How to Send a Document for Signature: 5 Methods

You can send a document for signature with SignQuick for a one-time 2.99, with no subscription: upload a PDF, add signer fields, enter the recipient's email, and send. The signer receives a link, signs on any device, and both parties get a completed copy with a legally binding audit trail. No software installation required.

5 Methods to Send Documents for Signature

There are several ways to get a document signed electronically, from free workarounds to pay-per-document tools:

The first three options use dedicated e-signature technology. The last two are workarounds that technically work but lack audit trails and professional presentation.

Method 1: SignQuick, Pay-per-Document Multi-Party Signing

SignQuick has no free plan: sending one document for signature costs 2.99 once (up to 3 signers, no subscription, account needed to send), and Pro at 9/month covers regular use. Both give you full e-signature functionality: multi-party signing, audit trails, and status tracking.

Step-by-Step: Sending a Document with SignQuick

#### Step 1: Upload Your Document

Go to SignQuick's signing page and upload your document. Supported formats include PDF, Word documents, and images. The platform converts everything to PDF for consistent rendering.

#### Step 2: Add Signer Information

Enter the name and email address for each person who needs to sign. You can add multiple signers and set the signing order — for example, the client signs first, then the manager countersigns.

#### Step 3: Place Signature Fields

Drag and drop signature fields, date fields, text fields, and initials fields onto the document. Position them exactly where each signer needs to fill in information. Each field is assigned to a specific signer.

#### Step 4: Add a Personal Message (Optional)

Write a short message that appears in the signing invitation email. Something like "Please review and sign the attached agreement at your earliest convenience."

#### Step 5: Send

Click send. Each signer receives an email with a secure link to the document. They can review and sign on any device — desktop, tablet, or smartphone — without creating a SignQuick account.

#### Step 6: Track and Manage

Monitor the status of your document from your dashboard. You can see who has viewed, signed, or not yet opened the document. Send reminders to signers who have not completed their signature.

Method 2: Sharing via Link vs. Email

SignQuick supports two delivery methods for documents:

Email Delivery

The standard method. Each signer receives a personalized email containing a secure link to the document. This is the best option when you have the signer's email address and want a formal signing experience.

Advantages:

• Professional appearance
• Automatic reminders
• Clear audit trail showing email delivery and opens

Link Sharing

Generate a shareable signing link that you can send via any channel — text message, WhatsApp, Slack, or embed in a website. This is useful for:

• Signers who prefer communication outside email
• Situations where you want to share the document in a group chat
• Embedding signing links in client portals

Note: Link sharing may create a weaker audit trail since the delivery channel is not controlled by the platform. For contracts with significant legal value, email delivery is recommended.

Tracking Document Status

Once you send a document, SignQuick provides real-time status tracking:

• Sent — The invitation email was delivered.
• Viewed — The recipient opened the document.
• Signed — The recipient completed their signature.
• Completed — All signers have signed. The final document is available for download.
• Declined — A signer declined to sign. You receive a notification with their reason.
• Expired — The signing deadline passed without completion.

Setting Up Reminders

Automatic reminders help ensure documents get signed promptly. You can configure:

• Frequency — Daily, every 3 days, or weekly reminders.
• Start date — Begin reminders after a certain number of days.
• Custom message — Personalize the reminder text.

From the dashboard, you can also send manual reminders at any time with a single click.

Legal Validity of Free E-Signatures

A common concern is whether free e-signature tools produce legally valid signatures. The answer is unequivocally yes, provided the tool meets basic requirements.

What Makes an E-Signature Legally Binding?

Under the ESIGN Act (United States, 2000) and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA, adopted by 49 states plus D.C.), an electronic signature is legally valid when:

• Intent to sign — The signer deliberately places their signature, not accidentally.
• Consent to do business electronically — The signer agrees to use electronic means.
• Association with the record — The signature is connected to the specific document.
• Record retention — The signed document is stored and accessible.

SignQuick satisfies all four requirements. Every signature captures a timestamp, IP address, signer email, and browser information in a tamper-evident audit trail.

International Recognition

Most countries recognize electronic signatures:

• European Union — [eIDAS Regulation](/blog/eidas-2-electronic-signatures-europe) recognizes simple, advanced, and qualified electronic signatures.
• United Kingdom — Electronic Communications Act 2000.
• Canada — PIPEDA and provincial electronic commerce acts.
• Australia — Electronic Transactions Act 1999.

Security Best Practices When Sending Documents

Even with a free tool, you should follow these security practices:

• Verify signer email addresses — A typo could send your document to the wrong person.
• Use unique links — Avoid sharing the same signing link in public channels.
• Enable access authentication — If the document is sensitive, require the signer to verify their identity before accessing the document.
• Download and back up completed documents — While SignQuick stores your documents, maintaining your own backup is always prudent.
• Review the audit trail — After signing is complete, review the audit trail to confirm the expected signers completed the document.

Common Document Types to Send for Signature

SignQuick is popular for these document types:

• Freelance contracts and service agreements — Created with the [contract generator](/contracts) and sent for immediate signing.
• NDAs and confidentiality agreements — Quick to draft and sign.
• Lease agreements and rental applications — Landlords send to prospective tenants.
• Employment offer letters — HR teams send to new hires.
• Client proposals — Created with the [proposal generator](/proposals) with a built-in signature block.
• Invoices requiring approval — Created with the [invoice generator](/invoices).
• Waivers and consent forms — Created with the [waiver generator](/waivers) for events and activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do signers need a SignQuick account to sign?

No. Signers receive a secure link and can sign directly in their browser without creating an account, downloading software, or entering payment information.

How many documents can I send?

Sending one document costs 2.99 once, with up to 3 signers and no subscription (an account is needed to send). Each document can have multiple signers. If you send regularly, Pro (9/month) includes 25 documents a month, and Business (19/month) offers unlimited documents.

Can I send a document to multiple signers?

Yes. You can add as many signers as needed and set the signing order. For example, signer A signs first, then signer B receives the document for their signature. You can also have all signers sign simultaneously.

What file formats can I upload?

SignQuick accepts PDF files, Microsoft Word documents (.doc, .docx), and image files (.png, .jpg). All documents are converted to PDF for signing to ensure consistent rendering across devices.

Can I cancel a document after sending it?

Yes. From your dashboard, you can void a document at any time before all parties have signed. The signers receive a notification that the document has been canceled.

How long are signed documents stored?

Storage duration depends on your plan. Download your completed documents promptly and keep your own copy.