How to Use Docusign: Guide to Electronic Signatures
Send, sign, and manage documents with Docusign.
How to use Docusign in 3 simple steps
Upload your document.
Add recipients and signature fields.
Send and track signatures online.
Docusign eSignature is just one piece of the full agreement process. With Docusign IAM, you can create, commit to, and manage agreements all in one platform.
How to Use Docusign eSignature: Step-by-Step Guide (with screenshots)
You can use eSignature to send agreements to other people to sign or to sign a document someone sent to you. eSignature is designed to work on desktop and mobile, so you can complete these steps anywhere.
To send a contract for someone else to sign, you can follow these steps.
1. Create or sign in to your Docusign account
If you don’t have a Docusign account, you can try all of the signing and sending features for free. A free trial gives you access to key features like sending, signing, templates, and tracking.
Go to trial.docusign.com and enter your email to start the signup process.
Or, if you already have a Docusign account, log in.
Once you are logged in, you can get started.
2. Upload document
You can start by clicking on the start button to upload a document you want others to sign, or you can use a premade template as a starting point. Templates are especially useful if you frequently send similar types of agreements or contracts.
If you upload your own document, you can drop the file into the field or upload it from your desktop, a template, or a cloud storage provider like Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, or OneDrive. You can also import documents directly from your email or CRM.
3. Add recipients
You’ll be prompted to enter the name and email address of the people who need to sign. You can add more recipients if needed. You can also select if a recipient needs to sign, is going to sign in person, needs to receive a copy, or just needs to view the agreement.
The order of recipients can also be set to ensure proper signing sequence.
4. Place signature, date, and other fields.
You can drag and drop fields like initials, checkboxes, name, title, or even custom data fields from the Standard Fields menu onto the document.
5. Send for signature
Once sent, each signer receives an email with a secure link to review and sign the document.
6. Track progress
In your dashboard, you can see a screenshot of the status of all your agreements in the last six months.
You’ll see if documents are still waiting for signatures, completed, declined, or voided.
7. Download or store signed documents
You can also securely store signed agreements in the cloud or integrate with your document management system
You’ll get an email with your completed document, and it will also be available to view or download within your Docusign account.
How to sign a Docusign document
When you’re asked to sign a Docusign document, you can follow these simple steps.
Docusign Notification: You’ll receive a notification via email, SMS, or WhatsApp asking you to sign the document. The subject line will typically start with “Complete with Docusign:”
Open Docusign Notification: Open the notification to access the document.
Review the Docusign document and add the requested information. You may need to fill out required fields like your name, the date, your address, or other information depending on the agreement.
Sign the Docusign document. Click the place in the document where your signature is requested. You’ll then be prompted to sign with a saved signature or adopt a new signature.
Click “Finish” and your signed document will be returned to the sender. You can also view and save a copy of the document.
How to do more with Docusign
With the IAM platform, you get additional features to help you manage agreement requests, negotiate collaboratively, store and analyze your agreements with AI, set up agreement workflows, and more.
The IAM (Intelligent Agreement Management) platform is ideal for teams looking to scale agreement processes beyond simple eSignature.
Streamline intake and collaboration with Agreement Desk
Set up new agreements with Agreement Preparation
Automate review and redlining with AI-Assisted Review
Collect data with mobile-friendly, interactive Web Forms
Send agreements for signature with eSignature
Verify signer identity with Identify
Get signatures faster with Multi-channel Delivery
Centralize agreements for multi-step transactions with Workspaces
Get agreement AI you can trust with Docusign Iris
Centrally store and analyze agreements with Docusign Navigator
Streamline your agreement processes with 1,000+ pre-built integrations
Benefits of Using Docusign
Using the Docusign IAM platform streamlines your document workflows, making it incredibly easy to send, sign, and manage agreements digitally. Instead of printing, signing, scanning, and mailing, you can learn how to use Docusign to complete these tasks in minutes from practically any device. This efficiency saves valuable time and resources, allowing you to focus on more critical business activities.
Beyond speed, Docusign offers enhanced security and helps you meet your compliance requirements. When you understand how to use Docusign, you're leveraging a platform built with robust security features that protect your sensitive information. Electronic signatures created with Docusign are legally enforceable in most countries worldwide, providing a trustworthy and verifiable audit trail for every transaction.
Integrating Docusign into your operations also significantly improves the customer and client experience. The simplicity of learning how to use Docusign for signing means less friction for your recipients, leading to faster completion rates and a more professional image. It's a reliable solution for anyone looking to modernize their agreement processes and reduce administrative burdens.
Learn More About Why 1.7 Million Customers Use Docusign
Common Issues & Concerns / Questions / FAQs
How is Docusign IAM different from eSignature?
Our IAM platform delivers more value to customers and prospects by automating and connecting the steps before and after the signature to help them solve their end-to-end agreement needs.
In addition to eSignature, Docusign IAM includes:
Tailored applications: Built for the specific needs of various lines of business and industries. These applications include IAM Core, IAM for Sales, and IAM for Customer Experience.
Workflow designer: An easy-to-use, no-code tool for building agreement process solutions that align with business needs.
Enhanced integrations and interoperability: Seamlessly connect agreement processes with critical business systems and enable data flow across Docusign and partner solutions.
A single, intelligent agreement repository: Centrally store, manage, and analyze agreements across your organization with AI. Put your agreement data to work to boost efficiency, find cost-saving opportunities, and mitigate risks. (included in some IAM plans)
Is eSignature included in IAM?
eSignature is part of Docusign IAM and included in all IAM plans.
You can buy eSignature in a standalone eSignature plan or as part of an IAM plan.
How can I learn more about eSignature and IAM?
Learn more about eSignature or see it for yourself for free.