Can You Really Sign Documents for Free?
The short answer is yes - there are ways to sign documents electronically without paying. However, "free" often comes with significant limitations that may not work for your business needs.
Let's explore your options and help you find the right solution, whether that's a genuinely free tool for occasional use or an affordable paid plan for regular document signing.
Free E-Signature Options: What to Expect
There are several types of "free" e-signature options available:
1. Free Trials
Most professional e-signature platforms offer free trials. These give you full access to features for a limited time or number of documents.
2. Basic PDF Signatures
Tools like Preview (Mac) or some PDF readers let you add a signature image to a PDF. This isn't a true e-signature and lacks legal protections.
3. Free Tiers with Heavy Restrictions
Some platforms offer a free tier, but with severe limitations like 3 documents per month, watermarks, or missing essential features.
What to Look For in an E-Signature Solution
Whether you choose a free trial or a paid plan, make sure your e-signature solution includes:
- Legal Compliance - Signatures should meet Australian Electronic Transactions Act requirements
- Audit Trail - Record of who signed, when, and from where
- Tamper Protection - Digital certificates that detect if a document was altered
- No Signer Account Required - Recipients should be able to sign without creating an account
- Mobile Friendly - Signers should be able to sign from any device
AirSign: 3 Free Signing Sessions Per Month
AirSign offers 3 free signing sessions per month - no credit card required and no trial period. This isn't a limited trial; it's a genuinely free option that gives you access to all features for up to 3 documents every month, forever.
What's Included for Free:
- 3 signing sessions per month, every month
- Full access to all features
- No credit card required
- Legally binding signatures with full audit trail
- Templates, PDF editing, and team features
- Australian data storage
Why "Free" May Cost You More
When it comes to business documents, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Here's why:
Legal Risk
Signatures without proper audit trails and tamper protection may not hold up in disputes
Data Security
Free tools may store your documents insecurely or overseas
Time Wasted
Clunky free tools take longer to use, costing you productive time
Unprofessional Appearance
Watermarks or basic signing experiences reflect poorly on your business
Affordable Doesn't Mean Expensive
If you need to sign documents regularly, an affordable paid plan often makes more sense than struggling with free limitations. AirSign's pricing is designed for Australian businesses:
Starter Plan - $5/month
- • 10 documents per month
- • PDF editor included
- • Templates
- • Full audit trails
What You Get:
- • Australian data storage
- • No per-signature fees
- • Legal compliance
- • Cancel anytime
When Free Trials Make Sense
Free trials are perfect for these situations:
- Testing a platform before committing to a paid plan
- Signing a few documents for a one-off project
- Understanding what features you actually need
- Comparing different platforms side by side
Get Started with AirSign for Free
With AirSign, you get 3 free signing sessions every month - no credit card required and no time limit. You'll get access to everything you need for legally binding electronic signatures, with Australian data storage and proper compliance.
If you need more than 3 documents per month, plans start at just $5 per month - less than the cost of posting a single document. And if you don't need it anymore, simply cancel. No contracts, no hassle.