Signature Capture

Signature Capture

Signatures on forms (or quotes) make documents legally enforceable. HandyBook captures signatures with full audit trail — timestamp, IP, device, location.

When to require a signature

• Pre-job sign-off — customer authorizes scope before work starts
• Damage acknowledgment — customer confirms pre-existing damage
• Move-in / move-out inspection — both parties sign on findings
• Completion sign-off — customer confirms work is done satisfactorily
• Change order — scope expansion approved
• Liability waivers — for risk-related work
• Custom contracts — anything you'd otherwise print and sign

Adding a signature field to a form

In the form builder:

1. Drag Signature field from the palette
2. Configure:
   • Label (e.g. "Customer signature")
   • Required vs. optional
   • Who signs (tech, customer, both)
3. Save

You can have multiple signature fields per form (customer + tech, or two customers, etc.).

Capturing the signature

In person

• Tap the field on your device
• Hand it to the customer
• They sign with finger or stylus
• They tap Done — captured

Remotely

• Send the form via link to the customer
• They open on their device
• Sign with finger / mouse
• Submit

Hybrid

• Tech fills the data fields on-site
• Customer signs on the same device (or remotely later)

What gets captured

Beyond the signature image:

• Timestamp (UTC)
• IP address
• Device (browser, OS, model)
• Geolocation (if customer permits)
• "Signed by" — name typed alongside the signature
• Full audit log of when the form was sent, viewed, signed

This audit trail is what makes the signature legally enforceable.

Legal validity

E-signatures are valid under:

• US — ESIGN Act + UETA
• UK — Electronic Communications Act 2000
• EU — eIDAS (simple e-signatures)
• Canada — PIPEDA + PIPA
• Australia/NZ — Electronic Transactions Act

For most service businesses this covers all your needs. Notarized or qualified signatures (rare) need additional steps outside HandyBook.

Showing the signature on the PDF

The submitted form's PDF shows:

• The signature image inline at the field location
• Below: "Signed by [Name] on [Date Time UTC]"
• An audit page at the end with full metadata

Multiple signers

For agreements needing two signatures (e.g. couple, business co-owners):

• Add multiple signature fields
• Both signers can use the same device sequentially
• Or send separate links to each

The form is "complete" only when all signature fields are filled.

Witness signatures

For high-risk work where you want a witness:

• Add a third signature field labeled "Witness"
• Tech or office staff signs as witness
• Adds extra evidentiary weight

Refusing to sign

If a customer refuses to sign:

• Don't pressure
• Document refusal in a notes field
• The form can still be submitted as "unsigned with reason"
• Decide whether to proceed with work (your call, often informed by a phone consult)

Signature on quotes

Quotes have built-in signature; you don't need a separate form. See Quotes → E-Signature.

FAQ

Can the customer sign with a typed name instead of drawing? Yes — toggle "Allow typed signature" on the field. Customer types name, it's rendered in cursive font with the same audit trail.

Can I undo a signature? You can re-open the form (with manager approval) and re-sign. The original is archived for audit, not deleted.

Can the customer download a signed copy? Yes — the signed PDF is automatically emailed to them after submission, and accessible from their customer portal.

Are signatures captured in offline mode? Yes — the form auto-saves locally and syncs (with the signature) when connectivity returns.

Is the signature image stored permanently? Yes — encrypted, stored as long as your account is active. Required for legal validity.