Biometric signature: Sign digitally directly on the tablet – secure and encrypted

Authentic signatures with GDPR compliant encryption of biometric properties directly on the device – for legally binding confirmations and documentation.

HybridForms App: Signature field

The signature fields, with which handwritten signatures can be captured, are among the most important and most frequently used features of HybridForms. Extensive security functions, such as the encrypted storage of biometric data, the linking of metadata or the automatic lock function, ensure the authenticity of the digital signature. Just like a signature on a paper document, the electronic signature is binding and legally compliant.

You can include as many signature fields as you need on each digital form. So you can use the HybridForms App to collect handwritten signatures from customers or employees electronically on standard tablets and smartphones – either written with a corresponding pen or simply with a finger. The App stores all information securely and traceably, even in offline mode.

This function is integrated into the HybridForms App and therefore available for all forms with HybridForms, but cannot be used as a separate signature module in other software solutions.

Forms with authentic signatures

With HybridForms, you can apply the previously common practice in paper-based processes – bindingly confirming business-relevant forms, protocols and contracts with a handwritten signature – to digital form processes as well.

Use HybridForms’ biometric signature feature to sign your digital forms in an evidential manner.

Biometric signatures – handwritten with a smart pen directly on the mobile device

HybridForms: Secure Signature

Biometric signature recording

The system stores biometric characteristics such as writing speed, writing direction, sequence and pauses, pressure strength curve and a two-dimensional image of the signature.

Certificate-free electronic biometric signature in the HybridForms App

Certificate-free electronic biometric signature

All signature fields in the HybridForms App have a guilloche security pattern applied by default. You activate this field simply by clicking / touching in the field. The signature field then appears across the entire width of the screen and is ready for input.

Location information in the metadata for the electronic biometric signature in the HybridForms App

Location information in the metadata

If you have not already generally allowed the App to use your location, a corresponding notice appears. The advantage if you agree to the use once or always: The user’s position (GPS) at the time of signing is automatically displayed in the metadata.

Active signature field in the HybridForms App

Active signature field

The field ist then activated for your data entry / handwritten signature with a digital pen or with finger gesture – depending on the device used.

Saving the signature in the HybridForms App

Saving the signature

Save the signature by clicking / touching the [Save] button. If you want to delete or repeat the signature, delete the entry with the [Eraser] icon at the top right.

Write protection as security function in the HybridForms App

Write protection as security function

A few seconds after the entry, an automatic write protection has been activated and a key symbol appears. After that, the signature can no longer be modified.

Metadata display in the signature field of the HybridForms App

Metadata display

The metadata are another important security feature and show info like location (GPS), name of the signer (if predefined in the form), an unique GUID, date, time and time zone. The display is optional and can also be partially / entirely hidden. The definition of the specifications takes place in the forms design process.

Deleting the signature in the HybridForms App

Deleting the signature

You can no longer change the signature – however, by clicking / touching the key icon, you can delete the entries. The field is then blank und you can sign again.

Authentic signatures with optimized data security through encryption

In addition to the security functions in the signature field itself, HybridForms also offers the option of storing the signature data in encrypted form. Since handwritten signatures are personal – and therefore sensitive – data, it is possible to integrate a public key encryption method (AES). A digital certificate must be uploaded together with the form template for it. In case that the completed form is output as a PDF file, the signature can optionally be archived as PDF attachment. For further technical details please contact our technical support.

The storage of biometric data is encrypted and standard-compliant according to the ISO/IEC 19794-7:2014 standard, see also

Signature with paper and pencil

Printed paper form:

The signature is made with a pencil on paper. All data entered on the paper form must then be typed or scanned and digitized for archiving.

HybridForms: Signature with tablet and pen

Digital form with HybridForms:

The signature is written with a pen directly on the tablet into the signature field. The biometric properties are automatically stored digitally and securely.

Electronic signatures and data protection – EU-DSGVO and GPDR

Handwritten signatures that your customers or you write with a smart pen in the corresponding signature field of the HybridForms App are stored securely and encrypted directly on the end device in compliance with data protection regulations – in accordance with the EU-DSGVO (EU Data Protection Regulation) and GPDR (General Data Protection Regulation).

The binding nature of electronic signatures is regulated by a number of legal requirements. For example, the eIDAS Regulation (Electronic Identification, Authentication and Trust Services) places the digital conclusion of contracts on a secure basis throughout Europe. Accordingly, the electronic signature has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature. This means that an electronic signature confirms legally binding consent and documentation. See also:

Signature field with corporate stamp

Since mobile HybridForms App Version 8.8 (March 2022), it is also possible to optionally add a company stamp to the signature field:

HybridForms: Signature field with corporate stamp

Your use cases for digital signatures

The signature function is versatile. Possible scenarios for the integration of digital signatures in mobile checklists, protocols and reports include

  • maintenance protocols, acceptance protocols or handover protocols for service and maintenance,
  • order processing, consulting protocols and sales contracts in sales and field service,
  • inspection reports with structured series of inspections in quality assurance,
  • dynamic checklists for ongoing checks in production and manufacturing,
  • paramedic protocols for rescue operations,
  • consent forms from patients in hospitals or participants in medical studies,
  • time sheets as proof for your customers or for internal time logs.
Logo Spital STS

Biometric signatures in practical use at Spital STS AG

The Swiss Hospital Center Spital STS has integrated the secure biometric signature function of HybridForms on the digital forms used for gastroscopy consultations. Each form is filled in advance with patient data from the internal Hospital Information System (HIS). The informative discussion itself takes place with the help of a tablet – including video and information about the gastroscopy procedure and a checklist with important questions about previous illnesses, allergies and existing medication.

The final informed consent is then confirmed in separate signature fields by both the patient and the physician in handwriting with a digital pen directly on the tablet. The App stores all relevant biometric characteristics of the signatures such as pressure profile and speed, but also metadata like date, time, GPS and an unique process GUID (Globally Unique Identifier). These biometric signatures are legally binding and guarantee evidence-proof documentation.

Spital STS: Authentic signatures with meta data

Use HybridForms’ biometric signature feature to sign your digital forms in an evidential manner.

Biometric signatures with HybridForms – your advantages at a glance

Handwritten signature in the HybridForms App directly on the tablet or smartphone to confirm the collected data – on site at the assignment, operation, consultation, etc.

The biometric characteristics and metadata of the signature are stored in a legally binding and secure manner – compliant with data protection & in accordance with the ISO standard for biometrics.

With the digital transformation of the signature, you significantly accelerate your signature and approval processes & thus simplify your workflows.

From our customer list

Make your forms processes digital, mobile & secure.

Large companies and public authorities are already using HybridForms App & Enterprise Software – in Energy Utilities, Critical Infrastructure, Healthcare & Research, Manufacturing, Facility, Real Estate, Construction, Public Safety & Police.