Google added eSignature support for PDFs in late 2024, but it is still unreliable. Documents fail to process, signatures do not render, and the feature requires a paid Google Workspace subscription. If you have landed here after a failed attempt, you are looking for something that works.
Quill is built specifically for PDF signing. Upload any standard PDF, place signature fields where you need them, and send. It works the first time, every time. £1.99 per document, no Google Workspace subscription required. Your signers do not need any account to sign.
| Google eSignature | Quill | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Included in Workspace (from £5/month) | £1.99 per document |
| PDF support | Limited, often fails | Any standard PDF |
| Subscription required | Google Workspace | None |
| Audit trail | Basic | Full (timestamps, IP, consent, SHA-256) |
| Signer account required | Google account recommended | No |
| Dedicated signing tool | No (add-on feature) | Yes |
Google’s eSignature feature was designed primarily for Google Docs, not PDFs. When you upload a PDF, Google attempts to convert it before applying signature fields. Complex layouts, scanned documents, and multi-page contracts frequently fail during this conversion. The result is an error message and a document you still need to get signed.
Quill does not convert your PDF. It renders the original document exactly as it is and overlays signature fields on top. What your signers see is what you uploaded. After everyone signs, Quill flattens the signatures into the PDF, appends an audit trail page, computes a SHA-256 hash for tamper evidence, and emails the completed document to all parties.
The entire process takes under five minutes and works with any standard PDF. Every signature is legally binding under UK and EU law as well as US law. See full details on pay-per-document pricing.
If you are also considering other tools, see how Quill compares as a DocuSign alternative.
How it works
Drop in the contract, agreement, or document you need signed. Any standard PDF works.
Add your signers and click where each person needs to sign. Assign fields to the right people.
Pay and your signers receive an email with a secure link. They sign in their browser — no account needed.
Pricing
No subscription. No monthly fee. No account balance. You pay when you send, and only when you send.
Legal validity
Quill produces Simple Electronic Signatures (SES), recognised under the Electronic Communications Act 2000 (UK), EU eIDAS Regulation, and the US ESIGN Act. SES are legally valid for the vast majority of commercial contracts and agreements.
Audit trail
Every signed document includes a certificate page recording signer names, emails, timestamps, IP addresses, and consent records.
Tamper evidence
A SHA-256 hash of the completed PDF is computed and stored. Any modification to the document after signing is detectable.
6-year retention
Audit data and signed documents are retained for 6 years, then permanently deleted.
Questions
Related
A DocuSign alternative that does not charge monthly
DocuSign starts at £10/month with envelope limits. Quill is £1.99 per document with no subscription, no envelope caps, and no annual commitment.
Sign documents without an Adobe subscription
Adobe Sign requires an Adobe subscription bundle. Quill is £1.99 per document — no subscription, no bundle, no account needed. Legally binding in the UK, EU, and US.
BoldSign's free tier has a limit you will only find the hard way
BoldSign advertises 25 free envelopes per month but hides a recipient limit. Quill is £1.99 per document — the price and limits are upfront.
A Dropbox Sign alternative without the free tier ceiling
Dropbox Sign's free tier caps you at 3 documents per month. Quill is £1.99 per document with no monthly limits and no account required to sign.
Upload a PDF, add your signers, and send. Takes under five minutes.