What types of files can I sign using the Evrotrust application?
Evrotrust supports both attached and detached electronic signatures, which determines the file formats you can sign. With an attached electronic signature, users can sign PDF and XML files, keeping the signature embedded within the document. With a detached signature, users can sign any file type because the signature is stored separately. This flexibility allows a wide range of documents to be securely signed.
What is an attached electronic signature?
An attached electronic signature is embedded directly into the document being signed. This method is commonly used for PDF and XML files, which structurally support such embedding. Attached signatures make it easy for recipients to verify the signature without handling additional files. They are ideal for contracts, forms, and documents that will be shared frequently.
What is a detached electronic signature?
A detached electronic signature is stored as a separate file from the document itself. This enables signing any file format, including images, archives, spreadsheets, or custom data files. The signature file contains the cryptographic proof linking it to the original document. Detached signatures are useful when the file format cannot contain embedded data or when users prefer a standalone signature file.
When should I choose a detached signature instead of an attached one?
Users typically choose a detached signature when the file format does not support embedded signatures or when they need maximum flexibility. Detached signing works well for:
- ZIP, RAR, or TAR archives
- JPEG, PNG, or TIFF images
- DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and similar office files
- Proprietary or custom-format files
This method ensures all file types can be signed while maintaining strong legal validity.
Are signatures on all file types legally valid?
Yes, the legal validity of a qualified electronic signature (QES) does not depend on the file format. Under eIDAS, a QES has the same legal effect as a handwritten signature, regardless of whether it is attached or detached. What matters is that the signature is created using a valid QES certificate issued by a qualified trust service provider. Evrotrust ensures this compliance for all supported signing methods.
Can multiple people sign the same document in Evrotrust?
Yes, multiple signers can sign the same document using the Evrotrust application. For PDF files with attached signatures, each signature can be added sequentially. For other file types, multiple detached signatures can be generated and shared. The workflow ensures each signer uses their own identity and certificate, preserving legal integrity.
How do I know which file type is best for my signing scenario?
Choosing the best file type depends on how the document will be used and shared. PDFs are preferred for contracts, standardized forms, and situations requiring easy visual review. XML is ideal for machine-readable data exchanges. Detached signatures work best when the file format cannot support embedding or when technical flexibility is required. Evrotrust supports all these scenarios to ensure secure and compliant signing.
Does the Evrotrust application verify the integrity of signed documents?
Yes, the Evrotrust application ensures the integrity of every signed document through cryptographic hashing. When the file is signed – whether attached or detached –the system links the signature to the exact content at that moment. Any subsequent modification would invalidate the signature, making tampering easy to detect. This is a core requirement under eIDAS for maintaining trust and security.
