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DigiDoc4 Client
LGPL-2.1DigiDoc4 Client replaces cloud e-signature platforms with local, legally binding eIDAS qualified signing and file encryption via national smart cards.
Open-source alternative to — compare it against:
Overview
DigiDoc4 Client is an open-source desktop application for digitally signing, verifying, and encrypting documents using national electronic identity cards and mobile identifiers. Its local cryptographic architecture distinguishes it from cloud agreement platforms, generating eIDAS-compliant Qualified Electronic Signatures directly on your workstation without transmitting file contents to external servers.
Why DigiDoc4 Client instead of DocuSign
DocuSign and Adobe Acrobat Sign rely on a hosted envelope workflow: an author uploads a PDF to cloud servers, sets signature boxes, and emails links for recipients to type or draw their names. This model excels at sales agreements and automated tracking. DigiDoc4 Client handles signing through document-level security instead. Parties exchange standardized cryptographic containers like ASiC-E (.asice) or BDOC (.bdoc), signing them locally with a smart card reader, Mobile-ID, or Smart-ID. This produces an eIDAS Qualified Electronic Signature carrying the same legal weight as a handwritten signature in European courts.
The trade-off centers on workflow automation. DocuSign coordinates signing orders, reminder notifications, and cloud audit trails. DigiDoc4 Client leaves file distribution to you: you sign the container locally and deliver it to counterparties by email or storage. Non-technical signatories eliminate recurring per-envelope fees and cloud data exposure, though they must exchange the sealed container rather than exporting a plain PDF.
What it does well
- Qualified signatures: Produces eIDAS Qualified Electronic Signatures that have full legal equivalence to handwritten signatures across the European Union.
- Smart card and mobile support: Signs files using chip ID cards in USB card readers, SIM-based Mobile-ID, or mobile Smart-ID.
- File encryption: Converts confidential files into encrypted CDOC (
.cdoc) containers accessible only by the intended recipient's electronic identity. - Signature verification: Inspects incoming container files to confirm signer identity, timestamp validity, and certificate authority status.
- Card management: Includes direct controls to modify PIN1, PIN2, and PUK codes, unblock locked cards, and check certificate validity.
- Multi-file containers: Bundles multiple documents into one signed package so complete contract sets are sealed together.
