a computer expert, a few clicks are enough.
- Highly secure: Encrypted data, signature certificates, strong authentication… in short, solid.
- Compatible with many tools: You can integrate it into your document management software, CRM, or ERP.
Universign in action: a concrete example
Let’s say Sophie, an entrepreneur, needs to have a provider sign a contract. Before, she would have:
- Drafted the contract in Word.
- Sent the document by email.
- Waited for the provider to print, sign, and return it.
- Checked that everything was signed correctly.
With Universign, everything is done in a few minutes: Sophie sends the contract to the platform, the provider signs electronically, and everyone saves time.
Universign vs Paper: who wins?
| Criterion | Paper signature | Universign electronic signature |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Several days (printing, mailing, receiving) | A few minutes |
| Security | Easily forgeable | Encryption and authentication |
| Cost | Printing, postal mailing | No paper, no mailing |
| Environmental Impact | Wasted paper | 100% digital |
The verdict is clear: electronic signature beats paper on all fronts!
How to use Universign in 3 steps?
You don’t need a cybersecurity degree to get started. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Download your document on Universign.
2️⃣ Add the signers (you, your client, your boss, your banker… whoever you want).
3️⃣ Electronic signature in one click, and the document is ready.
🎉 And there you go, it’s legal, secure, and validated!
How much does it cost?
Good question! Universign offers several options according to your needs:
| Offer | Price | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Free | €0 | Testing the platform |
| Pay per use | ~€1 per signature | Occasional use |
| Subscription | Upon request | Companies and professionals |
💡 Tip: If you sign documents frequently, the subscription is more cost-effective.
User reviews: what do professionals think?
Many professionals have adopted Universign and here’s what they say:
📢 Thomas, lawyer: “I no longer waste time printing and sending documents, everything is secure and legally recognized.”
📢 Julie, HR: “With Universign, I get employment contracts signed in minutes, super practical!”
📢 Marc, entrepreneur: “It’s easy, fast, and it also helps avoid wasting paper.”
Is Universign right for you?
If you work with documents that require a legal signature (contracts, quotes, agreements, etc.), Universign is a game-changer. No more waiting, everything is done online, securely, and with a few clicks.
If you want to give it a try, take a look at their website and try it out yourself. You’ll see, once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back!
