Creating a DocuSign link allows you to securely share documents for electronic signatures, making it convenient for recipients to sign from any device. This process streamlines workflows by providing direct access to your documents.
Understanding DocuSign Links
A DocuSign link acts as a direct gateway to a document or an envelope that requires a signature or information. Instead of attaching a document to an email, you provide a link that, when clicked, opens the document securely within the DocuSign environment. This method is particularly useful for public-facing forms, internal documents, or situations where you need to collect signatures from multiple individuals without individually emailing each one.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a DocuSign Link
While DocuSign primarily sends documents directly to recipients via email, you can "create" shareable links using features like DocuSign PowerForms. Here's how to navigate the process:
1. Set Up Your DocuSign Account
Before you can create any links or send documents, you need an active DocuSign account.
- Sign Up: Visit the DocuSign website and choose a plan that fits your needs.
- Log In: Access your DocuSign dashboard using your credentials.
2. Upload Your Document
The first step within your account is to get your document ready for signing.
- Start New Envelope: From your DocuSign dashboard, select "Start new" or "Send an envelope."
- Upload Files: Browse your computer or cloud storage (like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) to upload the document(s) you want signed. DocuSign supports various file types, including PDF, Word, Excel, and image files.
3. Prepare the Document for Signing
This critical stage involves configuring who needs to sign and what information they need to provide.
- Add Recipients:
- Enter the names and email addresses of all individuals who need to sign or receive a copy.
- Define their role (e.g., "Needs to Sign," "Receives a Copy," "Needs to View").
- Set the signing order if multiple recipients need to sign sequentially.
- Place Fields:
- Drag and drop standard fields (e.g., Signature, Date Signed, Text, Checkbox) onto your document.
- Assign each field to a specific recipient.
- Mark fields as "Required" or "Optional" as needed.
- Customize Settings:
- Add a subject line and an email message for your recipients.
- Configure advanced options such as reminders, expiration dates, and authentication methods (e.g., access code, phone authentication) for added security.
4. Generate a DocuSign Link (PowerForm)
For creating a truly shareable "DocuSign link" that can be distributed to multiple people, DocuSign PowerForms are the ideal solution.
- Access PowerForms:
- From your DocuSign dashboard, navigate to Templates > PowerForms.
- Click on "Create PowerForm" to start.
- Select Template:
- Choose an existing template or create a new one based on the envelope you just prepared (by selecting "Use an existing envelope" or "Use a template").
- Ensure the template you choose is designed for PowerForm use, often meaning it has a recipient designated as a "PowerForm Signer."
- Configure PowerForm Settings:
- Give your PowerForm a name.
- Define who can access it (e.g., publicly available or restricted).
- Specify signing frequency, authentication, and completion messages.
- Generate the Link:
- Once configured, DocuSign will generate a unique URL for your PowerForm. This is your shareable DocuSign link.
- You can copy this link directly from the PowerForm management page.
5. Accessing and Sharing Your DocuSign Link
After creating or sending a document, there are several ways to find and share the generated links.
- From PowerForm Management: If you created a PowerForm, its unique URL is always available in your PowerForms section within your DocuSign account. Simply copy and paste this link wherever you need it.
- Checking Email for DocuSign Link: For standard envelopes sent directly to recipients, each recipient receives an email with a unique link to access and sign the document. As the sender, you typically receive notifications, but the primary signing link goes to the signer.
- Access DocuSign Account for Link (Manage Tab):
- For envelopes you've sent, go to the "Manage" tab in your DocuSign account.
- Locate the specific envelope. Here, you can usually view the status, resend the envelope, or even retrieve links for individual recipients (though PowerForms are better for broad sharing).
- Use DocuSign Search Function: If you have many envelopes or PowerForms, use the search bar within the "Manage" or "Templates" sections to quickly find the relevant document or PowerForm by name, recipient, or other criteria.
Summary of DocuSign Link Creation
| Step | Description | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Create Account | Establish your DocuSign presence. | Sign up and log in. |
| 2. Upload Document | Bring your document into the DocuSign platform. | Start new envelope, upload file. |
| 3. Prepare Document | Designate signers, place fields, and set up envelope specifics. | Add recipients, drag fields, customize settings. |
| 4. Generate DocuSign Link | Create a shareable URL, typically using a PowerForm. | Navigate to PowerForms, create new, copy URL. |
| 5. Access & Share Link | Retrieve and distribute the generated link. | Copy PowerForm URL, check email for standard envelopes. |
Using PowerForms for generating DocuSign links is an efficient way to capture signatures or information without managing individual envelopes. It empowers you to embed links on websites, share them via social media, or include them in mass emails.
