Add Fields

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Adding Fields to Your Document

Fields are interactive elements that recipients complete when signing a document. Documenso supports various field types including signatures, text inputs, checkboxes, and more.

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Field Types

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Signature Field

The most common field type for collecting legally binding signatures.

• Recipients can draw, type, or upload their signature
• Signature methods depend on document settings
• Can be configured as required or optional
• Appears in audit logs and signing certificates

Best Use Cases:

• Contract signatures
• Agreement acceptance
• Authorization signatures

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Initials Field

For collecting recipient initials.

• Smaller than signature fields
• Useful for initialing multiple pages
• Same input methods as signature (draw, type, upload)

Best Use Cases:

• Initialing each page
• Acknowledging specific clauses
• Quick approvals

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Free Signature Field

Allows recipients to sign anywhere on the document.

• More flexible placement by recipient
• Useful for documents requiring multiple signatures
• Can be placed in multiple locations

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Name Field

Collects the recipient’s name as text.

• Auto-fills with recipient’s name if available
• Editable by recipient
• Appears as typed text on the document

Best Use Cases:

• Printed name lines
• Full legal name collection
• Name verification

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Email Field

Collects or displays the recipient’s email address.

• Auto-fills with recipient’s email
• Can be made editable or read-only
• Useful for contact information

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Date Field

Captures the date when the recipient signs.

• Auto-fills with current date
• Can be set to a specific timezone
• Format configurable in document settings

Best Use Cases:

• Signature date
• Effective date
• Agreement date

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Text Field

Free-form text input for custom information.

• Recipients type their response
• Can include placeholder text
• Supports single or multi-line input

Best Use Cases:

• Comments or notes
• Custom information
• Additional details

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Number Field

Collects numeric input only.

• Validates that input is a number
• Useful for quantities, amounts, or IDs
• Can specify number format

Best Use Cases:

• Employee ID numbers
• Reference numbers
• Quantities or amounts

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Checkbox Field

Allows recipients to check or uncheck a box.

• Simple yes/no or agree/disagree options
• Can be pre-checked or unchecked
• Useful for consent or acknowledgments

Best Use Cases:

• Agreement acknowledgment
• Terms acceptance
• Option selection

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Radio Field

Provides multiple-choice options where only one can be selected.

• Group related radio buttons together
• Only one option can be selected per group
• Useful for selecting from predefined options

Best Use Cases:

• Multiple choice questions
• Option selection
• Preference indication

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Dropdown Field

Provides a dropdown menu of options.

• Recipients select from a list of predefined options
• Saves space compared to radio buttons
• Can include many options

Best Use Cases:

• State/country selection
• Category selection
• Predefined choices

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Field Placement

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Positioning Fields

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Multi-Page Documents

• Use the page navigator to move between pages
• Add fields to any page in the document
• Each field shows which page it’s on
• Recipients will be guided through all pages with fields

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Field Organization

Best Practices:

• Place fields in a logical reading order (left to right, top to bottom)
• Ensure fields don’t overlap important text
• Use consistent sizing for similar field types
• Leave adequate space for signatures and initials
• Group related fields together

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Field Configuration

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Required vs. Optional

• Required Fields: Must be completed before document can be signed
• Optional Fields: Recipients can skip if not applicable

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Field Labels and Instructions

For text, number, and dropdown fields:

• Add descriptive labels
• Include placeholder text
• Provide clear instructions on what to enter

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Field Metadata

Some fields support additional configuration:

• Custom text: Add instructions or labels
• Validation rules: Enforce specific formats
• Default values: Pre-fill common values

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Field Management

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Editing Fields

After placing fields:

• Click on a field to select it
• Drag to reposition
• Use handles to resize
• Delete fields that are no longer needed

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Deleting Fields

1. Select the field you want to remove
2. Press Delete key or click the delete button
3. Confirm deletion if prompted

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Duplicating Fields

To quickly add similar fields:

1. Place your first field
2. Use copy/paste or duplicate function
3. Reposition the duplicated field

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Signature Methods

Recipients can complete signature and initial fields using:

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Draw Signature

• Draw signature using mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen
• Supports stylus input on touch devices
• Can be enabled/disabled in settings

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Type Signature

• Type name and select from signature fonts
• Quick and clean signature appearance
• Can be enabled/disabled in settings

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Upload Signature

• Upload an image of their signature
• Supports common image formats
• Can be enabled/disabled in settings

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Best Practices

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Field Placement

• Align fields with existing form lines when possible
• Ensure fields are large enough for content
• Don’t place too many fields on one page
• Test the signing experience before sending

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Field Types

• Use the most appropriate field type for the data
• Don’t overuse text fields when specific types (email, date) are better
• Consider using dropdowns for standardized options

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Recipient Experience

• Think about the signing flow from the recipient’s perspective
• Order fields logically
• Provide clear instructions for custom fields
• Test with a sample recipient before sending to actual signers

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Preview and Test

Before sending your document:

1. Preview Mode: Review how recipients will see the document
2. Test Signing: Use a test email to go through the signing process
3. Verify All Fields: Ensure all required fields are present
4. Check Alignment: Verify fields align properly with document content

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Next Steps

After adding fields:

• Review document settings
• Send the document to recipients
• Track signing progress