Digital Signatures

Summary

Digital signature tools utilizes either web based or software installed on your computer to enable you to sign a document electronically.

Body

Digital signature tools utilize either a web based portal (Adobe Sign) or software installed on your computer (Adobe Acrobat Pro) to enable you to sign a document electronically.

Adobe Fill & Sign can be used in most cases where you would have otherwise signed a physical paper document or other internal form.

Adobe Sign is used for when requiring multiple signatories or for external agreements and other legal documents.

--- As of January 1st 2026 use of DocuSign will be discontinued ---

Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign and Adobe Sign will replace DocuSign for Digital Signatures

In most cases where DocuSign was previously in use, Adobe Sign will be used as its replacement. This includes external agreements, legal documents, and secured agreements requiring multiple signatories. For all other internal signing use cases, the Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign Tool using Adobe Acrobat Pro is to be used to sign documents.

See Digital Signatures with Adobe for information on when to use either tool.

TRU Resources for Digital Signatures
Adobe Acrobat Fill & Sign - Internal Forms & Documents
Adobe Sign eSignatures - External Agreements & Documents

 

Digital Signatures Matrix

 

Adobe Sign

Adobe Fill & Sign

Description A web based electronic signature software package using your TRU credentials to login with. When an individual sends an agreement, it is a link to the document that is stored on a Canadian server.  An electronic signature using Adobe PDF. When you save the document, the signature and any text added become part of the PDF. Creates a read-only signed document.
Features 
  • Handwritten or Automatically generated signature
  • Sign from anywhere
  • Multiple Signers and Signing Order
  • Automatic Reminders 
  • Send in Bulk
  • Create Reusable Templates & Workflows
  • Manage and Track Agreements
  • Handwritten or Automatically generated signature
  • Sign from anywhere
  • Send signed documents by email or shared link
  • Single Signer secured files
  • Multiple Signatories (unsecured file)
Typical Use 

Lawful and court-admissible documents

Signing general documents that would normally be filled out by simply signing a piece of paper

TRU Recommended Use 

Recommended for signing documents that may carry potential risk, PI data or when dealing with medium-high cost investments.

  • External Agreements or External Signatories
  • Contracts or Vendor Purchase Agreements
  • Legal Forms or Documents

Key requisitions, time approvals, and expense forms.

  • Internal Documents
  • Requisitions
  • P-Cards
  • Expense or Travel Forms
What do I need? 
  • An email address to send and receive documents for signature
  • An Adobe Sign account - included for all active TRU employees with your access to Adobe software
Adobe Acrobat Pro software, which is available free to TRU employees with an active TRU Account.
Security  Adobe Sign complies with TRU Privacy and Security Standards  

 

Details

Details

Article ID: 1278
Created
Wed 5/19/21 5:13 PM
Modified
Tue 8/26/25 4:53 PM

Attachments

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