Dropbox Sign vs. SignNow for developers

eSignature tools offer a secure and efficient option for signing contracts, agreements, and other important documents. The built-in security features, including encryption, audit trails, and identity verification, provide the technical foundation for eSignatures to meet legal requirements, enabling them to serve as a compliant alternative to wet signatures for legally binding documents. 

There are a number of eSignature tools to choose from, including Dropbox Sign and SignNow. These tools are widely adopted due to their intuitive user interfaces, robust integration capabilities, and strong security features. This article provides a detailed comparison of the two, covering their features, usability, pricing, documentation, integration options, and support for APIs and SDKs.

功能

When it comes to eSignature functionality, both Dropbox Sign and SignNow offer a similar set of features:

• Upload and send a document to one or multiple signers.
• Customize where or how the document can be signed using an interactive designer or simply let the tool append a signature page to the document.
• Allow signers to type, draw, or upload signatures.
• Receive notifications and webhooks for signing events.
• Save time and effort by turning frequently used documents into reusable templates.
• Seamlessly embed the signing experience directly in your app using an iFrame, allowing users to sign documents without ever leaving your platform.
• Personalize the signing experience using your brand's logos and design choices.
• Verify the identity of the user using eID verification.
• Assure compliance with various standards, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the Electronic Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS) Regulation.
• Add team members and manage their access.
• Use APIs and SDKs in various programming languages to seamlessly integrate and interact with the tools.
• Integrate with popular third-party services, such as Google Drive, HubSpot, and Salesforce.

In addition to these features, SignNow provides enhanced customization with fine-grained control over the signing process. For example, you can configure when to send reminders to signers, secure documents with passwords, set the signing order, and enable recipients to decline signing. SignNow also offers native Android and iOS apps, allowing you to manage and sign documents directly from your mobile device:

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In comparison, Dropbox Sign boasts a simpler and more polished user experience. It's designed to make it easy for developers to get started.

Dropbox Sign integrates seamlessly with Dropbox for document storage and management. If you're already using Dropbox for storage, you can seamlessly access the eSignature features of Dropbox Sign from your Dropbox dashboard:

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Dropbox Sign and SignNow offer a comprehensive set of eSignature features. Your specific business requirements should guide your choice between them, whether that’s advanced security measures, tailored workflows, or smooth integrations with your current tools and services.

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API and SDK

Both Dropbox Sign and SignNow offer APIs and SDKs for third parties to programmatically interact with them. SignNow offers a REST API that helps you make full use of its features. It also offers official SDKs in five languages, including Node.js, C#, Java, Python, and PHP. However, some of the SDKs are not maintained regularly. For example, the Node SDK was last updated three years ago, which means it may lack recent features and vulnerability fixes.

Just like SignNow, Dropbox Sign has a REST API and a collection of SDKs. Dropbox Sign maintains and updates its SDKs regularly and offers SDKs for all the languages that SignNow does as well as an SDK for Ruby.

If you compare the APIs and SDKs, it's clear that SignNow focuses more on customization and fine-grained control. In contrast, Dropbox Sign focuses more on simplicity and ease of use. Take the SignNow Invite to sign API for instance. This sends a document to signers and invites them to sign it. To use this API, you need to initially use the Upload document API to upload a file to the user's account:

```bash
curl --request POST \
  --url https://api.signnow.com/document \
  --header 'Accept: application/json' \
  --header 'Authorization: Bearer {{access_token}}' \
  --header 'Content-Type: multipart/form-data' \
  --form file=...
```

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Then, you can add different fields, including signature fields, to the document using the Edit document API:

```bash
curl --request PUT \
  --url https://api.signnow.com/document/{document_id} \
  --header 'Accept: application/json' \
  --header 'Authorization: Bearer {{access_token}}' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data '{
  "fields": [
	{
  	"x": 358,
  	"y": 171,
  	"width": 177,
  	"height": 50,
  	"type": "text",
  	"page_number": 0,
  	"required": true,
  	"role": "Signer 1",
  	"custom_defined_option": false,
  	"name": "signature1",
  	"validator_id": "{{number_validator_id}}"
	}
  ],
  "elements": [],
  "client_timestamp": "timestamp"
}'
```

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Finally, you can send this document for signing using the Invite to sign API:

```bash
curl --request POST \
  --url https://api.signnow.com/document/{document_id}/invite \
  --header 'Accept: application/json' \
  --header 'Authorization: Bearer {{access_token}}' \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --header 'Content-type: ' \
  --data '{
  "document_id": "d9XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX",
  "to": [
	{
  	"email": "[email protected]",
  	"role_id": "48XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX",
  	"role": "Signer 1",
  	"order": 1,
  	"prefill_signature_name": "Signer 1",
  	"force_new_signature": 1,
  	"reassign": "0",
  	"decline_by_signature": "0",
  	"reminder": {
    	"remind_after": 3,
    	"remind_repeat": 7
  	},
  	"expiration_days": 30,
  	"authentication_type": "password",
  	"password": "123456",
  	"subject": "You've got a new signature request",
  	"message": "Hi, this is an invite to sign a document from [email protected].",
  	"redirect_uri": "https://unique-solutions.com",
  	"decline_redirect_uri": "https://unique-solutions.com",
  	"close_redirect_uri": "https://unique-solutions.com",
  	"redirect_target": "blank"
	}
  ],
  "from": "[email protected]",
  "cc": [
	"[email protected]",
	"[email protected]"
  ],
  "cc_step": [
	{
  	"name": "CC 1",
  	"email": "[email protected]",
  	"step": 1
	},
	{
  	"name": "CC 2",
  	"email": "[email protected]",
  	"step": 2
	}
  ],
  "viewers": [
	{
  	"email": "[email protected]",
  	"role": "Viewer 1",
  	"order": 1,
  	"close_redirect_uri": "https://unique-solutions.com",
  	"redirect_target": "blank",
  	"subject": "New document",
  	"message": "You've got a new document to review."
	}
  ],
  "subject": "[email protected] needs your signature",
  "message": "[email protected] invited you to sign the Invoice document",
  "cc_subject": "cc Invoice request",
  "cc_message": "cc Invoice request for Signer 1"
}'
```

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Compare this with the Dropbox Sign Send Signature Request API. This lets you upload a file, add fields to it, and send it for signature, all in a single API call:

```bash
curl -X POST 'https://api.hellosign.com/v3/signature_request/send' \
  -u 'YOUR_API_KEY:' \
  -F 'files[0][email protected]' \
  -F 'title=NDA with Acme Co.' \
  -F 'subject=The NDA we talked about' \
  -F 'message=Please sign this NDA and then we can discuss more. Let me know if you have any questions.' \
  -F 'signers[0][email_address][email protected]' \
  -F 'signers[0][name]=Jack' \
  -F 'signers[0][order]=0' \
  -F 'signers[1][email_address][email protected]' \
  -F 'signers[1][name]=Jill' \
  -F 'signers[1][order]=1' \
  -F 'cc_email_addresses[][email protected]' \
  -F 'cc_email_addresses[][email protected]' \
  -F 'metadata[custom_id]=1234' \
  -F 'metadata[custom_text]=NDA #9' \
  -F 'signing_options[draw]=1' \
  -F 'signing_options[type]=1' \
  -F 'signing_options[upload]=1' \
  -F 'signing_options[phone]=1' \
  -F 'signing_options[default_type]=draw' \
  -F 'field_options[date_format]=DD - MM - YYYY' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][document_index]=0' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][name]=' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][placeholder]=' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][type]=text' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][x]=112' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][y]=328' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][width]=100' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][height]=16' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][required]=true' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][signer]=1' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][page]=1' \
  -F 'form_fields_per_document[0][validation_type]=numbers_only' \
  -F 'test_mode=1'
```

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SignNow's approach of separating the steps into different API calls gives you more control over the process. However, this can also prove to be more complicated and time-consuming to write and maintain. Additionally, the separate API calls may eat into your network bandwidth. In contrast, the approach of Dropbox Sign having a single API call is easier to debug and maintain.

The same principle is also evident in their SDK design. To send a document for signature with SignNow, you need to upload a file, edit the document to add fields, and send invites. As you might have guessed, all this can be done in one step using Dropbox Sign SDKs.

Both platforms provide options for testing their APIs without incurring costs. SignNow offers the ability to create a development app to test the features for free. When you're ready to deploy your integration, you can simply change the app to a live app and use it in production. In contrast, Dropbox Sign provides a `test_mode` parameter on almost every API. In ‌test mode, you're not charged, and the signatures aren't legally binding.

Both platforms provide excellent documentation for their APIs. The SignNow API documentation boasts of a clean and minimal design, where each API endpoint is organized hierarchically. Each endpoint request-and-response payload is clearly described with examples. You can also find code snippets in many different programming languages:

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The Dropbox Sign API documentation is also designed well, keeping ease of use in mind. Just like SignNow, the API endpoints are grouped in a hierarchical model. A clear, visual explanation of the request-and-response structure and code snippets accompanies each endpoint. SignNow also offers code snippets in more languages. Meanwhile, the Dropbox Sign API documentation offers an interactive API testing tool that lets you try out the API straight from the browser:

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Support and documentation

SignNow and Dropbox Sign both provide detailed documentation and support options. Dropbox Sign focuses on developer support. Meanwhile, SignNow documentation is better suited for enterprise-level users who might have more complex needs.

The documentation for Dropbox Sign is well-organized and includes code examples, SDK integration guides, and use-case walkthroughs. The documentation covers all the key features, such as form creation, multi-party signing, embedded and non-embedded signing, and advanced workflows.

Dropbox Sign also offers a dedicated developer forum that makes it easy for developers to get the help they need. If developers run into issues during the integration, they can utilize the API help center. They can submit a support request here or refer to hundreds of available resources.

SignNow also offers extensive documentation covering key features like form creation, multi-party signing, and advanced workflows. In addition to the API reference, the documentation site includes guides and sample apps to help users get started. Similar to Dropbox Sign, SignNow offers a Developer community that allows users to ask questions and share knowledge. However, based on ‌recent posts, the community doesn't seem to be very active. SignNow also offers a help center with tutorials, FAQ, and options to contact support.

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Ease of use

Dropbox Sign stands out as the clear leader in ease of use, with its UI, UX, and DX thoughtfully designed for a seamless user experience. Dropbox Sign offers a more user-friendly experience with a simpler interface, making it easy for developers to get started. Additionally, its intuitive APIs and clear documentation reduce the amount of time and effort required for integration. Its documentation site includes walkthroughs for most common use cases, which can help developers get started quickly. Thanks to its easy-to-use API, Dropbox Sign won the award for the Best in Business Software APIs at API World 2022.

SignNow also provides a comprehensive set of features. However, its interface can be complicated for developers who are new to the platform. Since it supports some advanced features and customization options, there could be a steep learning curve while getting started. The most common complaint on G2 about SignNow is that the UI and UX can be difficult to understand.

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定价

Pricing is an important factor to consider before you start using a tool. This is especially true for individual developers and small or medium-sized businesses. Choosing the right plan is crucial for managing costs effectively as the number of documents and signatories increases. Both SignNow and Dropbox Sign offer multiple pricing plans with varying feature sets, catering to different business sizes and needs.

Dropbox Sign offers a free plan, which gives you three signature requests. This is a great choice for developers with one-off signing needs. For more advanced usage, Dropbox Sign offers individual and team plans, which are ideal for businesses and developers alike. All plans include the core set of features with unlimited signature requests via its web app. Additionally, the Standard plan provides access to advanced options, like team management, audit trails, and more integrations. The Premium plan is aimed at large organizations that are looking to integrate advanced features, like advanced signer fields, single sign-on (SSO), eID verification, bulk sending, and enhanced reporting.

For developers who want to integrate Dropbox Sign into their application using the Dropbox Sign API, there are the Essentials, Standard, and Premium plans. Prices vary based on the volume of signature requests per month.

SignNow doesn't offer an individual plan, but it offers multiple business and enterprise plans. SignNow's base plan provides access to unlimited templates and multiple document formats. However, unlike Dropbox Sign, SignNow doesn't support unlimited signature requests. The Business Premium plan grants access to advanced features, such as eID verification and in-person signing. For larger teams, the Enterprise plan offers more customization, including dedicated account managers and advanced security features. For developers working as contractors for multiple clients, SignNow offers a Site License plan. This plan charges a fixed price for each signature invite and comes with the full set of SignNow features, along with full API access and CRM integrations.

Dropbox Sign pricing is suited for individuals and businesses, offering advanced features at competitive rates. Meanwhile, SignNow's pricing structure is more expensive and more suited to enterprises.

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Maturity and flexibility 

Dropbox Sign and SignNow are both mature, customizable, and enterprise-ready eSignature solutions. They offer a range of features to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.

SignNow has been around since 2011 and has built a strong reputation for its security features and advanced workflow capabilities. 

Dropbox Sign was formerly known as HelloSign and was acquired by Dropbox in 2019. Being under the trustworthy umbrella of Dropbox makes it a reliable choice for individuals and businesses alike. Reputed companies, like Stack Exchange, Greenhouse, and Instacart, use Dropbox Sign for their eSignature needs. According to G2, Dropbox Sign is rated 4.7 stars out of 5 by their satisfied customers.

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Conclusion

Dropbox Sign and SignNow are both powerful, customizable, and secure eSignature solutions that cater to a wide range of industries and use cases. This article explored the key features of these platforms. It highlighted their similarities and differences, helping developers make informed decisions based on their requirements. Both platforms offer robust eSignature capabilities with advanced security features built into the platform. SignNow provides more advanced customization options and features. Meanwhile, Dropbox Sign offers a more streamlined and easy-to-use experience.

With its powerful API, customizable workflows, and developer-friendly documentation, Dropbox Sign is designed to simplify the signing process. Dropbox Sign API enables developers to embed signing functionality, create templates, and manage documents efficiently, offering the flexibility and scalability needed for growing businesses. Its straightforward implementation and rapid deployment capabilities allow teams to transition from testing to production in days rather than weeks, making it an ideal solution for automating and optimizing workflows.