Why You Need an eSign App on macOS
If you use a Mac for work, you've probably had to sign a document digitally at some point. Maybe you used the Preview app to draw a signature, or you printed the PDF, signed it with a pen, scanned it, and sent it back. Both approaches are unprofessional and — more importantly — have no legal validity as a qualified electronic signature.
In 2026, electronic signing isn't optional — it's the standard. EU regulations (eIDAS), and equivalent laws worldwide require qualified electronic signatures for legally binding documents.
What Is an Electronic Signature (eSign)?
Electronic signature is a broad term covering different levels of signing:
| Signature Type | Legal Validity | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Electronic Signature (SES) | Low — context-dependent | Name in email, drawn signature in Preview |
| Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) | Medium — linked to the signer | Signature with identity verification |
| Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) | Highest — equivalent to handwritten | Signature with qualified certificate |
Only the Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) has the same legal force as a handwritten signature in the EU. For serious business documents — contracts, invoices, delivery notes — you need QES.
What Is Timestamping?
A timestamp is digital proof that confirms the exact time when a document was signed or created. It's not an ordinary date in the file metadata that can be easily changed — it's a cryptographic signature issued by a Trusted Timestamp Authority (TSA).
Why timestamps matter:
- Legal proof — proves when a document was signed, not just that it was signed
- Document integrity — proves the document hasn't been modified after signing
- Legal requirement — many laws require timestamps for electronically signed documents
- Long-term validity — the signature remains valid even after the certificate expires
- Audit and compliance — essential for ISO standards and legal audits
macOS Built-in Signing Options
macOS comes with several built-in features for working with signatures, but none are sufficient for business use:
Preview
Preview lets you draw a signature using the trackpad or camera. This is a simple electronic signature — just an image of your signature pasted onto a PDF. No cryptographic protection, identity verification, or timestamp.
- Good enough for: informal documents, internal notes
- Not enough for: contracts, invoices, legal documents
Keychain Access
macOS Keychain can store digital certificates, but doesn't offer an interface for signing documents. You need a separate application that uses those certificates.
Best eSign Apps for macOS in 2026
1. Arhivix (macOS Desktop App)
Arhivix isn't just a DMS — it has built-in qualified electronic signing directly from the macOS app.
- Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) with full legal validity
- Timestamps for every signature — automatic
- Batch signing — sign multiple documents at once
- DMS integration — signed documents are instantly archived
- macOS native app — fast, lightweight, works offline
- PDF/A support — signed documents in long-term preservation format
Pricing: from €25/month with 50 timestamps included in the Basic plan, up to 500 in the Ultimate plan.
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro
The industry standard for PDF, but expensive and heavy for small businesses.
- Supports digital signatures with certificates
- Timestamping through TSA servers
- Price: ~€25/month
- Downside: No DMS included, timestamps not included in price
3. DocuSign
Popular for simple eSign scenarios but focused on simple/advanced signatures.
- Easy to use
- Web-based (not a native macOS app)
- QES only available in expensive plans
- Downside: No DMS integration, no timestamp in basic plan
How Does Qualified Electronic Signing Work on macOS?
The signing process in the Arhivix desktop app:
- Open the document in the Arhivix macOS app (PDF, Word, or scanned document)
- Click "Sign" — the app uses your qualified certificate
- A timestamp is automatically added from an authorized TSA (Timestamp Authority)
- The document is locked — any subsequent changes are detected
- Automatic archiving — the signed document is stored in the DMS with all metadata
The entire process takes less than 10 seconds.
Which Certificate Do You Need?
For a qualified electronic signature, you need a certificate issued by an authorized certification body:
In the EU:
- D-Trust (Germany)
- Bundesdruckerei (Germany)
- Swisscom (Switzerland/EU)
- InfoCert (Italy/EU)
- Certum (Poland/EU)
- Any TSP (Trust Service Provider) on the EU Trusted List
In the UK:
- DigiCert
- GlobalSign
- Providers on the UK Trusted Service Provider list
eSign vs. macOS Preview Signature: Key Differences
| Feature | macOS Preview | Arhivix eSign |
|---|---|---|
| Signature type | Simple (image) | Qualified (QES) |
| Legal validity | Minimal | Equivalent to handwritten |
| Timestamp | No | Yes — automatic |
| Document integrity | Document can be modified | Any change is detected |
| Signature verification | Not possible | Anyone can verify |
| Batch signing | No | Yes |
| Archiving | Manual | Automatic in DMS |
FAQ: eSign on macOS
Does a Preview signature have legal validity?
A Preview signature is a simple electronic signature — it has limited legal force and can be challenged in court. For legally binding documents, use a qualified electronic signature.
Can I use my iPhone to sign?
macOS Continuity lets you draw a signature on your iPhone and insert it into a Mac document, but this is still just an image of your signature. For a qualified signature, use the Arhivix mobile or desktop app.
How much does a timestamp cost?
Prices vary. With Arhivix, timestamps are included in the subscription (50-500 per month, depending on the plan). With other providers, individual timestamps can cost €0.05-0.50 each.
Does eSign work offline on Mac?
Signing itself can work offline if you have a local certificate. However, timestamping requires an internet connection as it's issued from a TSA server in real-time.
What's the difference between digital signature and electronic signature?
A digital signature is a technical term for the cryptographic mechanism. An electronic signature (eSign) is the legal term. A qualified electronic signature uses digital signature technology combined with a qualified certificate to achieve the highest legal validity.
Conclusion
The macOS Preview signature is fine for signing a courier package — but not for business documents. For contracts, invoices, delivery notes, and anything with legal significance, you need a qualified electronic signature with a timestamp.
The Arhivix macOS app gives you eSign, timestamping, and DMS in one — download it, connect your certificate, and sign your first document in under 5 minutes.
