What DocuSign does and how to start

DocuSign is software that lets you sign documents electronically without printing, scanning, or mailing them. Someone sends you a document through DocuSign, you open the link in your email, add your signature and initials where marked, and the signed copy goes back to them automatically. The whole process takes a few minutes on any device with a web browser.

You do not need to create a DocuSign account to sign a document someone sends you. When a sender invites you to sign, you receive an email with a link. Click that link, and DocuSign opens in your browser. You can sign as a guest without logging in, though creating a free account saves your signature for next time.

The sender controls what you see and where you sign. They have already placed signature boxes, initial boxes, date fields, and text boxes on the document before sending it to you. Your job is to fill in what they marked and send it back.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the email link from the sender to open the document in DocuSign — you do not need an account to sign.
  • Read the document fully before signing, because you are legally agreeing to its contents once you sign.
  • Type your name or draw your signature in each box marked for you, and fill in any other fields the sender marked.
  • Click Finish to complete the signing process, and DocuSign sends the signed copy to the sender and to your email.
  • Keep the confirmation email DocuSign sends you as proof that you signed the document.

Opening the document and finding where to sign

Check your email for a message from DocuSign or from the person who sent the document. The subject line usually says something like "Please sign [document name]" or "DocuSign: [sender name] requests your signature." Open that email and look for a blue button or link that says "Review and Sign" or "Sign Document." Click it.

Your browser opens DocuSign and displays the document. At the top of the page, you see a progress bar showing how many steps remain. Below that is the document itself. Scroll through the entire document to see what you are signing. Look for colored boxes or highlighted areas — these are the fields the sender marked for you to complete.

Red boxes mean you must sign or initial. Blue boxes mean you must type information like your name, date, or email address. Yellow boxes mean the sender has marked them but they are optional. If you see a box you do not understand, scroll to the top and look for instructions the sender may have included.

Adding your signature

Click on the first red signature box. A popup window opens with three options: Type, Draw, or Upload. Most people use Type or Draw.

If you choose Type, enter your full name in the text field. DocuSign converts it to a signature style automatically. If you choose Draw, you use your mouse or touchpad to write your signature by hand. On a phone or tablet, you can draw with your finger. Practice a few times if you want — you can clear and redraw until it looks right. When you are satisfied, click the checkmark to confirm.

Your signature now appears in that box. Move to the next red box and repeat. Some documents ask you to initial instead of signing — these boxes are usually smaller. Type or draw your initials the same way you did your signature.

Filling in text fields and dates

Blue boxes require you to type information. Click on each blue box and enter what the sender is asking for. Common fields include your full name, email address, phone number, date, or a specific piece of information related to the document.

Date fields sometimes have a calendar picker — click the box and select the date from a popup calendar, or type it in the format shown. If you are unsure what format to use, type the date as Month Day, Year (for example, January 15, 2024).

Do not leave blue boxes blank unless the sender marked them as optional. If a required field is empty, DocuSign will not let you finish signing and will show you an error message telling you which boxes need to be completed.

Reviewing before you sign

Before you click Finish, scroll through the entire document one more time. Make sure every signature, initial, and text field is filled in correctly. Check that your name is spelled right, dates are accurate, and you have not missed any boxes.

Read the document itself, not just the boxes you filled in. Signing a document means you are agreeing to what it says. If something does not match what you discussed with the sender, or if you do not understand a term, contact the sender before signing. You can close the document without signing and email them your questions.

Once you click Finish, the document is signed and sent. You cannot undo it or make changes after that point.

Completing the signing and what happens next

When you are ready, click the Finish button at the bottom of the page. DocuSign processes your signature and shows a confirmation screen. This screen tells you the document has been signed and sent to the sender.

DocuSign sends you a confirmation email with a copy of the signed document attached. Save this email and the PDF attachment. They are your proof that you signed the document and when you signed it. The sender also receives a copy and can download it from their DocuSign account.

If you created a DocuSign account during signing, your signature is saved in your account. The next time someone sends you a document to sign, DocuSign will remember your signature and you can use it again without retyping or redrawing it.

Troubleshooting common problems

If the email link does not work, check your spam folder — DocuSign emails sometimes get filtered there. If you still cannot find it, contact the sender and ask them to resend the signing request. Do not download attachments from the email and try to sign them in a different program — DocuSign links only work through the official DocuSign website.

If you see a message saying the document has expired, the sender's link is no longer active. This usually happens if too much time has passed since they sent it. Ask the sender to send you a new signing request.

If your signature does not look right, you can redraw it. Click on the signature box again and select Draw. Clear the old signature and draw a new one. You can do this as many times as you need before you click Finish.

If you are signing on a phone and the boxes are hard to tap, try rotating your phone to landscape mode. This makes the document wider and the boxes easier to click.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a DocuSign account to sign a document?

No. You can sign any document someone sends you without creating an account — just click the link in the email and sign as a guest. Creating a free account is optional and only saves your signature for future documents.

Is my signature legally valid in DocuSign?

Yes, in most places. Electronic signatures have the same legal weight as handwritten signatures for most contracts and agreements. The document itself determines whether an electronic signature is acceptable — some legal documents require a handwritten signature, but the sender would tell you that before sending it through DocuSign.

Can I sign a document on my phone?

Yes. DocuSign works on phones, tablets, and computers. The process is the same — click the email link and sign in your browser. Drawing your signature with your finger on a phone or tablet works well for most people.

What if I make a mistake while signing?

Before you click Finish, you can click on any box and change it. Redraw your signature, retype your name, or correct a date. Once you click Finish, the document is signed and you cannot change it. If you need to fix something after that, contact the sender and ask them to send you a new signing request.

How long does the sender have to send me the document after I sign it?

DocuSign sends the signed copy to the sender immediately when you click Finish. The sender receives it in their DocuSign account right away. They can download it and send it to you or use it however they need to.