Overview
Adobe Sign is a cloud-based service that allows individuals and organizations to send, sign, track, and manage documents electronically. It supports a workflow to collect signatures and track a specific document that multiple people review and provide feedback and signatures. It essentially replaces a paper-based signature method where you might scan and print documents for signature and then upload them into a system.
You can send documents for an eSignature from Adobe Acrobat (on your computer or mobile device) to individuals or multiple signers at once. Within the Sign application, you can see the progress of the document to see who has signed and where approvals are still needed. Note that you only need to have Adobe Sign if you are the owner of a document and want to initiate the signature process.
Typically, you will have one standard document that you commonly use to send for signatures and approvals to many different people. In this case, you will set the document as a template, and then customize fields and initiate a workflow for each person you want to send for signatures. There are also capabilities that allow you to share your templates with others, and you can allow others to see the progress of documents you have sent for signatures.
How to
Sign a document
Recipients of an Adobe Sign document do not need an Adobe account to sign the document. They will be prompted to complete selected fields before signing, and when all fields have been reviewed, they will be directed to the field(s) requiring signature.
Sign options include:
- Enter/type name
- Enter/type initials
- Select image of signature
- Sign with stylus or finger -- for touch screen devices
- Enter phone number -- when using mobile phone
Important notes:
- Recipients must sign by accessing your document via the email the document was sent to. If they forward to another address, the link will not work.
- As the document moves through the signature process, alerts are sent to the recipient's email. Messages include a link to the document to download, view, or save.
Initiate/create a signature workflow
Adobe Sign requires a special license which you can request via a Service Request. (Licenses are limited and intended for anyone who commonly sends documents that need signed and tracked.) After you have a license, you can access the Adobe Sign app from your Adobe Enterprise account. An Adobe Sign license is only needed to SEND documents for signature. It also provides the ability to manage your documents/workflows that are out for signature, and you can track where it is in the process. Request a license here.
1. Go to www.documents.adobe.com/public/login to access Adobe Sign.
2. Click Send in the menubar (at top of the window).
3. Click Choose files and navigate to the PDF you want to use for signatures.
4. Enter the name of the person you want to send the PDF to.
5. Click Preview & add fields. Review the document and use the tools in the Add Form Fields For menu to add the fields you want the recipient to complete when they sign.
6. Review your entire PDF, and add the fields you want. When you are done, click Send. Note: the person receiving your document will not need Adobe Sign, or any other specialized software, to complete the requested fields and send back to you.
7. To review the progress to see who has completed specific tasks, click Manage on the menubar at the top of the screen. The Status column indicates documents out for signature and when they have been completed. You can filter this list by status and run an audit history report. You can also download completed documents.
Important Notes
There are several robust features built into Adobe sign. You can save templates for frequently used documents, add collaborators, and report on the status of your documents.
- This video discusses the basics to get started with Adobe Sign features.
- Refer to this Support Article for information on creating a template.
- This Support Video explains the basics of creating a custom workflow. It is helpful if you intend to create an advanced workflow with multiple steps.
- This link provides access to the Adobe Sign User's Guide which contains many helpful illustrated step-by-step instructions for Adobe Sign.
The Help Desk
Need more help? Contact us!
- Enter a Service Request here on this page to route your request to the right expert.
- Call the Help Desk at 717-358-6789.
- Stop by and see us in Martin Science Library.