If you’ve ever found yourself in need of signing a document but dreaded the hassle of printing, scanning, or mailing it, then look no further than Docusign. This article is here to guide you on the easy and efficient process of using Docusign to sign any document you may come across. Whether you’re a busy professional or an individual in need of a simple solution, Docusign is the friendliest and most user-friendly option out there. So, let’s dive in and discover how you can make signing documents a breeze with Docusign.
1. Creating a DocuSign Account
Entering the DocuSign website
To start using DocuSign, the first step is to enter their website. Open your preferred web browser and type in the URL: www.docusign.com. Once you are on the website’s homepage, you will see various options and features available to you.
Choosing the ‘Sign Up for Free’ option
On the DocuSign homepage, locate and click on the “Sign Up for Free” option. This will redirect you to the registration page where you can create your account.
Filling out the registration form
The registration form will require you to input some basic information, such as your name, email address, and a password. Make sure to choose a strong password for security purposes. Once you have filled out the necessary fields, click on the “Create Account” button.
2. Uploading the Document to Sign
Accessing the ‘Templates’ section
After creating your DocuSign account, you will be directed to your dashboard. On the top navigation menu, you will find the “Templates” section. Click on it to proceed.
Selecting ‘Upload Document’
Within the Templates section, you will see the option to “Upload Document.” Click on this option to continue.
Choosing the file from your device
A file selection dialog box will appear on your screen. Browse through your device’s folders to locate the document you want to sign. Once you have found it, select the file and click “Open” to upload it to your DocuSign account.
Adding recipient information
Once the document is uploaded, you will need to provide recipient information. This includes the names and email addresses of the people who need to sign the document. You can add multiple recipients, and DocuSign will guide you through the process of assigning fields for each person to sign.
3. Adding Signatures and Fields
Selecting the document to add fields
In order to add signatures and fields to your document, navigate to the document you uploaded in the previous step. You can find it in the Templates section.
Choosing a signing field type
DocuSign offers various types of signing fields, including signature fields, initial fields, date fields, and more. Select the field type that suits your needs.
Placing the field in the document
Once you have chosen the appropriate field type, click on the location in the document where you want the field to be placed. DocuSign will automatically create the field in that spot, and you can resize or reposition it as necessary.
4. Sending the Document for Signature
Choosing the ‘Send’ option
With the document prepared, it is time to send it to the recipients for their signatures. Locate the “Send” option on the top navigation menu and click on it.
Entering recipients’ email addresses
In the next step, you will need to enter the email addresses of the recipients who should receive the document for signing. Separate multiple email addresses with commas to ensure each person receives their copy.
Adding a personalized message
Optionally, you can include a personalized message for your recipients. This can be used to provide additional context or instructions regarding the document they are about to sign.
Customizing signing order
If you have multiple recipients, you can choose the order in which they should sign the document. This can be done by rearranging their names in the signing order section. DocuSign will send the document to each person in the specified sequence.
5. Monitoring Document Status
Accessing the ‘Manage’ section
Once you have sent a document for signature, it is crucial to keep track of its progress. Navigate to the “Manage” section on the top navigation menu.
Finding the document you sent
In the Manage section, you will see a list of all the documents you have sent for signature. Locate the document you want to monitor and click on it to view its details.
Tracking the signing process
Within the document details, you will find the status of each recipient’s signature. DocuSign updates the status in real-time, allowing you to see who has signed, who is yet to sign, and any pending actions required.
6. Signing a Document using DocuSign
Accessing the email invitation
If you are the recipient of a DocuSign document, you will receive an email invitation to sign it. Open your email inbox and locate the email related to the document you need to sign.
Opening the document for signature
Within the email, you will find a button or link that allows you to access the document. Click on it to open the document within the DocuSign interface.
Viewing and signing each field
Once the document is open, you will see the fields that need your attention. DocuSign guides you through each field, indicating where your signature or other information is required. Review the document carefully and sign each field accordingly.
Entering additional information
In some cases, you may be required to provide additional information apart from your signature. If prompted, enter the necessary details in the provided fields.
Submitting the signed document
After you have reviewed and signed all required fields, click on the “Finish” or “Submit” button within the DocuSign interface. This will finalize the signing process and submit the signed document back to the sender.
7. Requesting Signatures from Others
Accessing the document
If you need someone else to sign a document using DocuSign, you will need to access the document within your account. Navigate to the Templates section and locate the document you want to request signatures for.
Choosing the ‘Request Signatures’ option
Within the document details, you will find the option to “Request Signatures.” Click on this option to initiate the signature request process.
Adding recipient email addresses
Enter the email addresses of the individuals you want to request signatures from. You can add multiple recipients by separating their email addresses with commas.
Customizing email invitation settings
DocuSign allows you to customize the email invitation message that will be sent to the recipients. You can add additional instructions or personalize the message according to your needs.
8. Creating Templates for Frequent Use
Accessing the ‘Templates’ section
If you find yourself frequently using similar documents for signature, DocuSign allows you to create templates for easy access and reuse. Navigate to the Templates section within your account.
Choosing ‘New Template’
Within the Templates section, you will find the option to create a new template. Click on this option to start the template creation process.
Adding document and recipient information
When creating a template, you will be prompted to upload the document and provide recipient information, just like when preparing a document for signature. Fill out the necessary details and save the template.
Saving the template for future use
Once you have added all the required information and customized the template according to your needs, click on the “Save” button to store the template in your account. This template can now be easily accessed and used in the future.
9. Using DocuSign on Mobile Devices
Downloading and installing the DocuSign app
To use DocuSign on your mobile device, you will first need to download and install the DocuSign app. Open your device’s app store and search for “DocuSign.” Download and install the app like any other mobile application.
Signing in or creating a new account
Launch the DocuSign app on your mobile device. If you already have a DocuSign account, sign in using your existing credentials. Otherwise, follow the on-screen prompts to create a new account directly within the app.
Uploading a document for signing
Once you are signed in to the DocuSign app, you can upload a document for signing. Locate the option to upload a document within the app’s interface and select the desired file from your device.
Adding signatures and fields
After uploading the document, you can proceed to add signatures and fields just as you would on the web version of DocuSign. Choose the field type and place it in the appropriate location within the document.
Sending the document for signature
Once you have added all the required signatures and fields, you can send the document directly from your mobile device. Enter the recipient’s email address, add a personalized message if desired, and customize any other settings before sending.
10. Integrating DocuSign with Other Applications
Accessing the ‘Integrations’ section
DocuSign offers integrations with various third-party applications, allowing for seamless document signing and management. Access the “Integrations” section within your DocuSign account to explore the available options.
Selecting the desired integration
Within the Integrations section, you will find a list of compatible applications that can be integrated with DocuSign. Choose the integration that suits your needs and click on it for further instructions.
Following the integration setup steps
Each integration may have specific setup steps to follow. These steps typically involve granting permissions, authorizing access to your DocuSign account, and configuring any necessary settings. Follow the instructions provided by DocuSign to successfully integrate with your chosen application.
By following these steps outlined above, you can efficiently create a DocuSign account, upload, sign, request signatures, and utilize the various features and functionalities offered by DocuSign. Remember to review each step carefully and make the most out of this powerful digital document signing platform. Happy DocuSigning!
