FAQ

How is a "workflow", or a "signature process" for FES defined in EASY eSignature?
An EASY eSignature signature process (workflow) for FES is defined by an initiated signature run, independent of the number of documents, the number of signatures and the number of internal or external users involved.


Is a once initiated "workflow", or a "signature process" in EASY eSignature calculated if it is cancelled.
Yes.


How long are the number of EASY eSignature "workflow", or "signature processes" valid?
Contingents for EASY eSignature "Workflows", or "Signature Processes" are valid for twelve months each. Unused quotas expire after this period.


What happens if I have used up my purchased EASY eSignature "Workflow" or "Signature Process" quota before the twelve months have expired?
In that case, a new EASY eSignature contingent must be purchased.


Which document formats can be signed with EASY eSignature?
EASY eSignature can sign PDF files, including PDF/A-1b and various PDF/A-3 formats. You can also process Word or Excel files in EASY eSignature: These are first converted into a PDF and then digitally signed.


How does the signature get into my document?
Adding a digital signature to a document is very easy in EASY eSignature: Upload the document, click in EASY eSignature whether you want to sign with an advanced or qualified signature - and the desired variant is applied.
You can find out more about advanced and qualified signatures in the question: "What is a simple, aes or qes signature? Differences between the simple, advanced and qualified electronic signature."


Do I have to register?
To be able to sign and exchange documents electronically with EASY eSignature, you must have an EASY eSignature/FP Sign account as the sender. This may already be integrated in existing CRM or ERP programs as part of an enterprise solution. Alternatively, you can log in directly via the portal https://easy-software.fp-sign.com/de_DE/ and create an account. As a recipient, you do not necessarily need an account with EASY eSignature.
You can find more on this topic in the question: "Does the recipient need signature software? Does he have to register?"


Does the recipient need signature software? Does he have to register?
No, the recipient basically needs neither software nor an account with EASY eSignature - digital countersigning with an advanced signature is possible without these requirements. However, as the sender of a document, you can predefine that the recipient should have an account. In this case, he can only countersign electronically if he creates an account. To be able to sign with the particularly secure, qualified electronic signature, both sender and recipient need an account with EASY eSignature as well as - for the purpose of unique identification - a second account with Bundesdruckerei or Swisscom.


What if the contract partner has change requests?
If you send a document to your contract partner for signing via EASY eSignature, he has various options as a recipient.
The recipient can reject the signature of a document and send a reason for this.
He can insert corrections in the document to be signed, and upload the new PDF, sign it, and send it back to the sender for a new signature.
EASY eSignature can also be used to exchange writable PDF files, which are often used in the form of questionnaires, for example. The recipient can edit such - possibly pre-filled - questionnaires in the document, sign them, and send them back to you as the sender via EASY eSignature.


How can you ensure that the document is actually signed by the correct recipient?
If you send a signature request with an advanced signature, you can specify as the sender that the recipient should secure it - in the case of a qualified signature, this is even mandatory. Securing works via an SMS-TAN procedure (similar to online banking). In some countries, for example Sweden, security works via the bank ID.


Can I use EASY eSignature on mobile devices?
Yes, you can use EASY eSignature both browser-based or via the "FP Sign Mobile" app, which is available for both iOS and Android.


How does the electronic signature work? How can I apply an electronic signature to a PDF?
EASY eSignature allows you to apply an electronic signature to a document in the simplest way possible. All you have to do as the sender is upload the document, digitally sign it with a click, and send it to the recipient - done. As the recipient who receives a document to sign, you receive a message with a link and are automatically guided through the simple signature process.


Qualified electronic signature: How does registration for qualified services work?
The enrolment is started via EASY eSignature. In this process, the identity is established via the Video-Ident procedure on the basis of a valid ID card or passport together with a certificate of registration. With some of our partners, the electronic ID card (eID) can be used to establish the identity without video ident. This procedure links the identity with the electronic signature. The QES thus fulfils the legal requirements for compliance with the written form. Please contact us with your application if you are interested in the QES.


Is the electronic signature legally secure?
Yes, the electronic signature is legally valid in accordance with the eIDAS Regulation. It defines uniform framework conditions on the basis of which electronic identification options and trust services can be used across national borders.


eIDAS, VDG (formerly SigG): Which requirements does EASY eSignature fulfil?
Yes, the electronic signature is legally effective according to the eIDAS regulation. It defines uniform framework conditions on the basis of which electronic identification options and trust services can be used across national borders.


What legal or evidentiary effect do signatures with EASY eSignature have?
You as the user can determine the security level and thus the evidentiary effect and legal validity of a document yourself by selecting the signature type. In order to be able to present a readable, non-manipulable document valid in court, an advanced signature created via EASY eSignature is sufficient in many cases. The reason: EASY eSignature stores the entire activity log of each document. The history confirms the validity and thus the integrity of the signature. However, you can also apply a qualified signature and thus rely on the highest security level in Europe.
You can find out more about signature types in the question: "What is a simple, aes or qes signature? Differences between the simple, advanced and qualified electronic signature."


Where is my data stored?
You as the user can determine the security level and thus the evidentiary effect and legal validity of a document yourself by selecting the signature type. To be able to present a readable, non-manipulable document valid in court, an advanced signature created via EASY eSignature is sufficient in many cases. The reason: EASY eSignature stores the entire activity log of each document. The history confirms the validity and thus the integrity of the signature. However, you can also apply a qualified signature and thus rely on the highest security level in Europe.


Can I test EASY eSignature free of charge?
Yes, you can test the digital signature solution EASY eSignature for 30 days free of charge and without obligation. The trial ends automatically after the trial period. Click here for more information and to register. https://easy-software.fp-sign.com/de_DE/registration


Will my account remain valid after the test period has expired?
Yes, you can test the EASY eSignature digital signature solution free of charge and without obligation. The trial ends automatically after the trial period. Click here for more information and to register.


I have forgotten my password. What can I do?
You can request a password on the login page. All you have to do is enter your e-mail account. The new password will be sent to this address.


Where did my New Workflow button go?
Every new EASY eSignature account receives a free trial period of 30 days. If this period expires without a contract being concluded, the user loses the right to make signing requests. Thus, this menu item disappears. However, you can still receive signature requests and also answer them.


Where can I find my older enquiries in the overview?
Requests older than 30 days are not displayed in the standard view. Click on List all enquiries (blue), then you will find all enquiries.


How do I know that the verification protocol clearly belongs to my signed document?
The connection between the signed document and the verification protocol is given both by the name identity and by the same hash value as a unique link.


How do I know that my document is correctly signed and unchanged?
This information can be found in the verification protocol. This is available in your overview next to each signature step, and you can download it if you wish. You can also find it in Acrobat Reader.


Can I see which Bank ID was used to sign the document?
The authentication information from the bank ID is not included in the PDF for data protection reasons. You can only see in the workflow report that the document was signed with the Bank ID signature type.


Can I delete a template? Yes, via the recycle bin icon.


Can I sign a document without having to register?
Yes, you can do that. The request must then be made to you with the signing type Advanced signature, without registration. If a qualified electronic signature is required, you must have an account as a countersignatory.


Why does the message "Please finish processing the PDF form first" remain?
There are several reasons for this message. One cause is if you have placed the recipient's signature but have not confirmed it with the blue tick. If you set the blue tick, the message disappears. Another cause could be that the completion of a fillable PDF was not yet finished. If you complete it, the message also disappears.


Who can send renewed invitations or reminders? Only the sender can perform these functions.


What can I do if my PDF file cannot be signed?
There can be various reasons why a file cannot be signed:
It is write-protected or sign-protected. Make sure that this is not the case.
The PDF file is damaged. In many cases, printing via a PDF printer driver will help.
You can edit a fillable PDF file in the preview with the editing pen. Simply click in an editing field or fill in these fields and the signing will succeed.


What is the third option when registering - the intermediary authorisation - all about? As a user, you authorise the service provider FP Digital Business Solutions GmbH ServiceProvider as an intermediary.
Signature authorisation: The intermediary is authorised to apply a qualified signature to documents (files) issued by the client on your behalf in accordance with Regulation (EU) No. 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 (eIDAS Regulation). The power of attorney is limited to the signature of electronic documents. The purpose restrictions from the certificate extensions apply.
Verification authorisation: The intermediary is authorised to check your submitted electronic documents to see whether they contain qualified signatures, whether the document has not been changed since the signature was applied, whether the signature applied is valid, whether the signatory's certificate is not blocked and whether the certificate chain to the issuing organisation is complete. German law applies to the power of attorney.