How it works

Four steps, from a blank PDF to a signed copy with a record you can rely on.

1. Prepare the document

Upload a PDF and place boxes on it: a signature, a date, text boxes and tick boxes. Each text or tick box has a source:

  • Locked - the same every time, such as an organisation's name.
  • Filled in when it's sent - details you hold about the signer, checked before sending.
  • Completed by you - typed or ticked each time, such as which option applies.
  • Left for the signer - optionally required.

Tick boxes can be grouped so only one in a group can be ticked, like Yes or No. A prepared document is a template you can send as many times as you like.

2. Send it

Choose the document, enter the signer's name and email address, and check any pre-filled boxes. The signer receives an email with a private link that expires after a set time. You can resend or cancel a request at any time.

3. The signer signs

The signer opens the link on any device, reads the document, completes any boxes you've left for them, types their name, chooses a signature style and ticks to agree to sign electronically. There is nothing to install and no account to create.

4. The signed copy

The signature, date and entries are stamped onto the PDF, so nothing is left to edit in a PDF reader. The signed copy is stored, and a copy is emailed to the signer.

What is recorded

  • The signer's typed name and chosen signature style.
  • The date and time of signing.
  • The signer's IP address and browser.
  • What was filled in for each box, both as sent and as finally signed, so any corrections are visible.
  • A SHA-256 fingerprint of the original PDF and of the signed PDF, which lets you show later that neither has been altered.
SignVault is in development. This page describes how signing works today in the system it grew from; features and wording may change before the service opens.