> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.docstudio.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.docstudio.com/user/sign-and-download-envelopes/how-to-sign-an-envelope-qualified-electronic-signature/how-to-read-a-qualified-electronic-signature.md).

# How to Read a Qualified Electronic Signature

### Before you start

Use this flow to read a qualified electronic signature key stored on a hardware device:

* Connect the hardware key before you start.
* Wait until the system finishes device search.

### Install required software

1. Download and install the crypto library for [macOS](https://iit.com.ua/download/productfiles/EUSignWebInstall.pkg) or [Windows](https://iit.com.ua/download/productfiles/EUSignWebInstall.exe).
2. Install the [browser extension](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/%D1%96%D1%96%D1%82-%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D1%81%D1%82%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%87-%D1%86%D1%81%D0%BA-1-%D0%B1%D1%96%D0%B1%D1%96%D0%B1%D0%BB/jffafkigfgmjafhpkoibhfefeaebmccg?utm_source=chrome-app-launcher-info-dialog) to let the browser access the crypto library.
3. Restart your computer.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Before you read the key:

* install the crypto library
* install the browser extension
* update your OS and browser
* restart your computer
  {% endhint %}

### Read the key

1. Wait for device search to finish.
2. Select your hardware key.
3. Enter the key password.
4. Click **Read key**.
5. Review the key details before you sign the document.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the password is valid and the key is available, the system opens the next step and shows the signature details.

If the password is invalid or the key cannot be read, the system shows an error message.
{% endhint %}

{% columns %}
{% column %}
The first screen shows the detected hardware key.

<figure><img src="/files/lBf64Hlmegwm6H517Qa4" alt="" width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}

{% column %}
The second screen shows the certificate details after the key is read successfully.

<figure><img src="/files/sBYfNG29abEuImcuibK7" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

See [How to Sign an Envelope (Qualified Electronic Signature)](/user/sign-and-download-envelopes/how-to-sign-an-envelope-qualified-electronic-signature.md), [How to Read an Advanced Electronic Signature](/user/sign-and-download-envelopes/how-to-sign-an-envelope-qualified-electronic-signature/how-to-read-an-advanced-electronic-signature.md), and [Common Signature Errors and Solutions](broken://spaces/oqUiFHjwtCCGSaEDqbXb/pages/cthkB7aiLza4mUWXf8Lw).