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The three modes

The eID card, an Azure Key Vault certificate or a plain image stamp — what each one requires, and what legal weight it carries.

All three modes stamp a visible mark and process the whole batch identically. What differs is the legal weight of what they produce.

ModeRequiresNatureVisible output
eID card--mode beidCard reader, eID card, one PIN per documentQualified-grade cryptographic signature (QES)Cardholder photo, name and date
Azure Key Vault--mode azureOne Microsoft login per batch, a personal key and certificate in Key VaultAdvanced electronic signature (AES)Name and date
Image stamp--mode imageNothing — works offlineNot a cryptographic signatureThe image you supply

THE THREE MODES

Cachet signs a whole batch of PDFs the same way. Pick the mode that matches the legal weight you need.

  • BEID — your Belgian eID card

    What it is —
    a qualified electronic signature (QES), the highest legal tier, equivalent to a handwritten signature.
    Requires —
    a card reader, your eID card, and one PIN entry per document. A visible vignette (your photo, name, and date) is added.
    Use it when —
    a document must be legally binding and provably signed by you in person.
    Note —
    your national register number (RRN) is embedded in every signature, so share signed files carefully.

  • AZURE — your personal certificate in Azure Key Vault

    What it is —
    an advanced electronic signature (AES). Strong and verifiable, but one tier below QES.
    Requires —
    one Microsoft login per batch (not per document). Only the document digest leaves your machine; the private key never does. Trust is anchored on your organisation's internal CA.
    Use it when —
    you need a real cryptographic signature for many files quickly, without your physical card.

  • IMAGE — paste a picture only

    What it is —
    a visual stamp, NOT a cryptographic signature. No legal value.
    Requires —
    nothing; works fully offline.
    Use it when —
    you only need a document to look signed, with no legal effect.

Recommendation: use BEID for legally binding documents, AZURE for large batches, and IMAGE only for appearance.