What is the difference between a signee and a signer?

If you’ve signed a contract in the last couple of years, it’s likely you’ve used a game-changing advancement at the forefront of digital transformation: eSignature. The digital or electronic signature is revolutionizing the way we do business and expediting document workflows. In this landscape, there are two terms that emerge: signer and signee. And, there can often be confusion between the two—after all, when you sign a document, are you the signer or the signee? While these terms may initially seem interchangeable, they hold distinct roles and responsibilities. In this post, we’ll set the record straight and delve into the nuances of these terms and shed light on their significance. 

What is a signer? 

 A signer is someone who actively engages in the process of applying their digital signature to a document. Their role is pivotal, involving informed consent or approval for the document's contents. This digital process mirrors the traditional pen-and-paper signature experience, executed electronically. Signers can include clients, customers, employees, partners, or any party involved in a business transaction or agreement. When a signer adds their digital signature, they confirm their understanding of the document's contents and agree to the outlined terms. This digital signature is legally binding, holding the same weight as a handwritten signature. Advanced eSignature solutions employ secure encryption techniques to ensure the authenticity and integrity of both the signer's identity and the document itself. 

What is a signee? 

A signee refers to the individual or entity designated to receive the document for their signature. The role of the signee is passive; they don't initiate the signing process but are intended recipients of documents requiring their approval, authorization, or acknowledgment. Often, the signee's involvement is limited to opening the document, reviewing its contents, and electronically signing where necessary. This can be as straightforward as clicking or tapping designated signature fields. The system then records the signee's actions, creating a clear audit trail for future reference. Once the signee provides their digital signature, the document becomes legally executed, assuming all necessary signatures have been obtained. 

Signer vs. Signee: what is the difference?  

When it comes to eSignature, signer and signee may appear interchangeable, yet they serve distinct roles in the document signing process. The signer actively signifies agreement through their digital signature, while the signee is the recipient sought for approval. Together, these roles constitute the foundation of the eSignature industry, empowering businesses to optimize processes, heighten security, and expedite transactions in an evolving digital landscape. As technology continues its evolution, comprehending the roles of both signers and signees remains paramount for maximizing the benefits of eSignature solutions. 

Organizations of all sizes gain immense benefits from an eSignature solution that offers a user-friendly experience for both signers and signees. An intuitive interface ensures that signers navigate documents seamlessly, comprehend contents, and provide digital signatures without confusion or friction. Similarly, signees should access documents swiftly, understand context, and offer approval with ease. 

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