> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.emsigner.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.emsigner.com/initiate-and-sign-envelopes/creation-of-an-envelope/signing-flows/only-i-will-sign/select-type-of-esignature-digital-signature.md).

# Select Type of eSignature/Digital Signature

This screen allows you to define **who will sign the envelope** and **how the signing will be performed**. This step determines the signing flow before signature fields are placed on the document.

<figure><img src="/files/cfGo3zbXWpGyvwCQK6dY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Screen Overview

This screen is divided into two sections:

1. **Who will be signing the envelope?**
2. **I want to sign with**

A workflow progress indicator at the bottom shows:

* **Step 1:** Upload Document (Completed)
* **Step 2:** Add Participants (Current)
* **Step 3:** Set Signature

***

### 1. Who Will Be Signing the Envelope?

Select one of the following options to define signer participation:

The flow presumes that the originator of the document is the only person who will sign the document.

* This option is chosen if the user is the **sole signer** of the document.
* No additional participants will be added.
* Commonly used for self-approvals, internal declarations, or personal documents.

***

### 2. I Want to Sign With

Select the signing method to be used for the envelope. The available options on this screen are:

#### eSignature

* Allows signers to apply an electronic signature using platform-supported methods such as typed, drawn, or image-based signatures.
* Suitable for low to medium risk transactions and high-volume workflows.

#### Digital Signature (Token or Smart Card)

* Enables signing using a cryptographic digital signature backed by a hardware token or smart card.
* Provides higher assurance, signer identity binding, and non-repudiation.
* Commonly used for regulated, contractual, or compliance-driven documents.

***

> **Note:** The availability of other signing methods such as Qualified Electronic Signatures in EU, AADHAAR eSign or country specific remote signing modes depends on account configuration, regulatory requirements, and organizational policy.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://support.emsigner.com/initiate-and-sign-envelopes/creation-of-an-envelope/signing-flows/only-i-will-sign/select-type-of-esignature-digital-signature.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.