Send a Signature Request with Ironclad Signature

This article will walk you through sending documents out for signature using Ironclad Signature.

There are multiple ways to send a document out for signature using Ironclad Signature. For most customers, documents will be sent for signature based on the settings defined in a workflow configuration’s Sign Step. You can also upload and send a document out for signature directly from your Dashboard.

Enable/Disable Send for Signature

If you are an administrator, you can configure whether or not your users can send contracts directly for signature. To enable/disable Send for Signature, navigate to Company Settings > Settings and toggle on/off Allow users to upload contracts directly for signature.

Send for Signature with a Workflow

Documents are immediately sent for signature once all approvals are received, or when manually triggered by a Signature Coordinator. The workflow’s Sign Step settings govern the overall signing process.

Copy Signer Link

After a workflow moves into the Sign step, you can copy a recipient's unique signature packet signing link. This is the same link Ironclad automatically emails to signers and viewers. This enables you to send the signature packet to signers through methods outside of Ironclad such as text or chat.

Signing order is respected, even if the unique signing link is sent out of order through another system.

1. An admin must enable this feature. To enable this functionality, navigate to Company Settings > Settings and toggle on Allow users to copy signer links. Once enabled, you can configure access on a per-workflow basis in the Workflow Configuration’s Sign step settings.
2. We highly recommend enabling signer verification. To do this, locate the relevant workflow configuration in Workflow Designer. Click the Sign Tab > Settings > eSignature > More Settings. Toggle on Require verification for all signers. 
3. To copy a signer’s link, click the three stacked dots next to the signer, and then click Copy signer link.
4. Send the signer link to the corresponding signer via your preferred method of communication.
   NOTE
   Verify that you are sending the correct link to the corresponding signer. Sending one signer's signing link to a different signer is the same as a signer forwarding their unique email to another person.

Upload and Send a Document for Signature

You can upload and send a document for signature directly from your Dashboard in a few easy steps. 

1. On the Dashboard tab, select New > Upload for Signature.
2. Upload a .docx or .pdf file.
   TROUBLESHOOTING
   If you are having trouble with uploading a .pdf file, we recommend flattening it, uploading it, and placing tags on top of unsupported PDF elements before sending it for signature.
3. Follow the prompts on-screen to provide the Counterparty Name, contract type, and signers.
4. Optional: Toggle on Share a copy to share a copy of the signature request and finished signature packet to Ironclad users and groups.
   
5. Click Next.
6. Add signature tags to the document. At least one signature or initial tag is required per signer.
7. Select Send. 

Signature requests are sent based on the defined signing order and with the default signature request emails. 

Keep the following considerations in mind when sending directly for signature:

1. 3rd party signature provider integrations are not supported. Documents uploaded and sent for signature are sent with Ironclad Signature.
2. Sending a document directly for signature bypasses processes defined in workflow configurations, including approvals. You will only have this option if your administrator gives you the correct permissions. If you are a signature coordinator, you can manage in-flight signature requests including reminders and reassignment.
3. Uploaded documents cannot be edited.
4. Email notifications cannot be customized.
5. Users can select from existing record types. Record types can be created in Workflow Designer, or edited post-execution in the Ironclad Repository.
6. Users can upload .docx or .pdf files. 
7. Signers can reassign signature packets.
8. Key terms, automated signature request reminders, and signer verification are not available.