eSignature API Integration Guides & Resources

Introduction to eSignature API

From wet ink on the Declaration of Independence to secure digital clicks, signatures have ensured binding contracts for centuries. A study found that businesses can spend an average of 5 days collecting physical signatures for a single contract. This time-consuming process not only hinders business agility but also creates geographical limitations. In this internet-centric world, signatures have also gone digital. Electronic signatures (eSignatures) or digital signatures offer a compelling solution. The traditional paper-based signing process can be frustrating and time-consuming for customers. But with just a few clicks, contracts and proposals can be signed from anywhere in the world with the help of eSignatures. eSignature API is user-friendly as it allows customers to sign documents conveniently from any device. With the rise of remote work, businesses need an efficient and secure document signing process regardless of location, and that's where eSignature serves its purpose.

What is an eSignature API?

Why eSignatures Rule the Modern Business Deal?

An eSignature API is like a digital signing service. Your system/software interacts with the API as a client, sending a document and signing instructions (request) to the service (server). The service handles the signing process (with security) and returns the signed document to you (response). Just like any API, it's all about sending and receiving data. eSignature benefits businesses in several ways:

Electronic security protects your documents, reducing the risk of data loss.
You get instant signatures, increasing speed.
Save money by eliminating physical printing and delivery.
With eSignatures, businesses and organizations efficiently manage to complete their signing process of legal documents and agreements, regardless of location or device.

Core Functionality of eSignature APIs

An eSignature API offers various functions that simplify the electronic signature process. Some of the key functionalities are:

Upload and Manage Documents: The API allows you to upload documents to the eSignature platform for signing, sending, and tracking. You can also manage document versions and access signed documents after completion.
Define Signing Fields: To make it simpler and user-friendly, you can use the API to specify where signers need to provide their signatures, initials, or other data on the document, ensuring all the necessary information is captured electronically.
Track Signature Status: eSignature API also provides real-time status updates on the signing process. You can see who has signed, who is pending, and any outstanding actions.
Download Signed Documents: The API also allows you to download the final signed document with an audit trail for record-keeping purposes.

Types of eSignature API

There are two types of eSignature APIs:

REST APIs: Representational State Transfer standardized software architecture style, which is used for communication between client and server via a web-based approach. The eSignature service leverages HTTP requests and responses for the signing process. They are widely used because they are scalable, stateless, and offer high performance.
SOAP APIs (Simple Object Access Protocol): SOAP APIs offer a more structured communication approach. They use XML messaging and are specifically preferred for complex tasks that require detailed information.

Although SOAP APIs were commonly used in the past and are still employed to maintain legacy systems, most API providers now extensively use REST APIs for their modern applications.

Benefits of Integrating Knit’s Unified eSignature API

Knits Unified eSignature APIs offer many benefits for eSignature integrations.

Single API, Endless Possibilities: If your company or clients use multiple API providers for eSignature, integrating with each can be complex. A Unified API simplifies this by handling all these needs through a single integration.
Effortless Scalability: As your business grows, so will your eSignature needs. Knit’s infrastructure manages increased signing volume without extra integrations. This lets you focus on growth, confident that Knit will meet your eSignature demands.
Customer Satisfaction: Knit eliminates complex download-print-sign-scan-email cycles by integrating directly with your customer's existing systems, such as their online portal or mobile app. This integration allows customers to access and sign documents electronically within a familiar environment with just a few clicks. By removing manual steps, Knit creates a seamless signing experience, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction.
Expanded Customer Base: Businesses often look for eSignature solutions that integrate seamlessly with various document management and workflow tools. Knit’s unified API supports a broad range of integrations, making it highly attractive to organizations seeking comprehensive eSignature capabilities. This extensive compatibility increases your total addressable market (TAM) and attracts a broader range of potential customers.

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Key Features To Look For in an eSignature API

When choosing an eSignature API for your SaaS, consider these key features for a smooth and secure integration experience.

Comprehensive Signing Workflow: In today's tech-savvy world, finding all your API integration needs in one place is not too much to ask for. Looking for an API that manages the entire signing process, which includes uploading documents, defining signing fields, sending requests with personalized messages, specifying signing orders, and tracking completion status.
Multiple Signature Options & Bulk Send Functionality: Ensure your API supports various signature methods (e.g., typed, drawn, mobile app integration) to meet security and legal requirements. Additionally, provides a bulk send feature to streamline sending signature requests to multiple recipients, enhancing efficiency for handling numerous documents.
Authentication Tools: Strong user authentication is crucial as it ensures fraud prevention and compliance with regulations and builds trust. Therefore, consider features like email verification, access codes, SMS authentication, or Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA).
Branding Customization: The ability to customize the signing experience by tailoring your brand needs, such as logo and colors, can enhance brand recognition.
Detailed Audit Trails: A robust audit trail is essential for record-keeping and compliance purposes. The API should capture a detailed history of the signing process, including timestamps, signer information, and any changes made to the document.

Know About eSign API Data Models

Effective data management within your eSignature SaaS application hinges on well-defined data models. These models act as blueprints, accurately organizing and structuring the information crucial for eSignature functionality. These models typically include:

‍Signers/Recipient: The person who will sign the contract.

‍Documents: This is the contract itself.

‍Signing Fields: These are the locations on the document where signatures, initials, or other data need to be captured.

‍Envelopes: They function as self-contained packages. They actively bundle all the documents requiring signatures, recipient details, completion status, and a unique identifier for easy tracking.

Top eSign API Providers

There are various eSignature API providers in the market today. You must choose which caters best to your needs, workflows, budget, and security considerations. This comparison provides features and API pricing for leading digital signature platforms, thus helping you choose the best eSignature API that fits your needs.

DocuSign

Strengths - Robust API, secure, compliant, workflow automation

Weaknesses - Complex setup, higher pricing

Ideal For - Enterprise, high-volume signing, complex workflows

DocuSign API Documentation Link: https://developers.docusign.com/

Adobe Sign

Strengths - User-friendly, branding, Adobe integration

Weaknesses - Limited features, potentially high pricing

Ideal For - User-friendly signing, Adobe ecosystem

Acrobat Sign API Documentation: https://developer.adobe.com/document-services/apis/sign-api/

HelloSign (Dropbox Sign)

Strengths - Simple API, Dropbox integration, budget-friendly

Weaknesses - Limited features, basic workflows

Ideal For - Existing Dropbox users, budget-conscious businesses

Dropbox Sign API Documentation: https://developers.hellosign.com/

PandaDoc

Strengths - Interactive proposals, sales-oriented

Weaknesses - eSignature focus might be secondary, potentially higher pricing

Ideal For - Proposal creation, sales workflows

PandaDoc API Documentation: https://developers.pandadoc.com/reference/about

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SignNow

Strengths - Mobile-friendly, ease of use, competitive pricing

Weaknesses - Security concerns for some industries, limited automation

Ideal For - Easy mobile signing, cost-effective

SignNow API Documentation: https://www.signnow.com/developers

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Building Your First E-Signature Integration with Knit

Knit provides a unified eSign API that streamlines the integration of eSignature solutions. Instead of connecting directly with multiple eSignature APIs, Knit allows you to connect with top providers like DocuSign and Adobe Acrobat Sign through a single integration. Choose Your eSignature Provider and API after evaluating which eSignature provider best meets your needs, such as DocuSign or Adobe Acrobat Sign, you can proceed with integration. Knit simplifies this process by supporting various providers, allowing you to connect with your chosen eSignature service through one API. By using Knit, integrating with popular eSignature providers becomes straightforward, making it a practical choice for your eSignature integration needs. Knit offers a unified API that simplifies integrating eSignature solutions. Instead of working directly with multiple eSignature APIs, you can use Knit to connect with top providers like DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign, and many others through a single integration. Learn more about the benefits of using a unified API. Steps Overview:

Create a Knit Account: Sign up for Knit to get started with their unified API.
Choose Your eSignature Provider: Select a provider (e.g., DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign). Knit handles the integration with these providers.
Obtain API Credentials: Get the necessary credentials from your chosen provider (e.g., DocuSign integration key and JWT secret).
Build Your Workflow in Knit:
- Define the document and signer details.
- Use Knit’s HTTP Request nodes to send signature requests and handle responses.
- Optionally, track the signing status and download the signed document.

For detailed integration steps with specific eSignature providers via Knit, visit:

You can learn about the body parameters, such as signers, documentName, content Type, senderEmailId, redirectURL, and other request body parameters, and responses for various eSignature actions on Knit. Here are a few eSignature reference documents to review.

Each of these links provides detailed information on the body parameters and responses. You can also test the request and response bodies in different programming languages, such as Node.js, Ruby, Python, Swift, Java, C++, C#, Go, and PHP. Knit simplifies the eSignature integration process, letting you focus on your core application development.

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Knit’s E-Signature API vs. Direct Connector APIs: A Comparison

Benefits of building ESign Integrations with Knit Unified ESignature API

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Best Practices for Implementing eSignature APIs

Optimizing e-signature Integrations for Performance and Scalability

Below are a few points on how you can optimize your integration for better performance and increase scalability.

Batch Processing: Instead of sending individual requests, consider batch processing to send multiple signature requests simultaneously.
Asynchronous Workflows: Waiting for the eSignature response can slow things down. By using asynchronous workflows, your app can keep working on other tasks while it waits for the eSignature response to come back.
Monitoring and Alerting: Without knowing what's wrong, API maintenance is challenging, and it's much harder to debug when we do not know where to start. Therefore, setting up monitoring tools to track response times and error rates is advisable.

Security Considerations: Authentication methods, Data encryption & compliance standards

Authentication Methods: Well-built authentication methods are necessary to prevent unauthorized access and thus avoid fraudulent activities. Implementing techniques like two-factor authentication or Knowledge-Based Authentication (KBA) ensures the verification of signer identities.
Data Encryption: Ensure the eSignature API utilizes robust encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256) to protect sensitive document data both in transit and at rest.
Compliance Standards: Choose an eSignature provider that adheres to relevant eSignature regulations like eIDAS (Europe) and ESIGN (US) to ensure the legal validity of electronically signed documents.
Access Controls: Implement granular access controls within your application to restrict who can send signature requests, view documents, or manage the signing process.

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eSignature API Use Cases (With Real-World Examples)

eSignature API Integration for Loan Applications

With the increasing demand for entrepreneurship, housing, and college applications, there has also been a rise in loan applications. The end-to-end loan application process involves hefty paperwork. To streamline this process, many financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase, Citibank, and Wells Fargo have started using eSignature APIs for signing, creating an easy and secure loan application experience. Loan applicants now sign documents from their devices, anywhere.

eSignature API Integration for Onboarding

Today, organizations of all sizes, from small to large, use Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) to manage their human resources. The onboarding process requires signing an offer letter and several agreements. Due to fast-paced and advanced technology, companies are no longer spending their resources on manual work for tasks that can be automated. Many HRIS are integrating eSignature APIs into their systems. Companies like Salesforce use the DocuSign API Provider for eSignature, benefiting extensively from this integration. New hires electronically sign their offer letters and agreements, which are required during onboarding. This approach minimizes the risk of misplacing physical documents and accelerates the process.

eSignature API Integration for Real Estate

This industry involves several documents, including Offer to Purchase Agreements, Sales Contracts, Disclosure Documents, Mortgage Documents, Deeds, and Closing Statements. Storing and retrieving all these documents is a significant concern due to the constant threat of theft, loss, or damage. The authenticity of these documents can also be questioned due to increasing fraud in the industry. With eSignature API integration, many of these issues are resolved, as documents can be signed digitally, eliminating the stress of physically storing and retrieving them. Mortgage lenders like Quicken Loans leverage eSignatures to revolutionize real estate transactions. Both homebuyers and sellers can sign all documents electronically, eliminating the need for physical documents and signatures.

Real-life examples

IBM Uses eSignature for Emptoris Contract Management

IBM serves as a prime example of how eSignatures can supercharge contract management. Their Emptoris Contract Management system utilizes eSignatures for contract execution. When a contract is electronically signed, it is securely attached to a PDF document and includes a public key for verification alongside a private key held by the signer. This method ensures the legally binding nature of contracts while significantly reducing the reliance on paper-based processes. Additionally, it empowers IBM to efficiently track contract approvals, leading to a smoother and more efficient overall process.

eSignature API Integration for ADP

Payroll and HR Service Provider ADP is a cloud-based software that provides services that cover all needs in human resource information systems (HRIS). The all-in-one native eSignature for ADP Workforce Now is used by ADP to manage its eSignature-related requirements such as HR documents, benefits enrollment, onboarding, and offboarding paperwork.

eSignature API Integration for eBay

eBay sellers can now skip the printing and scanning! eSignatures allow them to electronically send and have buyers sign essential documents related to their sales, like invoices or return agreements. This streamlines the process for both sellers and buyers.

Challenges & Troubleshooting Techniques

Integrating APIs in your system can be tricky but understanding common authentication errors and request/response issues can help ensure a smooth connection.

Authentication Errors

Some most common errors are:

Incorrect API credentials: Double-check your API credentials for typos or errors.
Expired tokens: Ensure your tokens are valid and refreshed before expiration.
Permission issues: Verify that your API user has the necessary permissions to perform the requested actions.

API Request & Response Errors

Higher chances that your errors fall in this category. These can be caused by invalid data formats, missing required fields, or unsupported functionalities in your request. Some most common errors are:

Signature Invalid: Recalculate the signature using your API key and request data. Ensure you're using the correct signing algorithm.
Delivery Failure: Verify email addresses and sender permissions.
Unable to receive a verification code: Review the recipient's phone number and ensure they have signal/can receive SMS/calls.

Find other error codes of DocuSign

‍Effective Debugging Techniques

Ensuring a smooth integration requires thorough debugging. Here are two key strategies to pinpoint and resolve integration challenges:

Logging: Implement detailed logging throughout your integration workflow. It helps capture errors encountered during API requests and responses and, thus, helps identify the root cause.

‍Learn more about efficient logging practices here.‍

Testing: Unit testing can be a game changer, especially for a complex integration, as it helps to identify the root cause faster.

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Future of eSignature APIs

Emerging Trends and Technologies in eSignatures:

As eSignature technology continues to evolve, several trends are shaping the future of eSignature API integration, including:

Biometric Authentication: To make the process more secure, multi-factor authentication (Fingerprint scanning, facial recognition) is required in many companies, while implementing eSignature adds an extra security layer.
Blockchain Integration: Blockchain technology can improve the security and efficiency of the signing process. It can maintain permanent and auditable records of the process, thus enhancing transparency and avoiding compliance, proving how blockchain eSignature can serve us better.
Mobile Signing: Users prefer the ease of signing documents through their mobile devices, and as a result, many mobiles come with built-in or downloadable eSignature software.
Global Expansion: As eSignature regulations become more standardized globally, eSignature APIs will facilitate seamless document signing across borders.

eSignature Integration with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI-powered eSignatures offer numerous benefits, including:

Signature Verification: By analyzing handwritten signatures against electronic references, it detects forgeries and enhances verification.
Authentication: AI also helps in the identity validation of signatories using facial recognition technology.
Intelligent Document Review: While humans can make mistakes or overlook details during proofreading, ML algorithms can thoroughly analyze documents, identify missing information, and highlight potential issues. This ensures accuracy and completeness before documents are sent for signing.

Appendix

Glossary of Terms
- Digital Signature (eSignature): An electronic equivalent of a handwritten signature that verifies the signer's identity.
- SOAP API (Simple Object Access Protocol): A type of API that uses XML messaging for communication. SOAP APIs are more complex than REST APIs but can be helpful for tasks that require detailed information.
- Envelope: A digital package that contains all the documents and information needed for a signing ceremony.
- Signer: The person who needs to sign the document.
- Signing Order: The order in which signers need to sign the document.
- Signing Field: A designated place on the document where a signer needs to provide their signature, initials, or other data.
- Audit Trail: A record of all the actions taken during the signing process, including timestamps, signer information, and any changes made to the document.