How to Add an E-Signature Block to Your Document

FAQ — How to add an e-signature block to your document

What is an e-signature block and why use it?

An e-signature block is a content element you place inside a document to collect an electronic signature from a recipient. It designates where a signer should sign and integrates that signature into the final document, enabling secure, auditable electronic signing workflows.

What prerequisites are required before adding an e-signature block?

Before adding an e-signature block you must be using the document editor and have permission to edit the document/template. Your account or tenant must also have e-signature functionality enabled. If your organization restricts signing or template edits, contact your admin to confirm permissions.

How do I add an e-signature block to a document (high-level steps)?

In the document editor, open the content block or field palette, select the e-signature content block, place it in the desired location inside the document, and assign the appropriate signer or recipient role. After placement, configure any field properties (for example label, required flag, or signing order) and save the document or template.

How do I assign which recipient should sign at the e-signature block?

When you place the e-signature block, assign it to a recipient role or specific signer that you created for the document. This ties the signature field to that recipient so the signing session will route the document to the correct person. If multiple signers are needed, add separate signature blocks and assign each to the appropriate recipient.

Can I require a signature (make the block mandatory)?

Yes. Most signature blocks support settings to make the field required so the signer cannot complete the signing session until the signature has been provided. Configure this property on the signature block before saving the document or template.

Are there customization options for the e-signature block (labels, instructions, formatting)?

E-signature blocks commonly allow you to add a label or placeholder text, specify whether the field is required, and set visual placement and size. Some editors also let you add helper text or validation rules. After editing these properties, preview the document to confirm the appearance.

How does the signer actually sign the document?

During the signing workflow, the signer is routed to the document and is guided to each assigned signature block. They will be prompted to adopt or provide an electronic signature (typed, drawn, or uploaded, depending on system capabilities) and then confirm completion. The system typically records the time and method of signing.

Does the system keep an audit trail for e-signatures?

Most e-signature implementations generate an audit trail that records signing events (who signed, when, IP address, and method). Check the document or envelope history after completion to view the signature audit details for compliance and recordkeeping.

Can I use e-signature blocks in templates so they’re reused automatically?

Yes — placing e-signature blocks inside a reusable template allows you to reuse the same signing locations and recipient assignments each time the template is used. Save the document as a template if your workflow requires repeated use.

How do I test or preview a document with e-signature blocks before sending?

Use the document editor’s preview or test signing mode (if available) to verify that signature blocks appear in the correct locations and are assigned to the correct recipients. A preview lets you confirm layout and required-field behavior without sending to actual recipients.

What troubleshooting steps help when a signature block doesn’t appear or isn’t available to a signer?

Confirm the block is placed on the active document version, that it is assigned to the correct recipient role, and that the document was saved or published after edits. Verify recipient permissions and that the recipient was included when sending. If issues persist, check account-level e-signature settings or contact your system administrator.

Is mobile signing supported for e-signature blocks?

Many modern document editors and signing services support mobile signing; signers can open the signing link on a smartphone or tablet and complete signature blocks using the device’s browser or app. Test the signing experience on mobile if your recipients commonly sign from phones.

References and related user guides

more information — Document editor overview and general content blocks

more information — E-signature features and settings

more information — Creating and managing document templates with signature fields

more information — Sending documents for signature and tracking status