If you are 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 signature, timestamping, and certifications, but with a light tone and concrete examples. Ready? Let’s get started.
What is Universign exactly?
You’ve probably already signed a document online without really thinking about what was behind it. That’s where Universign comes in: it’s a platform that allows you to sign documents electronically in a legal and secure way.
👉 Imagine you have to sign a freelance contract with a client who lives at the other end 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.
You might be 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 across Europe.
In addition, Universign does not only sign, it also timestamp the documents, proving that they have not been modified after signing.
Why choose Universign over another service?
There are plenty 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 an IT 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 imagine that Sophie, an entrepreneur, needs to have a contract signed by a service provider. Before, she would have:
- Drafted the contract in Word.
- Sent the document by email.
- Waited for the provider to print, sign, and send it back.
- Checked that everything was signed properly.
With Universign, everything is done in a few minutes: Sophie sends the contract on the platform, the provider electronically signs it, and everyone saves time.
Universign vs Paper: who wins?
| Criterion | Paper signature | Universign electronic signature |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Several days (printing, sending, receiving) | A few minutes |
| Security | Easily forgeable | Encryption and authentication |
| Cost | Printing, postage | No paper, no sending |
| Ecological Impact | Wasted paper | 100% digital |
The verdict is clear: electronic signature crushes paper on all fronts!
How to use Universign in 3 steps?
No need for a cybersecurity degree to get started. Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Download your document on Universign.
2️⃣ Add the signatories (you, your client, your boss, your banker… whoever you want).
3️⃣ Electronic signature in one click, and the document is ready.
🎉 And voilà, 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 | Quote-based | Businesses 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 sign employment contracts in a few minutes, super convenient!”
📢 Marc, entrepreneur: “It’s easy, fast, and it also helps to 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 just a few clicks.
If you want to give it a try, check out their website and test it yourself. You’ll see, once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back!
