Signatures
Add signature fields to your PDF templates for contracts, agreements, and documents that require sign-off. This guide covers how to set up and use signature anchors in your templates.
Overview
Signature fields allow you to:
- Place signature anchor points in your documents
- Define where signatures should appear
- Set signature box dimensions
- Support multiple signatures per document
Adding a Signature Field
Step 1: Select the Signature Tool
- Open your template in the designer
- Find the Signature tool in the element toolbar
- Click to select it
Step 2: Place the Signature Anchor
- Click on the canvas where you want the signature
- Draw the signature area by dragging
- The signature box appears with a placeholder
Step 3: Configure the Signature
In the properties panel, set:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| X Position | Horizontal position in millimeters |
| Y Position | Vertical position in millimeters |
| Width | Signature box width |
| Height | Signature box height |
| Label | Optional label (e.g., "Customer Signature") |
Signature Placement Best Practices
Positioning
- Leave adequate space: Signature boxes should be large enough for handwritten signatures
- Align with signature lines: Position near traditional signature line locations
- Consider scanning: Place signatures where they won't overlap critical text
Recommended Dimensions
| Document Type | Suggested Size |
|---|---|
| Contracts | 50mm Ć 20mm |
| Approval forms | 40mm Ć 15mm |
| Receipts | 30mm Ć 10mm |
Common Placements
End of document:
_____________________________ _____________________________
Customer Signature Date
_____________________________ _____________________________
Company Representative Date
Initials boxes:
[ ] I agree to the terms above
[ ] I acknowledge receipt
Multiple Signatures
Adding Multiple Signature Fields
You can add multiple signature anchors to a single template:
- Add the first signature using the Signature tool
- Repeat for each additional signature needed
- Position each signature appropriately
Use Cases for Multiple Signatures
- Contracts: Customer + Company representative
- Approval workflows: Multiple approvers in sequence
- Witness signatures: Primary signer + Witness
- Multi-party agreements: All parties sign
Labeling Multiple Signatures
Give each signature a clear label:
- "Customer Signature"
- "Authorized Representative"
- "Witness Signature"
- "Manager Approval"
Signature Fields with Merge Data
Pre-Populated Signer Information
Add merge fields near signature areas:
Signed by: {{ContactName}}
Title: {{ContactTitle}}
Date: {{SignatureDate}}
Signature: [SIGNATURE AREA]
Dynamic Signature Routing
If your workflow system provides signer information:
{{Signer.Name}}
{{Signer.Title}}
{{Signer.Company}}
Signature: ____________________
Styling Signature Areas
Visual Indicators
Help signers know where to sign:
- Signature line: A horizontal line below the signature area
- "Sign here" label: Text indicator
- Box outline: Subtle border around signature area
- X marker: Traditional "X" indicating signature spot
Example Layout
āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā
ā ā
ā [Signature Area] ā
ā ā
āāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāāā
Authorized Signature
Print Name: _____________________
Date: _____________________
Integration with E-Signature Platforms
Signature Anchors for E-Signature
The signature fields in your template can serve as anchor points for e-signature platforms:
- Generate the PDF with signature anchors
- Upload to your e-signature platform
- Signature anchors help identify where signatures should be placed
- Signers complete the document electronically
Supported Workflows
- Generate PDF ā Download ā Upload to DocuSign/Adobe Sign
- Generate PDF ā Email ā Manual signature and return
- API integration for automated signature workflows
Best Practices
1. Clear Labeling
Always label signature areas clearly:
- Who should sign
- What they're signing for
- Required vs. optional
2. Adequate Space
Provide enough room for:
- Various signature sizes
- Printed names
- Dates
- Titles
3. Logical Placement
Position signatures where signers expect them:
- End of contracts
- After terms and conditions
- Near relevant sections for initials
4. Consistent Styling
Maintain consistent appearance across templates:
- Same signature box sizes
- Consistent label formatting
- Similar visual indicators
5. Legal Compliance
Consider legal requirements:
- Witness signatures where required
- Date fields for timing documentation
- Proper identification of signers
Common Use Cases
Sales Contract
AGREEMENT
[Contract terms...]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement:
BUYER: SELLER:
[Signature] [Signature]
Name: {{BuyerName}} Name: {{SellerName}}
Date: _______________ Date: _______________
Approval Form
APPROVAL REQUEST
Project: {{ProjectName}}
Requested by: {{RequesterName}}
Amount: {{Amount}}
APPROVALS:
Department Manager: Finance Director:
[Signature] [Signature]
Date: _________ Date: _________
ā” Approved ā” Denied ā” Approved ā” Denied
Service Agreement
SERVICE AGREEMENT
[Service terms...]
ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS
I, {{CustomerName}}, acknowledge and accept the terms of service.
Signature: [Signature]
Printed Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
Troubleshooting
Signature Area Not Appearing
Solutions:
- Ensure the signature element is properly placed on the canvas
- Check that the element isn't hidden behind other elements
- Verify the dimensions are greater than zero
- Try re-adding the signature element
Signature Position Incorrect
Solutions:
- Check X and Y coordinates in properties
- Verify the element is on the correct page
- Consider other elements that might affect positioning
- Test generate a PDF to verify placement
Signature Too Small/Large
Solutions:
- Adjust width and height in properties
- Use consistent sizing across documents
- Test with actual signatures for appropriate sizing
PDF Generation Issues
Solutions:
- Ensure the template saves successfully
- Check for any error messages during generation
- Verify the signature field is properly configured
- Try removing and re-adding the signature element
Limitations
Current Limitations
- Digital signatures: The platform provides signature placement, not digital signing
- Signature capture: Signatures must be added via e-signature platform or manually
- Validation: No built-in signature verification
Workarounds
- E-signature integration: Use with DocuSign, Adobe Sign, etc.
- Image signatures: Store signatures as images in your CRM
- Manual workflow: Print, sign, scan workflow
Next Steps
- Templates - Learn template design
- Tables - Add dynamic tables
- Integrations - Connect your systems
