How to Use Docusign to Sign and Send Documents

Docusign can feel confusing when a document is waiting, a deadline is close, and the signing button is buried in an email or text. The fastest route depends on how the sender delivered the agreement. Start with the method that matches what you received, then use the account, mobile, sending, and signature steps when you need more control.

1. Open a Docusign email and sign

Most signing requests start here. You do not need a Docusign account when someone sends you a document through Docusign.

1. 1.Open the Docusign email.
2. 2.Select REVIEW DOCUMENT.
3. 3.When the Electronic Record and Signature disclosure checkbox appears, select it.
4. 4.Select CONTINUE.
5. 5.Select START.
6. 6.Complete every required field.
7. 7.Select Sign.
8. 8.Select Adopt and Sign.
9. 9.Select Finish.

When the email button is not the route you want, use the security code from the same message. Copy the 33-character security code at the bottom of the Docusign email, open the Docusign security-code access page linked by Docusign, enter the code, and continue the signing session.

2. Finish from a text or WhatsApp link

1. 1.Open the SMS or WhatsApp notification from Docusign.
2. 2.Select the signing link.
3. 3.For SMS signing, select Yes to consent to receive electronic records and signatures.
4. 4.Complete the signing session.
5. 5.Select Finish.

Some senders deliver Docusign requests by SMS or WhatsApp instead of email. Open the message on the device where you received it and follow the signing link. SMS delivery and WhatsApp delivery work when the sender uses Docusign SMS delivery or Multi-Channel Delivery.

3. Find agreements in your account

Use your Docusign account when you want to open a waiting agreement or view documents you already signed. Go to account.docusign.com or apps.docusign.com, enter your email address, select NEXT, enter your password, select Log in, and open the Agreements tab. Then open the document from Agreement activity or the agreement list, complete the required fields, and select Finish.

For passwordless login, select your profile image, open Manage Profile, go to Privacy & Security, choose Passwordless Login, select Passkey Login, then select ADD PASSKEY. After the passkey is added, turn on the Passwordless Login toggle to finish enabling passwordless sign-in, and make sure a recovery email or phone number is verified in case you need to regain access. The next time you log in, enter your email, choose the passkey method, and authenticate with your device or security key.

4. Upload your own file and sign it

Use this when you have a PDF or Word document that only needs your signature.

1. 1.Create or log in to a free Docusign account.
2. 2.Upload your document.
3. 3.Select I'm the only signer.
4. 4.Drag and drop your digital signature and other fields onto the document.
5. 5.Save and share the signed document.

A free or paid Docusign account can upload the file, place your signature, and create a signed copy you can save and share.

5. Send a document for signature

1. 1.Log in to Docusign eSignature.
2. 2.Upload your document.
3. 3.Add a recipient.
4. 4.Add the email subject and message.
5. 5.Add signing fields.
6. 6.Preview the document.
7. 7.Select Send.

When someone else needs to sign, start from Docusign eSignature and build the request around the recipient, message, and signing fields. Free accounts include a limited number of signature requests. Paid plan limits vary by plan.

For repeated documents, use a template instead of rebuilding the same envelope. From the Home page or Agreements page, select Start, choose Envelopes, select Use a Template, choose the template, select Add Selected, finish the recipients, messages, and fields, then select Send.

6. Work from the Docusign mobile app

The Docusign mobile app works on iPhone, iPad, and Android, and the official Docusign mobile page links to Google Play and the Apple App Store.

• Sign and return on iPhone or iPad Log in, select the plus sign +, choose Sign a document, select the document type to upload, add fields or your signature, finish, then share or return the completed document.
• Sign and return on Android Log in, tap the blue + icon, choose Sign a document, add your documents, select Next, add fields or your signature, then finish and share or return the signed document.
• Send from mobile Log in, select the blue + icon or plus sign +, choose request signatures or send for signature, add the document, select Next, add signers, add fields, and select Send.
• Collect an in-person signature Add the document, begin adding a recipient, choose the in-person signing option or role, configure the document, start the in-person signing session on the device, and have the signer complete the fields and finish. In-person signing requires a plan that includes it, such as Standard or Business Pro, so it is not part of the free Personal plan.

7. Choose and manage your signature

Docusign lets you adopt a signature during signing, then manage saved signatures later from your profile. During signing, select a Sign or Initial field. In the Adopt Your Signature window, choose a style, draw your signature, or select the UPLOAD tab. Select UPLOAD YOUR SIGNATURE or UPLOAD YOUR INITIALS, then select Adopt and Sign.

To manage saved signatures, select your profile image, choose Manage Profile, open Signatures, then select ADD SIGNATURE. For an existing signature, select ACTIONS, then choose Edit or Delete.

8. Use extra tools when you need them

• Search inside an agreement During desktop web signing, select the magnifying glass Search icon in the right-hand toolbar, or press Ctrl+F on Windows or Cmd+F on Mac, then enter the search term.
• Use AI Summary or Q&A Open an eligible agreement in the signing interface, open AI Summary or Q&A, review the generated summary or ask document-grounded questions, then return to the signing fields and select Finish.
• Print and sign on paper During signing, choose Other Actions, then select Print & Sign when the sender has enabled it. Print and complete the document, return it by upload or fax as instructed, and complete the signing task.
• Change email notifications Log in, select your user icon or profile image, open My Preferences, select Notification Preferences under ACCOUNT, select or clear notification checkboxes, then save changes when prompted.
• Change iPhone or iPad push notifications Open iPhone or iPad Settings, select Notifications, choose Docusign, then adjust Allow Notifications and the other notification options.

These tools solve specific problems inside the signing flow, so use the one that matches the task in front of you. AI tools require eligible agreements and enabled account settings. Print & Sign requires sender permission. SMS and WhatsApp delivery require the sender's Docusign delivery setup.

9. Secure or close your account

For two-step verification, select your profile image, open Manage Profile, go to Privacy & Security, authenticate when required, and set up the verification methods.

• To cancel or close a Docusign account from the web, log in as an Administrator, select Admin, open Plan and Billing, then follow the cancellation or close-account flow. For some plans, scroll down, select Close Account, then confirm Close Account.
• For a Docusign subscription purchased through Apple, open iPhone or iPad Settings, tap your name at the top to open your Apple Account, select Subscriptions, choose Docusign, then change or cancel the plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Docusign without pressing the email button?

Yes. Copy the 33-character security code at the bottom of the Docusign email, open the Docusign security-code access page linked by Docusign, enter the code, and continue the signing session.

Where do I find a document I already signed in Docusign?

Log in at account.docusign.com or apps.docusign.com, select the Agreements tab, then open the document from Agreement activity or the agreement list.

Can I send the same Docusign document more than once?

Yes. Use a reusable template from Home or Agreements by selecting Start, Envelopes, Use a Template, choosing the template, selecting Add Selected, finishing the details, and sending it.

How do I cancel a Docusign subscription bought on iPhone or iPad?

Open iPhone or iPad Settings, tap your name at the top to open your Apple Account, select Subscriptions, choose Docusign, then change or cancel the plan.