When sending documents for e-signature, you can define the order in which recipients are asked to sign. This helps ensure that signatures follow the correct approval flow and that each signer reviews the document only when it is their turn.
In this article, you'll learn how sequential signing works, what signers can expect, and important considerations before using this feature.
Overview
Sequential signing allows you to define the order in which recipients receive, review, and sign a document.
Instead of notifying all signers at the same time, the system sends the document to each signer one by one. The next signer is only notified after the previous signer has completed their signature.
This feature is available when sending employee or internal company documents.
When and why it should be used
Use sequential signing when your organisation requires signatures to follow a specific approval process. This is particularly useful for:
- Legal agreements that require signatures in a specific order
- Compliance-related documentation
- HR processes with hierarchical approvals
- Internal documents where one signature depends on a previous approval
Sequential signing helps reduce manual work, minimises errors, and ensures documents follow the intended approval flow.
How to use
- In your sidebar, go to Organisation and select an employee
- Go to the Documents tab and choose a folder
- Click on +Upload files
- In Settings, enable the toggle for Request e-signature
- In the dropdown, click on Include additional signer
- Arrange the signers in the desired sequence
- Enable the toggle for Sequential signing
- If you choose to Indicate where to place the signature, click on Continue
- Place the signature stamps for each employee
- Once that is done, click on Upload file and request e-signature
- Once the document is sent:
- The first signer receives a notification and can access the document
- After the first signer completes their signature, the next signer is notified
- This process continues until all signatures have been completed
- Each signer can only access and sign the document when it is their turn
If the signer is still waiting for a previous signer to complete their signature, they will not receive a notification and will not be able to access the document until it is their turn.
If a document was declined by one signer, remaining signers will no longer be able to view or sign the document.
Employees with admin permissions in the queue will be able to see the document in their space, but not to sign it until it's their turn.
Tips and best practices
- Review the signing order before sending the document
- Ensure the signer sequence reflects your organisation's approval process
- Confirm signature fields are assigned to the correct recipients
Use sequential signing for documents that require legal, compliance, or managerial validation before progressing to the next signer.
FAQ
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Will all signers receive the document at the same time?
No. Signers are notified one at a time according to the signing order you define.
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Can pending signers view the document before their turn?
No. Pending signers cannot access or view the document until they are notified to sign.
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What happens if a signer declines the document?
The document status changes to Declined for all recipients, and the signing process stops.
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Can I use sequential signing in bulk document workflows?
No. Sequential signing is currently not available for documents sent through bulk workflows.
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Does signing order affect signature placement?
Yes. Signing order is integrated with signature placement, creating a more intuitive signing experience for recipients.