Request signatures using the classic environment

Last updated on Nov 14, 2023

Note:

The below article describes the functionality for the "classic" process of sending an agreement.

The modern version is the focus of current development, and customers are generally recommended to use the modern experience when possible to familiarize themselves with that environment.

Adobe Acrobat Sign makes it easy to send a document to others for signing. You can send to just one person or send to multiple people to sign.

Send an agreement to a single signer

Once you have logged in to Acrobat Sign, select the Sign tab in the top navigation bar.

Sending a document for signature is the basic workflow used in Acrobat Sign. Sending a document for signature to only one recipient is the simplest way to use the system.

To send a document for signature:

Navigate to the Home tab and select the Request Signatures button.
Optionally, you can start the process by selecting a library template (or workflow) first by selecting the Start from library button.

This allows you to select from one of three options:
- Recent - A listing of the 20 most recently used templates, listed with the most recently used at the top.
- Library Document - Lists all library templates available.
- Workflow - List all available workflows for the user.
Once a file or workflow is selected, select Start, and you will be moved to the Send page with the template already attached (allowing you to skip step 4 below).
Note:

If you are in an account that has Users in Multiple Groups (UMG) enabled, select the group you want to send the agreement from before configuring the agreement.

Setting the Group value loads the group-related properties and templates for you to choose from.

When changing the Group, you will notice the page refresh. Any entered content will be cleared away in this refresh.

If you do not see the Send from dropdown at the top of the page, your account is not UMG enabled.
Define the recipient of the agreement.

Enter/define the following (from left to right):
- Select the recipient role (Signer is the default).
- Type in the email address of the recipient.
- Select the authentication method, if any.
- Enter a personal message, as needed.
Optionally, you can use a Recipient Group.

Recipient groups are similar to distribution lists, comprising multiple recipient email addresses. All of the members of the recipient group are notified when it's their turn to interact with the agreement, but only one member of the group is permitted to. Once the first member completes the group's action, the agreement moves to the next step.

A recipient group can be added as a one-time (ad hoc) group, manually defined by the sender when composing the agreement, or a reusable recipient group that has been created beforehand and made available to the user through the group's permissions. Start typing in the group name, and the address book will show options based on what has been typed.

Note:

Reusable recipient groups cannot have their recipient names or email addresses modified. Only the authentication type can be edited.
Add an Agreement Name and Message that will be included in the initial email to the recipient.
Drag-and-drop, attach, or choose a library template to send.
- The templates available are limited by the group the agreement is sent from.
- Multiple documents can be attached, and are delivered as one contiguous document for the recipient.
Configure any options required:
- Password Protect (the signed PDF) - This password is applied to any PDF copy of the agreement downloaded from Acrobat Sign. The password prevents viewing the document until successfully entered.
- Completion Deadline - The deadline expires the transaction after the defined number of days.
- Set Reminder - Reminders can be configured for one of several iterations. Only the currently active recipient is sent reminders.
- Signature Type - When enabled, this option allows the user to switch the signature flow between an electronic and a written signature.
- Recipient's Language - Defines the language used in the email delivered to the recipient, as well as the on-screen instructions.
To add fields for your recipient to interact with, select Preview & Add Signature Fields
- If the Preview checkbox is enabled, select Next.
- If the Preview checkbox is disabled, select Send.
Drag fields from the tabs on the right of the screen and drop the fields on the document.

The Back button allows you to navigate back to the Send page if you need to change the email of the recipients or change the files attached to the agreement.

Note:

If you are building a common document for your use, you can check the Save as template option, saving the document with the fields as placed.

In future transactions, you can simply attach the document from your library, and skip the field placement!
When you've placed all the fields on the document, select Send.

An email is sent to your recipient that includes a link to the document, enabling their action.

Once their action is complete, you will be notified by email.

Send an agreement to multiple recipients

Sending an agreement to multiple recipients is almost the same process as sending to one.

The primary differences are that you must:

Define each recipient, in the order they are to take action on the agreement
Place fields specifically for each recipient as necessary

Note:

Transactions that include multiple recipients can be configured to follow a sequential, parallel, or hybrid workflow.

Navigate to the Home tab and select the Request Signatures button
If available, configure the Send from selector to identify the Group you are sending the agreement from.

The page will refresh when a new group is selected, deleting any configurations on the page.

Note:

If there is no Send from selector, your account is not UMG enabled.
Define each recipient of the agreement.

Enter/define the following (from left to right) for each recipient record:
- Select the recipient role (Signer is the default).
- Type in the email address of the recipient.
- Select the authentication method, if any.
- Enter a personal message as needed.
To add yourself to the list of recipients, select the Add Me link in the upper right corner.

Adding the same email address multiple times is permissible.
Note:

If you need to delete a recipient row, select the X on the far right of the row.

Optionally, you can use a Recipient Group.

Recipient groups are similar to distribution lists, being composed of multiple recipient email addresses. All of the members of the recipient group are notified when it's their turn to interact with the agreement, but only one member of the group is permitted to. Once the first member completes the group's action the agreement moves to the next step.

The recipient group can be added as a one time group, manually defined by the sender when composing the agreement, or a reusable recipient group available to the sender can be used. Just start typing in the group name, and the address book will show options based on what was typed
Add an Agreement Name and Message that will be included in the initial email to the recipients
Drag-and-drop, attach, or choose a library document to send.
- Multiple documents can be attached, and are delivered as one contiguous document for the recipient
Configure any options required:
- Password Protect (the signed PDF) - This password is applied to any PDF copy of the agreement downloaded from Acrobat Sign. The password prevents viewing the document until successfully entered.
- Completion Deadline - The deadline expires the transaction after the defined number of days.
- Set Reminder - Reminders can be configured for one of several iterations. Only the currently active recipient is sent reminders.
- Signature Type - When enabled, this option allows the user to switch the signature flow between an electronic and a written signature.
- Recipient's Language - Defines the language used in the email delivered to the recipient, as well as the on-screen instructions.
To add fields for your recipient to interact with, select Preview & Add Signature Fields
- If the Preview checkbox is enabled, select Next. This action advanced the process to the authoring environment.
- If the Preview checkbox is disabled, select Send. This action sends the agreement to the first recipient immediately.
Drag fields from the tabs on the right of the screen and drop the fields on the document.
- When placing fields for multiple recipients, first select the participant from the Recipients list, then place the fields.
When you've placed all the fields on the document, select Send.