What is a digital signature certificate in QuoteCloud?

It is the certificate of authenticity that QuoteCloud adds to every completed document. Once all required signers have signed, the certificate records who signed, how they were verified, when and where they signed and on what device, together with the document ID and a fingerprint of the finished file. It is your evidence that the document was signed by the right people and has not changed since.

What information does the certificate of authenticity include?

The document's title and unique ID, the date and time it was completed with the timezone, and a tamper-evident fingerprint of the signed file. For each signer it lists their name, email address and role, how they were verified (for example a one-time passcode), the IP address and approximate location they signed from, their device and browser, and when the document was sent to them, first viewed and signed.

How does the certificate show a document hasn't been changed?

When the last signature is applied, QuoteCloud seals the document and records a SHA-256 fingerprint of the finished file on the certificate. The fingerprint is unique to that exact content, so if anyone edits even one character afterwards, the fingerprint of the edited copy no longer matches the one on the certificate. A matching fingerprint shows the copy in front of you is the one that was signed.

Where do I find the certificate, and who receives it?

The certificate is appended as the final page of the signed PDF, so it travels with the document wherever it goes. You can download the signed PDF with its certificate from the document in QuoteCloud, and every signer receives a copy of the completed document once the last signature is in.

Are QuoteCloud eSignatures legally binding?

QuoteCloud eSignatures are eIDAS compliant and protected with 256-bit encryption on AWS hosting, with an audit trail behind every document. Electronic signatures are legally binding for most business agreements in many countries, and the certificate gives you a clear record if a signature is ever questioned. For documents with special legal requirements, check the rules that apply where you operate.

How is the certificate different from the audit trail?

The audit trail is the full history of a document: every edit, send, view, comment, version and signature, in order. The certificate is the signed summary of the moment of completion: who signed, how they were verified, when, where and the fingerprint of the result. The two work together, and both are kept with the document.

Do I need to switch anything on, or pay extra, for certificates?

No. eSignature is included in every QuoteCloud plan, and the certificate of authenticity is created automatically for every completed document. If you want an extra identity check, switch on one-time passcode verification for a signer and the certificate records that they were verified.

How can I see a certificate before committing?

Start a free 14-day trial with no credit card required, send yourself a quote with an eSignature block, sign it and download the completed PDF to see the certificate on the last page. You can also book a demo and we will walk you through it.

Every signature, with the proof attached.

Each completed document carries a certificate of authenticity: who signed, how they were verified, when, where, and a fingerprint that shows any change.

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No credit card required4.2 on Capterra

Fernhill Interiors · Q-1184Clinic fit-out proposal Completed

FIFernhill Interiors Clinic fit-out proposal Prepared for Harbourline Dental · Q-1184

Design, supply and install of reception joinery and cabinetry for two treatment rooms, built over three weeks outside clinic hours.

Reception joinery$6,800.00
Treatment room cabinetry × 2$5,200.00
Install & site management$950.00$1,550.00
GST (10%)$1,295.00$1,355.00

Total$14,245.00$14,905.00

Terms 30% deposit on acceptance, balance on handover. Prices valid for 30 days.

Maya OkaforSigned 11:06 am AEDT Tom ReyesSigned 11:31 am AEDT

Page 1 of 7 · Certificate of authenticity on page 7 Edited after signing

Certificate of authenticityClinic fit-out proposal · Fernhill Interiors and Harbourline Dental Page 7 of 7

256-bit encrypted · eIDAS compliant · Hosted on AWS Signed PDF

What this line proves

Nothing has changed since it was signed.

A SHA-256 fingerprint of the finished file. Change a single character and the fingerprint no longer matches, so any edit after signing shows.

Edit the price after signingThen check the fingerprint.

Signed, sealed, delivered.

The certificate builds itself while your client signs. There is nothing to set up.

They sign.

Name, email, verification, IP address, device and the exact time are captured as each person signs.
It's sealed.

When the last signature lands, the finished file is fingerprinted and locked against edits.
Everyone gets the proof.

The certificate is added as the last page of the signed PDF and sent to every party.

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Evidence that holds up.

Five things every QuoteCloud certificate settles before anyone has to ask.

Every signer, on the record.

Name, email, role and signature for each person, in the order they signed.
Signature requests
How they proved it was them.

Passcode or email link, the method is written on the certificate.
ID verification
Time, to the second.

Sent, viewed and signed, with the timezone spelled out.
Change a comma, break the seal.

A SHA-256 fingerprint shows whether the copy in your hand is the one that was signed.
One PDF, certificate included.

The proof travels with the signed document, with the full audit trail kept behind it in QuoteCloud.
Audit trail and history

A signature is a mark. A certificate is proof.

What you can show when someone asks "who agreed to this, and when?"

A signature on its own

Who signed: A name on a line
How they proved it: Not recorded
When: Whatever the email says
Where, and on what: Unknown
Changed since?: Hard to tell
What you can share: A scan in someone's inbox

With a QuoteCloud certificate

Who signed: Name, email and role
How they proved it: One-time passcode or email link
When: To the second, with the timezone
Where, and on what: IP address, location, device and browser
Changed since?: A fingerprint shows any edit
What you can share: The signed PDF, certificate attached

Every signature, with the proof attached.

Signed, sealed, delivered.

They sign.

It's sealed.

Everyone gets the proof.

Evidence that holds up.

Every signer, on the record.

How they proved it was them.

Time, to the second.

Change a comma, break the seal.

One PDF, certificate included.

A signature is a mark. A certificate is proof.

A signature on its own

With a QuoteCloud certificate

Rated, secure and in business since 2013.

Questions, answered

Get it signed, with proof to keep.

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Every signature, with the proof attached.

They sign.

It's sealed.

Everyone gets the proof.

Every signer, on the record.

How they proved it was them.

Time, to the second.

Change a comma, break the seal.

One PDF, certificate included.

A signature on its own

With a QuoteCloud certificate

Rated, secure and in business since 2013.

Questions, answered

What is a digital signature certificate in QuoteCloud?+

What information does the certificate of authenticity include?+

How does the certificate show a document hasn't been changed?+

Where do I find the certificate, and who receives it?+

Are QuoteCloud eSignatures legally binding?+

How is the certificate different from the audit trail?+

Do I need to switch anything on, or pay extra, for certificates?+

How can I see a certificate before committing?+

Get it signed, with proof to keep.