Esignature In PDF Documents
Creating an e-signature document from a PDF upload in Lawmatics is straightforward. This feature allows you to automate processes involving standardized PDF documents, such as court forms. Follow these steps to create and configure your e-signature PDF document:
Navigate to Document Templates:
- Click on the Docs & Forms tab in the main side navigation.
- Select Document Templates from the sub-navigation options.
Create a New Document:
- Click on Create New Document in the upper-right corner.
- In the dialog box that appears:
- Choose PDF Upload as the document type.
- Enter a Document Name.
- Select the Recipient Type—either Matter or Contact. This selection determines which custom fields are available for merging into the document. For intake or case-related documents, select Matter.
- Upload the desired PDF file from your computer or select one from your Firm Files.
- Click Create to proceed.
Add Merge Fields and User Inputs:
- After creating the document, you'll be directed to the PDF builder interface.
- To insert merge fields or other user inputs:
- Drag a Text Field from the left panel onto the desired location in your document.
- Click on the placed field to open the Field Properties in the bottom-left corner.
- In the Field Set By dropdown, select Merged from Matter to auto-populate the field with data from the matter.
- Choose the specific matter field (e.g., Client First Name, Case Number) to merge into this field.
- Adjust the font, color, and size as needed.
- Click Done to finalize the field.
Configure E-Signature Settings:
- Click on the Settings button located in the top-right corner under "ESIGNATURE".
- In the settings window:
- Toggle the Document has eSignatures? option to Yes.
- Add signer roles by clicking Add Signer for clients or contacts, and Add Firm Signer for firm users.
- For each signer, enter a role label (e.g., "Client", "Authorized Contact", "Managing Attorney").
- Click Apply Settings to save your signer configurations.
Insert Signature Fields:
- After applying the e-signature settings, a Signatures option will appear under the Draggable Field Types on the left panel.
- Drag the Signature field onto the document where a signature is required.
- Click on the placed signature field to open the Edit Properties window in the bottom-left corner.
- In the Field Set By dropdown, select the appropriate signer role for this signature field.
- Optionally, add a label to provide clear instructions to the signer.
- Click Done to finalize the signature field.
- Finalize and Save:
- The document auto-saves as you make changes, so there's no need for a manual save button.
- Ensure that each signer role added in the settings has a corresponding signature field in the document. If any signer role lacks a signature field, the system will prompt you to add the missing fields before allowing the document to be sent for signature.
Important Notes:
- It's mandatory to have at least one signature field for each signer role added to the document. If a role doesn't have a corresponding signature field, you'll receive a warning, and the document cannot be sent for signature until all roles are appropriately assigned.
- The document auto-saves your progress, eliminating the need for manual saving during the creation process.
FAQs
How will the document look once it has been e-signed?
The document will look exactly like your base PDF file, and any signature fields that you have added in the Lawmatics template will be overlayed on the document. Any signatures or other fields used will look as if they have been printed directly on the document.
Does someone from my firm need to sign each document?
No, it is completely up to you to if someone from your firm needs to sign each particular document. There may be some documents that do require a firm signature and others that do not.