Guide: Getting Started with DocuSign Software

What is DocuSign?

DocuSign is a company that provides secure, electronic signature technology and digital transaction management services for facilitating electronic exchanges of contracts and signed documents.

Founded in 2003, DocuSign allows users to securely sign, send, and manage documents online, eliminating the need for physical paper and streamlining the signing process for various types of agreements, such as legal contracts, financial documents, and more.

The DocuSign platform offers features like authentication services, user identity management, and an audit trail of signing events, providing a secure and legally binding method for electronic signatures. The company’s solutions are widely used in industries such as real estate, finance, healthcare, and government, among others.

Getting Started

Creating a DocuSign Account: To get started, visit the DocuSign website and sign up for an account. Choose a plan that best fits your needs, or opt for a free trial to test the platform. Fill out the required information, including your name, email address, and password, then click “Get Started.” Configr Technologies can assist you with this as well as managing it for your business on an ongoing basis.

Navigating the DocuSign Dashboard: After logging in, you’ll be taken to the DocuSign dashboard. This is your central hub for managing documents, templates, and account settings. Key sections of the dashboard include:

• Home: View recent activity and pending tasks.
• Manage: Track the status of documents and access completed documents.
• Templates: Create and manage reusable templates for frequently used documents.
• Reports: Generate reports to analyze document activity and usage.

Uploading a Document: To upload a document for signing, click “New” in the top-left corner of the dashboard and choose “Send an Envelope.” Browse your files to select the document you’d like to upload. DocuSign supports various file formats, including PDF, Word, and Excel.

Adding Signers and Recipients: In the “Add Recipients” section, enter the names and email addresses of the signers and other recipients, like those who need to receive a copy but not sign the document. Assign roles (e.g., signer, carbon copy) and signing order, if necessary.

Designing Your Document with Fields: Click “Next” to access the document editor. Use the toolbar on the left to add fields, such as signature blocks, date fields, and text boxes, to the document. Drag and drop the fields onto the document and assign them to the appropriate recipients. Customize field properties, such as making a field required or adding validation rules.

Sending Your Document for Signature: Once you’ve added all necessary fields, click “Send” to send the document to your recipients. You can also schedule the document to be sent later or save it as a draft.

Signing a Document: When you receive a DocuSign document for signature, open the email and click “Review Document.” Follow the guided signing process, which will prompt you to complete any required fields and add your electronic signature. Click “Finish” to complete the signing process. You’ll receive a copy of the signed document via email.

Tracking and Managing Your Documents: Monitor the status of sent documents in the “Manage” section of the dashboard. View details like who has signed, when they signed, and any outstanding tasks. You can also access completed documents, download them, or store them in your preferred cloud storage.

Integrating DocuSign with Other Platforms: DocuSign offers integrations with popular platforms like Quickbase, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office. These integrations allow you to seamlessly use DocuSign within your existing workflows, saving time and increasing productivity.

Tips for Optimizing Your DocuSign Experience:

• Use templates: Create reusable templates for frequently used documents to save time and maintain consistency.
• Set reminders and expiration dates: Configure automatic reminders for recipients who haven’t signed yet, and set expiration dates to ensure timely completion.
• Customize your branding: Personalize the look and feel of your DocuSign emails and signing experience with your company logo and colors.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Improve security by requiring signers to verify their identity via an additional method, such as SMS or phone call.
• Utilize bulk send: Send a single document to multiple recipients at once, streamlining the process for large groups.
• Add conditional logic: Use conditional routing and logic to control the visibility and requirements of fields based on the input of other fields in the document.
• Set up PowerForms: Create web-based forms that automatically generate DocuSign envelopes, allowing you to capture signatures and data without sending individual emails.
• Stay up-to-date: Keep your DocuSign account and software up-to-date to ensure you have access to the latest features, improvements, and security updates.

Conclusion

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to using DocuSign with your business.