How to Sign DocuSign Documents: A Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Signing electronic documents is a crucial step in the digital transformation process. DocuSign is a popular e-signature platform that allows individuals and organizations to electronically sign, send, and track documents. In this article, we will walk you through the process of signing DocuSign documents, including how to create a DocuSign account, how to add a signature, and how to send a signed document.
Step 1: Creating a DocuSign Account
Before you can start signing DocuSign documents, you need to create an account. Here’s how:
- Go to the DocuSign website (www.docusign.com) and click on "Sign Up" in the top right corner.
- Fill out the registration form with your email address, password, and other basic information.
- Create a unique username and password to access your DocuSign account.
- Verify your email address by clicking on the link sent to you by DocuSign.
Step 2: Adding a Signature
Once you have created your account, you can add a signature to a document. Here’s how:
- Go to the "Sign" tab in the DocuSign dashboard.
- Click on "Add Signature" and select "Add Signature" from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the type of signature you want to add (e.g. Electronic Signature, Physical Signature, or Signature with Name and Date).
- Select the document you want to add the signature to.
- Choose the recipient’s email address or add a new recipient.
- Set the signature settings (e.g. Signature Type, Signature Style, and Expiration Date).
Step 3: Sending a Signed Document
Now that you have added a signature to a document, you can send it to the recipient. Here’s how:
- Go to the "Sign" tab in the DocuSign dashboard.
- Click on "Send" and select "Send to Recipient" from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the recipient’s email address or add a new recipient.
- Set the signature settings (e.g. Signature Type, Signature Style, and Expiration Date).
- Click "Send" to send the signed document to the recipient.
Step 4: Tracking the Signed Document
Once the recipient has signed the document, you can track its status. Here’s how:
- Go to the "Sign" tab in the DocuSign dashboard.
- Click on "Track" and select "Track Document" from the dropdown menu.
- Choose the document you want to track.
- Set the tracking settings (e.g. Tracking Status, Tracking Date, and Tracking Time).
- Click "Track" to track the status of the signed document.
Tips and Best Practices
- Use a unique username and password to access your DocuSign account.
- Verify your email address to ensure that you receive notifications and updates.
- Use a secure connection (HTTPS) to encrypt data transmitted between your device and DocuSign.
- Use a signature style that is consistent with your organization’s branding.
- Use a signature expiration date to ensure that signatures are valid for a reasonable period of time.
Common Issues and Solutions
- Error messages: Check the DocuSign website for any error messages or troubleshooting guides.
- Signature not added: Check that the recipient’s email address is correct and that the signature settings are set correctly.
- Document not sent: Check that the recipient’s email address is correct and that the tracking settings are set correctly.
Conclusion
Signing DocuSign documents is a convenient and secure way to electronically sign, send, and track documents. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a DocuSign account, add a signature, and send a signed document to the recipient. Remember to use a unique username and password, verify your email address, and use a secure connection to ensure that your signed documents are valid and secure.
Table: Common DocuSign Features
Feature | Description |
---|---|
Signatures | Add a signature to a document |
Signatures with Name and Date | Add a signature with the recipient’s name and date |
Physical Signatures | Add a physical signature to a document |
Electronic Signatures | Sign a document electronically |
Tracking | Track the status of a signed document |
Security | Use a secure connection (HTTPS) to encrypt data transmitted |
Expiration Dates | Set a signature expiration date to ensure that signatures are valid for a reasonable period of time |
Additional Resources
- DocuSign Website: www.docusign.com
- DocuSign Support: support.docusign.com
- DocuSign User Guide: www.docusign.com/user-guide