# Doc: https://www.hipaatizer.com/docs/form-builder/features/hipaasign-vs-signature-component > LLM view for https://www.hipaatizer.com/docs/form-builder/features/hipaasign-vs-signature-component This file contains all documentation content in a single document following the llmstxt.org standard. ## HIPAAsign vs. Form Signature Component # HIPAAsign vs. Form Signature Component: Which One Do I Need? HIPAAtizer has two ways to collect signatures: the Signature component (built into every form) and HIPAAsign (for sending documents out to multiple signers). They do different things. If only one person needs to sign, or everyone is signing on the same device, use the Signature component. If signers are in different locations and need to sign at different times, use HIPAAsign. :::tip If only the person filling out the form needs to sign, use the Signature component. If multiple people need to sign the same document in a specific order from different locations, use HIPAAsign. ::: ## What each option does The Signature component is a form field. You drag it onto your form, and the person filling out the form signs before they submit. You can add multiple Signature components to the same form if more than one person needs to sign during the same session - for example, a patient and a witness both signing at the front desk, or on a shared tablet in kiosk mode. One signer at a time, same device. HIPAAsign is a separate workflow for sending documents out for signatures when signers are not in the same place. It notifies each signer by email (and optionally SMS), authenticates them before they can view the document, and moves through signers one at a time in the order you set. You can track the status of each envelope as it makes its way through the signing chain. ## Requirements ### Signature component Available on all plans (Free, Silver, Gold, Gold Plus, Platinum), for both Covered Entity and Developer accounts. No extra cost, no usage limits. ### HIPAAsign Available on Gold Plus and Platinum plans (see pricing for current rates and envelope allotments). Each signing workflow uses one envelope. You can purchase more if you run out. Available for Covered Entity accounts only. ## How it works ### Signature component The Signature component is a form field you drag into your form in the Form Builder, same as any other component. When someone fills out your form, they sign right there before submitting. Two signature modes are available: - Draw - sign with a mouse, stylus, or finger on a touchscreen - Generate - type a name and pick from generated signature styles The signature gets saved as an image with the form submission. It shows up in the submission PDF and you can reference it using form variables in email notifications and templates. ### HIPAAsign HIPAAsign works through envelopes. An envelope holds a document and defines who signs it and in what order. The process: 1. Create an envelope - upload a document or pick a completed form submission 2. Add signers - name, email, and optionally a phone number for SMS notifications 3. Set the signing order - signers get the document one at a time, in the sequence you choose 4. Each signer gets an email (and optional SMS) when it's their turn 5. Signers verify their identity before they can access the document 6. Once everyone has signed, the completed document is ready for download ### Comparison table | Feature | Signature component | HIPAAsign | |---------|-------------------|-----------| | Number of signers | One per field, but you can add multiple Signature fields to the same form for shared-device signing (e.g., kiosk mode) | Multiple signers in different locations, in sequence | | How it works | Field on a form | Separate envelope workflow | | Signer notification | N/A - signers are already on the form | Email and SMS | | Signer authentication | N/A | Yes, identity verification required | | Available plans | All plans | Gold Plus and Platinum | | Cost | Included | Uses envelope credits | | Signature types | Draw or Generate (typed) | Draw | | API support | Collected via form submission API | Dedicated HIPAAsign API | | Works in Form Packets | Yes | No | :::info HIPAAsign envelopes cannot be included as a step in a Form Packet. If you need a multi-form workflow that also collects signatures, use the Signature component within each form in the packet. ::: ## Related - Signature component - Full reference for the Signature form field, properties, and variables - Form Builder components - All available form components - Form Packets - How to create multi-form workflows - Email Notifications - Configure submission email notifications - Printable Form Templates - PDF options for form submissions - Form Variables - Reference signature values in templates and notifications - Account types - Covered Entity vs. Developer account differences