How to use docusign
How to use docusign
How to electronically sign a document
Signing PDFs
People often use PDFs for professional documents that they don’t want others to edit or change. To sign a PDF, you might think you have to print it, sign it, scan it, and send it back. No need. DocuSign makes it easy to digitally sign PDFs while preserving the document’s security.
What is an electronic signature?
An electronic signature is a symbol or other data in digital format that is attached to an electronic document and applied or adopted by a person with an intent to sign. Most often, eSignatures take the form of an image of a physical signature.
Why should you use an electronic signature?
Electronically signing documents saves time. If someone sends you a document to sign, you don’t have to print it, sign it, scan it, and then send the document back. You can eSign the document in moments and send it back right away. You can even add an electronic signature to a document using your tablet or mobile device.
How do you electronically sign a document?
Here’s how to make an electronic signature and sign a document online:
How do you electronically sign a PDF document?
If you’ve received a PDF, follow these steps to sign the PDF document online:
How do you use your webcam to create an electronic signature?
To use your webcam to create an electronic signature, first write your signature in black ink on a white (unlined) piece of paper. On the Mac, use the built-in Preview’s Signature feature to create a digital signature with the FaceTime camera. In Windows 10 or above, under Start>Run, type Camera and then select the camera app for your computer. Take a picture of your signature. Then, log into your free DocuSign account. Select Edit next to My DocuSign ID. Under Signatures, select Add New and then upload the photo you took. You can now use this signature to sign any online document with DocuSign.
How do you create and send a document for someone else to sign electronically?
You can use free tools, like DocuSign, to send documents for others to electronically sign. For example, you can use DocuSign’s Free Trial to upload a PDF or other document and then enter the names and email addresses of the people who need to sign. You can then compose an email message in the tool and use it to send the document for electronic signing. DocuSign automatically sends it to each person for an electronic signature and lets you monitor the document’s signing status as it’s routed.
What other tools can you use to eSign documents?
There are a variety of online programs and tools that you can use to add eSignatures to documents. If you already have Adobe Reader on your desktop, when you open a PDF with the product it will prompt you if there are signature fields in the document. Or you can select Sign and Place Signature to add your signature in Adobe Reader. There are other products similar to DocuSign that let you add electronic signatures. And Mac users with OS X Lion or later can use its built-in Preview’s Signature feature to create a digital signature with the FaceTime camera, and then use that for electronic signing.
Do I need to create a digital signature?
The terms “digital signature” and “electronic signature” are often used interchangeably, but they’re actually different. Digital signatures are a type of electronic signature. Both types can be created online and applied to online documents. In most cases, standard electronic signatures are sufficient. When needed, digital signatures can provide an extra level of security by using technology that encrypts the signature and verifies that the person signing is who they say they are.
Are electronic signatures legal?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legal and binding for nearly every business and transaction. DocuSign electronic signatures comply with the UK’s Electronic Communications Act 2000 and the EU Regulation No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market, also known as eIDAS, in the European Union. They also comply with the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) in the United States.
How to Get Started With DocuSign eSignature
For most of our customers, the first step in making their agreement process faster and more secure is to sign up for DocuSign eSignature. Whether you’ve taken that step, or you’re still considering it, it’s helpful to look ahead. Luckily, the second step—integrating eSignature into your everyday routine—is just as easy. In this blog, we’ll show you how to:
Let’s get started.
How do I set up DocuSign eSignature?
It’s easy. We’ll guide you through three steps.
How do I choose my signature?
The first time you sign an agreement with DocuSign eSignature, you’ll be asked to adopt a signature. To do so:
Need help changing your signature? You can change it within Account Preferences, or wait until you have a document to sign, click the adopted signature in the document, and select Change.
How do I manage my DocuSign eSignature account?
With eSignature, you can quickly track where your documents are in the signing process, create new documents from existing templates, or use DocuSign’s pre-built forms to save you time. Here’s how:
If you’d like further guidance on getting started with DocuSign, view our Admin Checklist or read How Does DocuSign eSignature Work? on our blog.
When can I use DocuSign eSignature?
There are countless ways to use DocuSign eSignature, with features and add-ons to meet all of your needs as a business owner. You can use it for most business and personal transactions where documents are sent and received, including:
When you’re ready to send an agreement for review and signature in DocuSign, you’ll create an electronic envelope by uploading all documents applicable to the agreement. Then, just like a paper envelope, add the targeted recipient’s name and email, and DocuSign will send it to their inbox.
That’s just the basics of what eSignature does.
You can also use DocuSign to customize and automate your workflows for sending documents to others for review and signature, significantly reducing back and forth and the amount of time spent on manual tasks. Read on for help with setting up DocuSign, streamlining your workflows and accelerating your agreement processes with ease.
What are DocuSign Permission Profiles?
DocuSign eSignature has several Permission Profiles that correspond with different steps in the agreement process, from creating documents to signing them. It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with each profile and their permissions before you get started:
Now that you know each role’s capabilities, you can decide whether you’d like to serve as the admin for your DocuSign account or delegate administration to another member of your team. You can also add employees, designate their Permission Profile, and assign them to groups based on their role in your organization. For information about how many users you can add to your account, see the pricing section below.
How do I create workflows?
With DocuSign, you can create automated workflows, saving time otherwise spent on manually sending your digital envelopes. Think about the steps you’re currently taking to prepare, route, send, and manage your agreements. Are you using templates instead of recreating new documents every time? Have you assigned users to sign or review certain templates? To streamline your processes, consider assigning users to review templates in a compliant order or tagging the document so they can easily find where to sign.
To further expedite your workflows, explore these additional eSignature features:
Where does DocuSign store signed documents?
DocuSign securely stores and organizes all your signed documents in a cloud-based repository for easy reference. To access your signed documents:
How do I track usage?
Depending on the DocuSign package you’ve purchased, the number of envelopes you can use a month may be limited. In order to check how many envelopes you’ve used, follow these simple steps:
If the package you’ve selected comes with a predetermined number of envelopes you can send in a period, you can check how many your entire account has left:
How does pricing work?
With DocuSign eSignature’s pricing plans, you can select the plan that best meets your unique needs for adding users and features, while keeping costs low.
With the Standard plan, you can also add up to five additional users online, enabling you to share folders, templates, and document tags among your entire team. If you need even more users, just contact DocuSign Sales and we’ll help get you set up. Another valuable feature of the Standard plan is the custom branding capabilities, allowing you to recreate your brand’s look and feel within the sending/ signing experience and email. You can also set the colors or logo for your account.
What’s next?
After your first few weeks of using eSignature, you may be ready to try more advanced features or additional products. The DocuSign Agreement Cloud has a host of capabilities to speed up your workflows and the agreement process, including:
For additional support, visit the DocuSign Support page. To discover how eSignature can simplify your agreement processes, learn more about DocuSign eSignature’s features and capabilities.
How To Use DocuSign and Create Electronic Signatures
January 29, 2021 by Hung Nguyen
A simple tutorial to help you get started with DocuSign—from creating an account to signing your documents digitally.
Many are shifting to electronic signing in this day and age, from students and teachers to business professionals and clients. It’s quick, it’s paperless, and it’s hassle-free. You no longer need to print out paperwork to posting it—and then there’s the waiting time for signatures. Electronic singing also omits the risk of document loss during the delivery period, lengthy identity verification processes, and the list goes on and on.
DocuSign is one of the leading companies that’s making an impact in the electronic signature industry. Aimed to make business easier for users, it caters to millions of users across the globe. And the process to create an electronic signature and sign a document with the platform is pretty simple.
How Does DocuSign Work?
Create an account with DocuSign.
Upload a document and create your signature.
Place it onto the document before confirming.
Alternatively, request a signature from another party.
Remember to download your signed document.
How to use DocuSign: As the UI states, drag and drop your file into the app to start.
How to Use DocuSign for Free
For starters, to get into the app itself—you have to create a DocuSign account and start its free trial. The trial lasts 30 days; a paid subscription is required after this period, should you wish to continue using DocuSign. Check out our guide on DocuSign pricing for more information on costs and benefits.
Once your account is set up and verified, you can simply head to the online application itself and start a signing process by dropping a document into the toolbox. DocuSign does a decent job at guiding users through the signing process, plus there is a dedicated support page should there be confusion regarding the tool itself.
I’m Looking For Another eSign Tool
Then hey, you’re on the right platform. Smallpdf is the most popular online PDF software on the internet. We offer almost two dozen tools for you to convert, compress, and of course—create digital signatures to sign your documents.
The flow is pretty similar to DocuSign: You upload your document, fill it out where necessary, create a signature, sign, and download it. Remember to check in with your local laws on the legality of electronic and digital signatures in your country.
How to create electronic signatures, just like DocuSign’s.
On the flip side: If you want to request signatures from others—you can click ‘Add Signer’ on the right side of the navigation bar, enter the recipient’s email address, and send it off. We will then email all parties with links to sign the document on our platform, as well as download links to view and save the finished document. Either way, we will store any form you or your recipients upload—from images to Word docs—to the PDF format.
Since both platforms are browser-based, please feel free to access the document and sign electronically via your mobile device (we’ve ensured complete mobile optimization for our millions of users).
Elevated Document Signing
Once you upload and send documents for electronic signatures, we will enable free access to all recipients to access our platform.
But that’s not all—once the document is signed, there are heaps of other tools that both you and your colleagues can take advantage of using. You can compress your documents post-signing to bypass email file limitations, number pages, or even encrypt the document with a near-unbreakable password.
All tools are free for you to start using. If you create a free account with Smallpdf, you’ll get to unlock additional features, such as file storage and share features.
Types of Electronic Signatures
DocuSign’s electronic signatures come with audit trails, where you can validate and trace the signing process. The process to validate your digital signatures is relatively simple, and you can probably do so from your favorite PDF reader.
Suppose you opt to use Smallpdf instead, which offers equally secure digital signatures—plus access to our complete tool suite. We cater to 40+ million monthly users and are fully ISO/IEC 27001 and GDPR compliant. Your documents and signatures are safe in our hands.
And as they always say: The best way to decide on software purchases is to test them out. So, get a test document ready and hit the button below to create your free electronic signature right away. It’ll only take a minute or two.
Sign Any Document Online with DocuSign for Free
SIGN UP FOR FREE TODAY!
Online Signing with DocuSign in 3 Easy Steps
Step 1: Upload your Document to DocuSign
Upload/Import a PDF, Word Doc, or any file format to DocuSign.
Step 2: Drag & Drop your eSignature
Place text, date fields, check boxes and your legally binding signature with a simple drag and drop.
Step 3: Send the Signed Agreement to Anyone
Return the completed document via email, Dropbox, Evernote, Drive, Box, or OneDrive.
The easy and highly secure way to fill out forms and sign documents online
Perfect for signing and returning email attachments. No printing, scanning, or faxing required.
Go Mobile
Access your FREE DocuSign account on the go with DocuSign’s mobile apps. One account, one login that you can access from your desktop, laptop, tablet and smartphone.
Sign Documents wherever life takes you!
Available on: iPad, iPhone, Android, and Windows
Available on: iPad, iPhone, Android, and Windows
Benefits of Signing Online
Simple to Use
Flexible Access
Save Time & Money
200 Million DocuSigners Can’t Be Wrong
«Easiest document signing app I’ve ever used. I love how you can take pics of your signature and initials and place them on any document you need. Very cool app!»
Online Signature FAQs
Are eSignatures legal?
Yes, electronic signatures are legally binding in the United States and in many countries around the world.
Read more about the legality of electronic signatures
Is it safe to sign documents online?
Protecting your data is DocuSign’s top priority — that’s why we offer world-class security and operations. DocuSign’s comprehensive approach to security ensures the confidentiality, integrity, availability, authenticity and enforceability of your DocuSign transactions.
Learn more about DocuSign security
What documents can I sign with DocuSign?
You can sign any document with DocuSign, including healthcare forms, financial documents, legal agreements, sales contracts, waivers, NDAs, petitions, permission slips, and more.
What’s the difference between signing and sending a document?
Signing allows you to personally sign a document and return it to the requestor.
Sending a document for signature allows you to request signatures from others.
How does DocuSign charge users?
It is always free to sign document using DocuSign. DocuSign charges users for premium features like requesting signatures from others (3 free signature request are included in with your free account), custom branding, signer authentication, and more.
View premium plans and features
Do I need an account to ‘DocuSign’ a document?
If the document that you need to sign was not sent via DocuSign (e.g., as an email attachment), you will need a free DocuSign account. With this account you are able to upload, sign and send documents online via DocuSign, absolutely free. Signing and returning documents is always free but a FREE DocuSign account is required.
If the document that you need to sign was sent via DocuSign, you do not need a DocuSign account to sign. Click the “Review Documents” hyperlink in the email and follow the easy prompts. You will have an option at the end to create a free signing account if you wish, but it is entirely optional.
How do I open a DocuSign account?
Opening a DocuSign account is simple, and we offer a number of different account levels depending on a customer’s needs. A free “Signer” account allows you to sign documents from around the world, free of charge. If you wish to send documents out for signature, DocuSign offers four subscription based account levels with varying capabilities.
How Does DocuSign eSignature Work?
DocuSign eSignature is an electronic signature solution trusted by hundreds of millions of users. It’s easy to use and if you only need to sign documents, it’s free! In this post, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about how to use DocuSign eSignature.
How does DocuSign work for electronic signing?
You’ve received an email request for your electronic signature. While the process may vary based on which options the sender has selected, most likely you’ll go through the following steps:
Your electronically signed document is then emailed back to the sender. You’ll also have the option to download a copy for your records or create a DocuSign account in which you can store and access your previously signed documents.
Do I need a DocuSign account to sign a document?
No. If you’ve received a request from someone else to electronically sign using DocuSign eSignature, you don’t need an account with DocuSign to complete it. You can sign in a few easy steps from your desktop, tablet or smartphone. Signing with DocuSign eSignature is always free.
After signing, you can create a free account to store and access any documents you’ve signed.
Can I upload a signature to use with DocuSign eSignature?
Yes. You can use your handwritten signature or initials when you electronically sign documents. You can also create a signature and initials in DocuSign using a stylus or your finger on a touchscreen device.
How do you send a document using DocuSign eSignature?
To send a document for electronic signature, first create a DocuSign account. Here’s a link to create an account for a 30-day free trial.
Here’s what the sending process will look like, with step-by-step screenshots:
Once you are logged into your DocuSign account, click New and choose the option to Send an Envelope.
Next, you’ll upload your documents (DocuSign supports most common document, image, presentation and spreadsheet files), specify the recipients, and customize the email with your chosen subject line and message.
From there, you’ll add the fields needed to capture the required information and signatures using DocuSign’s drag and drop standard fields.
Once you’ve reviewed your document and ensured its accuracy, click to send to your recipients.
DocuSign will notify you when it’s been completed by each of the involved parties.
Can I upload a signature in DocuSign?
Yes. If you want to use your handwritten signature and initials in DocuSign, upload a scanned image of them. You can also create a signature and initials in DocuSign using a stylus or your finger on a touchscreen device.
Can you use DocuSign eSignature to sign a PDF?
If you need someone else to sign a PDF you created, you can add it to your DocuSign account by creating a new Envelope.
What does DocuSign work with?
DocuSign eSignature can connect with the systems and tools you already use With 350+ integrations, it’s easier than ever to use DocuSign without ever leaving your favorite CRM and business productivity solutions. See our partner integrations.
Can you accept payments with DocuSign?
Yes. DocuSign Payments allows you to collect signatures and payments electronically, at the time of signature. Payments supports most payment methods, including flexible payment options.
Is there an app for electronic signatures?
Yes, DocuSign eSignature apps are available on the Apple, Google Play and Windows stores. Our highly-rated mobile apps for iOS, Android and Windows let you work on the go—even when you don’t have internet access. Prepare and send documents for signature and payment collection, complete in-person signing, and get instant visibility into your document status directly from your smartphone or tablet using our electronic signature app.
Can you send documents from DocuSign on a mobile device?
Yes. Once you’ve downloaded the free app for your device, log in to your account. From there, you can create documents, send documents out for a signature, and see the current status of any of your documents.
Watch our on-demand webinar DocuSign 101 to learn the basics of sending and signing agreements.