A beginner's guide to eSign APIs

Learn the ABCs of esignature APIs

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Quick Glance

Introduction

  • What is an API?

    API stands for application programming interface. APIs are essentially predefined roles and protocols that allow computer systems, programs, and applications to interact with one another. They enable data and functionalities to be exchanged directly between these systems without user involvement. This creates a seamless and automated link between the functionalities of applications.

  • What are e-sign APIs?

    E-sign APIs define how two systems collaborate on e-signing functionalities and workflow automations. They can be used for a range of tasks, such as signing documents, collecting e-signatures, dispatching verification one-time passwords (OTPs), sending reminders, tracking document status, notifying of user activity, and all relevant e-signature workflow steps without human involvement.

  • The need for e-sign platforms and APIs

    E-signatures are a must-have for any rapidly growing and globally connected business. Physical paperwork opens companies up to an array of risks, including human errors, document mishandling or loss, tampering, signature forgeries, storage, management, and retrieval difficulties, delayed turnaround, and repetitive documentation. It also involves expenditures like printing and scanning costs. This creates a compelling need for a robust, secure, and efficient tool that digitizes paperwork and signature workflows.

    E-signature platforms accelerate and automate agreement execution by enabling users to request signatures or sign documents electronically from anywhere, at any time. E-signatures have thus become inevitable alternatives to physical signatures for automated workflows in CRM tools, HRM systems, and financial management apps that are built both in-house and commercially. As it may not be feasible for companies to build legally compliant e-signature apps from scratch, e-sign API vendors come in handy. After purchase, these APIs can easily be used for their apps and websites.

    The adoption of e-signatures has become more commonplace thanks to e-signature laws like the ESIGN Act (USA), ITA-2000 (India), ETA (Singapore and Oceania), and eIDAS (EU). These laws have given companies greater confidence in their validity.

    In particular, e-sign APIs make digital paperwork more seamless and flexible. By enabling API connections between an existing app or workflow and an e-sign API, signature collection and other related functionalities can be tailored to the user's needs. For instance, you can enable notifications when a signer activity is performed within an app by connecting an e-sign API with that app.

 

Types

Note: In API architecture, the terms client and server are used to refer to the request-end and the processing-end application or system, respectively.

  • Representational State Transfer (REST)

    Representational State Transfer (REST) APIs work based on the standard HTTP methods and are therefore flexible and scalable across platforms. Their statelessness ensures that each request from the client has all the information required for the server to execute the function. REST APIs mostly use JSON, making them easier to exchange and execute. REST APIs are the most commonly used APIs by today's digital businesses. Secure e-sign platforms like Zoho Sign largely use REST APIs.

  • Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)

    Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) APIs use XML to exchange information between clients and servers. It is best suited for companies that prioritize high security over customizations and flexibility.

  • Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs)

    Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) is ideal for simple workflows where there is a function that needs to be executed on a server. The result is then provided to the client. As this is a simple and transactional flow, RPC APIs may not work effectively for complex workflows.

  • Websocket

    Websocket APIs enable two-way communication between the client and server. These work perfectly when real-time, continuous feedback is required in a task.  

 

Benefits

  • Tailored use

    E-sign APIs let users handpick signature functionalities and embed them within their pre-existing apps. This allows for end-to-end customization of the e-signature workflow.

  • Adaptable

    E-sign APIs flexibly fit into existing workflows and applications. As they work on a simple request-response model, APIs can be used to perform most e-signature functionalities across use cases in all business verticals.

  • Economic

    For organizations that do not need an extensive e-signature platform with all its functionalities, e-sign APIs are a cost-effective alternative. Platforms like Zoho Sign offer e-sign API plans for as low as $0.50 per signature request, making it the ideal choice for digital businesses looking to use selective e-signature functionalities.  

  • Efficient

    With quick and automated workflows at a reasonable price, e-sign APIs boost productivity by saving time and money. They work with minimal human intervention and high accuracy, ensuring that paperwork is not only paperless but hassle-free.

  • Improved customer experience

    E-sign APIs promise a seamless experience for customers without app switching, multiple app installations, and other cumbersome intermediary activities. By providing e-signature features within a pre-existing app, there is no friction or added effort required from the user's end in the signature workflow.

Use cases

  • Legal institutions
  • Financial and banking services
  • Life sciences industry and healthcare providers
  • IT services
  • Educational institutions
  • Real estate companies

How to integrate eSign APIs

Once you have chosen an e-sign API provider, here is how you can integrate your existing apps with the APIs:

  • Implement e-sign functionalities

    You can then design how and where to embed the e-signature functionalities within your existing workflows or applications. You can tailor the appearance and performance of the functionalities to suit your requirements. For instance, you might enforce signer identity verification before e-signing at a particular stage of a workflow.

  • Procure API credentials and authenticate

    With the API credentials given by your e-sign API provider, you can create an account. Follow the provider's API reference guide to ensure smooth onboarding. Ensure that you authenticate the account based on the necessary authorization protocols the provider follows as well.

  • Testing

    Ideally, all cases that may result via the API integration should be tested thoroughly before implementation. Some e-sign API providers (like Zoho Sign) provide sandbox environments via Postman so developers can try the API configurations before launching them in a live environment.

  • Customize API settings

    Configure the API settings to match your needs. For instance, you can set up authentication to restrict access to the APIs, create webhooks to be notified of real-time activity, and test the APIs before implementing them.

eSign API pricing

When considering e-sign APIs, be sure to thoroughly check the provider pricing to ensure you get the best deal for your budget. E-sign API providers commonly charge based on editions or API usage. Edition-based plans offer limited features at the lower-priced editions and require users to upgrade to higher plans to build connections for advanced signing functionalities. This rigid structure is counterintuitive to the flexibility that APIs provide. You may not need all the feature-building capabilities offered in the higher-priced tiers, but you still may have to purchase the whole edition to be able to execute select functions. Moreover, some e-sign API providers demand added implementation charges when you use their APIs and apply hidden charges to ensure that you opt for upgraded editions or long-term commitment. This limits the level of flexible usage.

This is why usage-based API plans, such as Zoho Sign's API pricing plan, are chosen as a cheaper and more flexible alternative. Usage-based plans transparently disclose the charges per document signature request. Simply put, you pay only for what you use. Zoho Sign offers e-sign APIs at a flat rate of $0.50 per document signature request, with no monthly or annual commitment, hidden charges, or additional implementation costs. There is no cap on the number of documents that can be signed using this plan. Plus, all the features can be built based on usage, unlike the fixed set of features provided by other vendors. Zoho Sign's e-sign APIs are affordable, especially in the long run, as unused credits roll over as long as you renew your plan.

See how Zoho Sign differs from its competitors

  • Docusign
  • $4.8 per document signature request
  • 100 documents per month
  • Pricing varies with features, volume of usage, and plan
  • No credits rollover
  • Online documentation
  • Technical support
  • Zoho Sign
  •   per document signature request
  • FLAT PRICING, NO CAP
  • Includes all features
  • Unused credits rollover
  • Online documentation
  • Technical support
  • Adobe Acrobat Sign
  • Not disclosed in website
  • 500 documents per month
  • Pricing varies with features, volume of usage, and plan
  • No credits rollover
  • Online documentation
  • Technical support differs based on the subscription

Zoho Sign's eSign APIs 

Zoho Sign provides eSign APIs that can be easily integrated with your existing apps and workflows. At $0.50 per signature request and with unlimited documents and templates, Zoho Sign is widely chosen by developers who want an uncomplicated and flexible e-sign API integration for their applications. Additionally, Zoho Sign has one of the top ranked Postman-verified collections for users to test out the APIs in a sandbox environment.

More than 25,000 envelopes are signed a day using Zoho Sign's APIs. And it's not just customers who love it; industry experts and analysts recognize Zoho Sign's API capabilities. Hear straight from them:

Zoho Sign's APIs and software development kits were recognized under the "Innovation" category of the Frost Radar - Electronic Signature Software, 2024.

  • "We were looking for a digital signature app that is API-driven and would help us link our platform to automate the entire onboarding process. Zoho Sign has significantly increased our operational efficiency and streamlined our onboarding process, eliminating the delays while collecting physical signatures. The platform's 100% paperless signing aligns with our sustainability standards and fully digital environment."

    — Heshan J Peiris, KReader

  • "Zoho Sign possibly has one of the best eSignature APIs out there."

    — Tony Jones, Golfland Entertainment Centers

Zoho Sign is also a popular choice for e-sign APIs, as it legally abides by e-signature laws across the world like the ESIGN Act (USA), eIDAS (EU), ITA-2000 (India), ECTA (South Africa), ETA (Singapore and Oceania), KICA (Kenya), and more. Moreover, Zoho Sign's advanced features like embedded signing, bulk signing and sending, unlimited templates, audit trails, and controls for life sciences (21 CFR Part 11 and EU GMP Annex 11 compliance) make the platform a one-stop solution for the e-signing needs of companies of all sizes and domains. Zoho Sign's long-term commitment to its customers and quality APIs with 24/5 guided technical support make it one of the best choices for those on the lookout for e-sign APIs.

FAQs

  • Esign APIs are APIs that help execute e-signature functions. An application program interface (API) aids in directly connecting two systems or apps so they can perform tasks without human intervention. Learn more about e-sign APIs.

Zoho Sign offers eSign APIs for you to try before you buy.

Check it out for free and see why Zoho Sign is the signature choice for 40,000+ companies!

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