Adobe Sign: Request e-Signature in PDF

This article will guide you through using Adobe Sign to request an e-Signature using a PDF file. It is also possible to setup a webform or template to request e-signatures, those options are available in other guides found in the knowledge base.

Before you get started, make sure that you are assigned an appropriate Adobe license. You will not be able to perform the actions in this guide without one of the below licenses:

Adobe Acrobat DC Standard
Adobe Acrobat DC Pro
Adobe Creative Cloud Teams All Apps
Adobe Creative Cloud Pro All Apps

Attached to this article are sample files that will be utilized in throughout the guide. Download all attached files before proceeding to the guide.

Go to acrobat.adobe.com and sign in with your Adobe account
From the Navigation menu, go to E-Sign, and click on Request e-signatures
Click Select files
Browse to and open the PDF you need signed. For this Article we are using the Sample - Employee PTO Request.pdf

Click open once you have selected the file.

You're PDF will be uploaded to Adobe.
In the recipients section, specify if the recipients should complete signing in a specified order, or can sign in any order using the toggle switch. (Default is to sign in specified order).

The above setting is for completing in a specified order.

The above setting is for completing in an order
Enter the primary or initial recipient's email for the e-signature request in the "Enter recipient email" field.
Drop down the "Type" menu (icon just to the left of the signer's email address) and specify if this person will Fill, Sign, or Approve the e-signature request.
Drop down the "Authentication" menu and specify how you want this recipient to verify their identity. Email is the default and like simplest method.

You can specify Password... which will request that you supply and verify a password that you will share with the recipient before issuing the e-sign request. This is a less secure method for verifying a signer's identity. You should typically stick with Email as the authentication method.
Repeat steps 6-8 for additional signers, form fillers, or approvers.

Take note that the order of the requesters is indicated by a number just to the left of the requester.

In the above example, the 1st person will have to fill and sign the form. Once person 1 has completed their task, person 2 will receive a request to review and approve the PDF before it is finalized.

note: you will specify the fields and actions each role/person must complete later in the guide.
In the Message field, provide a quick message to the recipients.
In Options, specify if you want to password protect the request and set a reminder for the request.
In Files, review the file(s) that you will request to be signed. You may also click Add Files and request signatures for additional files.
Click Next when ready. Adobe Sign will analyze and prepare you documents for the form and e-sign process. When it is completed you will receive the opportunity to edit and assign fields to specific signer roles.
Review the document and make adjustments as needed.
1. To Assign a Field to a specific person:
  1. Double Click the field
  2. Drop down the Assigned To: menu and select the person responsible for filling out the field.
  3. Press OK
  4. Repeat for all available fields until each is assigned to the appropriate recipient.
2. To Add an additional Field:
  1. From the Right Tool pane on the page, find the type of field you want to add
  2. Drag and drop the field onto the PDF form
  3. Double click the field to edit it and supply properties it. (i.e. field name, Assign To, Type, Required, Tooltip, Appearance, conditions, etc.)
3. Delete a field
  1. Select the field with a single click
  2. press the delete key on your keyboard
When ready, click Send

You have succesfully sent the Adobe Sign request for the PDF file.

The recipients will receive a message from you through Adobesign.com requesting their participation.

Once all recipients have completed their actions, you will be notified. The notification will include a copy of the completed document. The recipients will also receive a copy of the completed PDF. Additionally, any completed or sent documents are accessible and retrievable through your Adobe account.