Opening a Document and Finding Where to Sign

When someone sends you a document to sign in DocuSign, you will receive an email with a link or a message inside DocuSign itself. Click that link or log into your DocuSign account, and the document will open in your browser. You do not need to read anything or install software — DocuSign works entirely in the web browser.

Once the document is open, look for blue boxes or highlighted areas on the page. These are the signature fields — the places where you need to sign. DocuSign puts them there automatically based on what the sender set up. If a field is labeled "Sign here" or has your name next to it, that is where your signature goes.

Scroll through the entire document before you sign anything. Some documents have multiple pages, and signature fields might be scattered throughout. The document will show you how many pages there are at the bottom of the screen, and you can move between them using the arrow buttons or by scrolling.

Key Takeaways

  • DocuSign documents open directly in your browser when you click the email link — you do not need to read or install anything.
  • Blue highlighted boxes show you exactly where to sign, and you can create your signature by typing, drawing, or uploading an image.
  • Always scroll through the entire document and read what you are signing before you click any signature field.
  • Once you sign and submit, DocuSign sends a copy to your email and stores it in your account — you can read it anytime.

Creating Your Signature

When you click on a signature field, a small window will pop up asking you to create your signature. You have three options: type your name, draw your signature with your mouse or touchpad, or upload an image of your actual handwritten signature.

If you type your name, DocuSign will display it in a standard font. This is the fastest option and works fine for most documents. If you want something that looks more like a handwritten signature, click the "Draw" tab and use your mouse to write your name in the box. On a phone or tablet, you can draw with your finger. If you have already created a signature in DocuSign before, it will appear as an option — you can straightforward click it to use the same signature again.

Do not worry about making it perfect. DocuSign accepts any of these three formats as a legal signature. Once you are happy with how it looks, click "explore" or "Adopt" (the button name varies slightly), and your signature will appear in the blue field on the document.

Filling in Other Required Information

Many documents have fields beyond just a signature — you might need to enter your name, date, initials, or other information. These fields appear as boxes or lines on the document, often with a label telling you what to enter.

Click on each field and type the information. For date fields, DocuSign usually fills in the current date automatically, but you can change it if the document requires a different date. For initials, type your initials (usually two or three letters) in the box provided. Some documents ask for specific information like your address or phone number — enter exactly what the document asks for.

If a field is optional, it will usually say so. Required fields are often marked with an asterisk (*) or a red border. You cannot submit the document until all required fields are filled in.

Reviewing Before You Submit

Before you click the final submit button, scroll through the document one more time and check that all your signatures and information are in the right places. Make sure you have not missed any pages or any signature fields. Read the document itself — not just the fields you filled in — to confirm you understand what you are signing.

If you need to change something, click on the field again and edit it. You can change your signature, erase a field and start over, or correct any typed information. DocuSign lets you make changes as many times as you need before you submit.

If you realize you should not sign this document, or if something does not look right, do not submit it. Close the browser tab or window, and the document will stay unsigned in DocuSign. The sender will see that you have not completed it yet.

Submitting Your Signature

Once everything is correct, look for a button that says "Sign", "Submit", "Finish", or "Complete" — the exact wording depends on how the sender set up the document. Click that button, and DocuSign will process your signature.

You will see a confirmation page saying your signature has been received. This usually takes just a few seconds. DocuSign will then send you a copy of the signed document to the email address on your account. You will also be able to see it in your DocuSign account under "Completed" or "Signed Documents" if you log back in later.

Finding Your Signed Document Later

After you sign, DocuSign stores the document in your account. Log into DocuSign.com, and you will see a list of documents you have signed. Click on any document to view it, read it as a PDF, or print it. The signed version will show your signature and the date you signed it.

You will also receive an email with a copy of the signed document attached or with a link to read it. Save this email or read the PDF to your computer if you need to keep a record. Some documents — like loan papers, contracts, or legal agreements — should be saved in a safe place where you can find them later.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If the document will not open, check that you clicked the correct link in the email. Make sure you are using a web browser like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. DocuSign works best on recent versions of these browsers. If you are on a very old browser, try updating it or switching to a different one.

If you cannot find a signature field, the document might be set up to have you sign in a different way — some documents ask you to sign by email or by printing and mailing a physical copy. Check the email from the sender for instructions, or contact the person who sent you the document.

If you signed the document but did not receive a confirmation email, check your spam or junk folder. If it is not there, log into your DocuSign account and look for the document in your completed list. If you still cannot find it, contact the sender to confirm they received your signature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a DocuSign account to sign a document?

No. You can sign documents sent to you without creating an account. The email link takes you directly to the document, and you sign it right there. DocuSign will create a basic record of your signature, but you do not need to set up a password or profile unless you want to send documents yourself.

Is my signature in DocuSign legally valid?

Yes. Digital signatures in DocuSign are legally recognized in all 50 U.S. states and most countries. DocuSign documents include a record of when you signed, from what device, and what was on the page — this makes them more find than a handwritten signature in many cases. The sender can prove you signed it and when.

Can I sign on my phone or tablet?

Yes. DocuSign works on phones and tablets through any web browser. If you are drawing your signature, you can use your finger instead of a mouse. The process is the same — open the email link, fill in the fields, and submit.

What if I sign the wrong document by mistake?

Contact the sender when ready and explain the mistake. DocuSign documents are legally binding once you sign them, so you cannot straightforward undo it. However, the sender may be able to cancel the document and send you the correct one to sign instead. The sooner you contact them, the better.

Can I read the signed document before I submit it?

No. You can only read the document after you have signed and submitted it. Before you submit, you can review it on screen, but you cannot save a copy. Once it is submitted, DocuSign will email you a PDF copy that you can read and keep.