Before You Start
You'll need:
- A DottSign account (sign up free)
- A PDF ready to send (any contract, agreement, NDA, or form)
Signers do not need a DottSign account, they receive a link and can sign from any device.
Step 1: Create a New Contract
From your dashboard, click New Contract (top right or the button in the centre of the empty state).
Give your contract a name, this is internal only and helps you find it later. Then click Continue.
Step 2: Upload Your PDF
Drag your PDF file onto the upload area, or click Browse files to select it from your computer.
DottSign will process the document and display a page-by-page preview. Confirm it's the correct file and version before proceeding.
Note: Only PDF files are accepted. If your document is in Word or another format, convert it to PDF first. The maximum file size is 50 MB.
Step 3: Add Signers
Click Add Signer and fill in:
- Name, the signer's full name (shown on the signature certificate)
- Email, where their signing invitation will be sent
- Signing order (optional), set a number if you want signers to sign sequentially (e.g., employee first, then HR manager)
Add as many signers as your contract requires. You can also add yourself as a signer.
Step 4: Place Signature Spots
On the document preview, click Add Signature Spot and drag it to the exact location on the page where you want a signature to appear.
Assign each spot to one of the signers you added in Step 3.
Step 5: Customise the Invitation (Optional)
Before sending, you can:
- Add a personal message that appears in the invitation email
- Set an expiry date, the contract link will stop working after this date
- Enable WhatsApp delivery, send the signing link via WhatsApp instead of (or in addition to) email
Step 6: Send
Click Send Contract. Each signer will immediately receive an email (or WhatsApp message) with a secure link to view and sign the document.
You'll be redirected to the contract detail page where you can track signing progress in real time.
What happens next?
- Pending signers receive email reminders automatically
- Once all signers complete their signature, everyone, including you, receives the final signed PDF by email
- The signed document is also archived in your dashboard under Contracts → Completed
Tips for a smooth first contract
- Place signature spots precisely, misaligned spots can't be moved after the contract is sent
- Use sequential signing order for contracts that require a counter-signature (e.g., signer first, then company representative)
- Test with yourself first: add your own email as a signer and send a test contract to get familiar with the signing experience