Uploading a Document to DottSign
DottSign works with PDF files. Before uploading, make sure your document is in the correct format and meets the requirements below.
File requirements
| Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Format | PDF only (.pdf) |
| Maximum file size | 50 MB |
| Password-protected PDFs | Not supported, remove password protection first |
| Scanned PDFs | Supported, but signature spots can still be placed on top of scanned pages |
How to upload
- From your dashboard, click New Contract.
- Name your contract and click Continue.
- On the upload screen, either:
- Drag and drop your PDF file directly onto the upload zone, or
- Click Browse files and select the file from your computer or cloud storage.
- Wait for the preview to load, this usually takes a few seconds.
- Review the preview to confirm it's the right document and the correct version.
Converting other formats to PDF
DottSign only accepts PDF. If your document is in another format, convert it first:
Microsoft Word (.docx)
- Open the file in Word → File → Save As → PDF
- On macOS: File → Print → Save as PDF
Google Docs
- File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf)
Excel / Spreadsheets
- File → Print → Save as PDF, set the print area first to avoid blank pages
Images (JPG, PNG)
- Use a free tool like ilovepdf.com to convert images to PDF
Optimising your PDF for signatures
A well-prepared PDF makes placement of signature spots much easier:
- Leave blank space where signatures will go, a clear line or a signature block with the signer's name below it
- Fix the page orientation before uploading, DottSign displays the document exactly as it appears; landscape pages won't be rotated automatically
- Flatten any existing form fields if your PDF has fillable fields from Adobe Acrobat, these can interfere with DottSign's own fields
- Use a high-resolution PDF if you expect the signer to zoom in on diagrams or tables, 150 dpi or above is recommended
Can I replace the document after sending?
No. Once a contract has been sent to signers, the PDF cannot be replaced. If you need to change the document, you must cancel the current contract and create a new one.
To cancel: go to the contract detail page → click the three-dot menu (⋯) → Cancel contract.
Troubleshooting upload errors
"File too large", The file exceeds the 50 MB limit. Compress the PDF using a tool like smallpdf.com and try again.
"Invalid file type", Make sure the file extension is .pdf. Some files named .pdf are actually HTML or Word files in disguise, re-export from the source application.
"Document could not be processed", This sometimes happens with PDFs that have DRM (digital rights management) or are corrupted. Try printing to PDF from your OS to create a clean copy.
Preview is blank or cut off, Refresh the page. If the issue persists, the PDF may have non-standard page dimensions. Re-export it at A4 or Letter size.
Need help? Contact our support team →