The basic signing process

To sign a document on DocuSign, you receive an email invitation with a link to the document. You click that link, review the document, click where DocuSign tells you to sign, and draw or type your signature. The document is then signed and stored. You do not need to download anything or install software — it works in your web browser.

The person who sent you the document (called the sender) has already placed signature fields and other boxes where they need information from you. Your job is to fill in those fields in the order DocuSign shows them. Most documents take two to five minutes to sign.

Key Takeaways

  • You sign documents by clicking the signature field, drawing or typing your name, and clicking Adopt Signature to confirm.
  • DocuSign shows you each field one at a time and tells you what information goes in each one.
  • You can sign on a computer, phone, or tablet using any web browser — no account or software installation is required.
  • The document is legally binding once you sign it, and both you and the sender receive a copy by email.

Opening the document and finding your signature field

When someone sends you a document to sign, you will receive an email from DocuSign or from the sender's email address. The email contains a button or link that says "Review and Sign" or "Sign Document." Click that link, and it opens the document in your browser.

DocuSign shows you the document and highlights the first field that needs your attention. This field is usually marked with a blue box or banner that says "Sign Here" or shows your name. If the document has multiple pages, DocuSign will navigate you to the correct page automatically. You do not need to scroll or search for where to sign.

Drawing or typing your signature

When you click on a signature field, a box appears with three options: Draw, Type, or Upload. Most people use Draw or Type.

To draw your signature: Click the Draw tab. A white box appears where you can write your signature using your mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen. Write your name as you normally would sign it. If you make a mistake, click Clear and try again. Once you are satisfied, click Adopt Signature to confirm.

To type your signature: Click the Type tab. A text box appears where you can type your name. DocuSign shows several signature fonts — choose the one you prefer and click Adopt Signature. This method is faster and works well on phones or tablets where drawing is difficult.

To upload a signature: Click the Upload tab if you have a saved image of your signature. This is less common but useful if you have a scanned signature file on your computer.

Filling in other required information

After you sign, DocuSign moves to the next field. This might be your initials, date, email address, or other information the sender requested. Click each field and enter what is asked. Most fields are straightforward — dates appear as a calendar you can click, text fields let you type, and checkboxes let you mark yes or no.

Some documents ask for your printed name separate from your signature. Type your full name in these fields. Others ask for the date you are signing — DocuSign usually fills this in automatically with today's date, but you can change it if needed.

If a field is optional, it will say so. You can skip optional fields and move forward. DocuSign will not let you finish until all required fields are complete.

Reviewing before you finish

Before you submit your signature, DocuSign shows you a review screen with all the information you entered. Read through it to make sure your signature, name, date, and any other details are correct. If you need to change something, click the Back button or click directly on the field you want to edit.

Once everything looks right, click Finish or Complete Signing. DocuSign then confirms that your signature has been added and tells you the document is complete.

What happens after you sign

After you sign, DocuSign sends you a confirmation email with a copy of the signed document attached. The sender also receives a copy showing that you have signed. Both of you now have a record of the signed document.

The signed document is stored in DocuSign's system, and the sender can download it whenever they need it. You can also download your copy from the email or by logging into DocuSign if you created an account, though an account is not required to sign a document someone sends you.

Signing on a phone or tablet

The process is identical on a phone or tablet. Open the email, click the signing link, and DocuSign opens in your browser. The document scales to fit your screen. For signatures, typing is usually easier than drawing on a small screen, but both work. Scroll through the document using your finger, and tap each field to fill it in.

Some people find it easier to sign on a computer if they have one available, since drawing a signature with a mouse is simpler than on a touchscreen. But if you only have a phone, typing your signature or using a signature font works just as well and is legally valid.

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. You simply click the link in the email and sign in your browser. An account is optional and only useful if you want to send documents to others yourself or keep a personal library of documents you have signed.

What if I make a mistake while signing?

Before you click Finish, you can go back and edit any field. Click the Back button or click directly on the field you want to change. After you submit your signature, you cannot edit the document yourself, but you can contact the sender and ask them to send it back for correction.

Is my signature legally binding on DocuSign?

Yes. A signature on DocuSign is legally binding in the United States and most other countries. DocuSign records when you signed, what you signed, and your IP address, which provides a legal record of the transaction. The signature is as valid as a handwritten one for most purposes.

Can I sign a document on my phone?

Yes. DocuSign works on any device with a web browser, including phones and tablets. The process is the same — click the email link and sign in your browser. Typing your signature usually works better on a phone than drawing, but both are valid.

What if the document will not open?

Try opening the email link in a different browser, or clear your browser's cache and cookies. If you are using an older browser, update it. Most signing problems are solved by refreshing the page or trying a different browser. If the problem continues, contact the person who sent you the document.