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A Signer is a type of recipient who must add their signature or initials to a document.
Every envelope must have at least one signing recipient. Currently, signer is the only signing recipient type available. Approvers and preparers do not sign and cannot replace this requirement.
Depending on the contents of the document, the signer’s signature may:
  • Create legal obligations
  • Serve as evidence of intent
  • Confirm the signer’s knowledge and understanding
  • Authorize specific actions or commitments
  • Fulfill other purposes as defined in the document

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Signer’s Ceremony

The signer interacts with the envelope and its documents through the Signer’s Ceremony. At the start of the ceremony, the signer must agree (consent) to use electronic signatures. This consent is legally required in most jurisdictions for electronic signatures to replace traditional ink-and-paper signatures. After consenting, the signer reviews the documents. If needed, the signer fills out input places, such as text boxes or checkboxes. When ready, the signer clicks the place where their signature or initials is expected. Clicking this button opens a box where signers can draw or type their signature. The signer adopts this symbol to be used as their signature. After filling out all required places, the signer finishes the ceremony by clicking Finalize. All steps of the signer’s ceremony are recorded in the audit log. This log is added to the signed documents included in the deliverable.

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Workflow Example

A typical workflow involving a signer:
1

Create envelope

Include one or more signer recipients with signature places assigned.
2

Signer receives the envelope

The signer receives an email invitation or accesses the ceremony URL.
3

Signer completes their ceremony

The signer consents to electronic signatures, reviews documents, fills in any input places, and adds their signature.
4

Envelope completes

Once all signers have completed their ceremonies, the envelope status changes to completed.

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Creating an Envelope with a Signer

When creating an envelope, specify type: "signer" for recipients who should sign the document. 
// POST https://api.signatureapi.com/v1/envelopes
// X-API-Key: key_test_...
// Content-Type: application/json

{
    "title": "Service Agreement",
    "recipients": [
        {
            "key": "client",
            "type": "signer",
            "name": "Jordan Lee",
            "email": "jordan@example.com"
        }
    ],
    //...
}

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Assigning Places to a Signer

Places are assigned to a signer using the recipient_key property. Signers must have at least one signature or initials place assigned. They can also be assigned other place types such as text inputs and checkboxes. 
{
    "documents": [
        {
            "places": [
                {
                    "type": "signature",
                    "recipient_key": "client",
                    "key": "client_signature",
                    //...
                },
                {
                    "type": "text_input",
                    "recipient_key": "client",
                    "key": "client_title",
                    //...
                }
            ],
            //...
        }
    ],
    //...
}

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Next Steps