Feature<\/th>	Online Will<\/th>	Electronic Will<\/th>	Digital Will<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Created online<\/strong><\/td>	Yes<\/td>	Yes<\/td>	Yes<\/td><\/tr>
Printed on paper<\/strong><\/td>	Yes<\/td>	No<\/td>	Optional<\/td><\/tr>
Wet signature<\/strong><\/td>	Yes<\/td>	No (electronic)<\/td>	Either<\/td><\/tr>
In-person witnesses<\/strong><\/td>	Yes<\/td>	No (remote via video)<\/td>	Either<\/td><\/tr>
Valid in all provinces<\/strong><\/td>	Yes<\/td>	Only ON and BC<\/td>	Depends on signing method<\/td><\/tr>
Digital storage<\/strong><\/td>	Optional<\/td>	Yes (MyVault)<\/td>	Yes (MyVault)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What Is a Digital Executor?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n $\"Digital$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n A digital executor<\/strong> is a person you appoint (usually within your Will) to manage your digital assets after death. While your primary executor<\/a> handles your physical and financial estate, a digital executor specifically handles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n Online accounts (email, social media, cloud storage)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Cryptocurrency and digital investments<\/li>\n\n\n\n Digital subscriptions and memberships<\/li>\n\n\n\n Online business assets (websites, domains, digital products)<\/li>\n\n\n\n Digital photos, documents, and creative works<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n In many cases, the digital executor is the same person as the primary executor. However, appointing a separate digital executor may be advisable if your primary executor is not tech-savvy or if your digital assets are extensive. Learn more about digital assets in your Will<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Which Option Should You Choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n The best choice depends on your province and preferences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \n If you live in Ontario or BC<\/strong> and prefer a fully digital experience: Choose an electronic Will with virtual witnessing through the Video Signing Room<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n If you live in any other province:<\/strong> Choose an online Will; create it at LegalWills.ca<\/a>, print it, and sign it in person<\/a> with two witnesses<\/li>\n\n\n\n Regardless of province:<\/strong> Consider using MyVault for secure digital storage and the Canada Will Registry<\/a> for registration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n $\"Digital$ <\/figure>\n\n\n\n Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Is an online Will the same as an electronic Will?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n No. An online Will is created online but printed and signed on paper with a wet signature. An electronic Will is signed with an electronic signature and witnessed via video. Both are legally valid, but electronic Wills are only permitted in Ontario and BC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do I need to include digital assets in my Will?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n It is strongly recommended. Digital assets<\/a>, including online accounts, cryptocurrency, digital photos, and social media, are an increasingly important part of modern estates. Without instructions in your Will, these assets may be lost or inaccessible to your family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Can I create an electronic Will if I live in Alberta?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Not yet. Alberta has not enacted legislation permitting electronic Wills. Alberta residents should create an online Will and sign it traditionally on paper. Check LegalWills.ca for updates as provincial laws continue to evolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Is a digital Will more secure than a paper Will?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n A digital Will stored in an encrypted vault with keyholder access is arguably more secure than a paper Will stored in a filing cabinet. It cannot be accidentally destroyed by fire or flood, cannot be altered without detection, and can be accessed by authorized parties from anywhere. However, maintaining a paper backup is still recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TL;DR<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Three terms, “digital Will,” “electronic Will,” and “online Will”, are often confused but mean different things. An online Will<\/strong> is created using a web-based service but printed and signed on paper. An electronic Will<\/strong> is signed with an electronic signature and witnessed remotely via video. A digital Will<\/strong> encompasses both and includes digital storage. All three produce legally valid Wills in Canada when properly executed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Originally published: February 11, 2022 | Last updated: January 14, 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The terms “digital Will,” “electronic Will,” and “online Will” are frequently used interchangeably, but they refer to distinct concepts. Understanding the differences is important because the legal requirements for each vary by province. This guide clarifies the terminology and explains how each type works at LegalWills.ca<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is an Online Will?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAn online Will<\/strong> is a Will created using a web-based platform. The testator answers guided questions online, and the system generates a legally valid Will document. The key characteristics are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n