How to Add Fields in DocuSign: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tired of manually adding fields to your DocuSign documents? This step-by-step guide will show you how to streamline the process and create user-friendly forms that get signed faster. You'll learn about the different field types, best practices for organizing them, and even how to automate any task with AI tools like Bardeen. Whether you're new to DocuSign or looking to improve your workflow, this guide has everything you need to become a field-adding pro. Get ready to save time and close more deals!

Types of Fields You Can Add in DocuSign

DocuSign offers several types of fields that you can add to your documents, each serving a specific purpose. These fields allow you to gather information, obtain signatures, and ensure that your documents are completed accurately. Let's explore the different field types available in DocuSign and when to use them.

1. Text Fields

Text fields are the most basic type of field in DocuSign. They allow recipients to enter plain text information, such as their name, address, or any other required details. Text fields are versatile and can be used in various scenarios, such as collecting contact information or gathering specific details related to the document.

For example, when sending a contract, you might include text fields for the recipient's full name, company name, and email address. This ensures that you have accurate information for future communication and record-keeping.

2. Signature Fields

Signature fields are essential when you need to obtain legally binding signatures from your recipients. DocuSign's signature fields allow recipients to electronically sign the document using various methods, such as typing their name, drawing their signature, or uploading an image of their signature.

Signature fields are commonly used in contracts, agreements, and any other documents that require a formal acknowledgement or agreement from the recipient. By adding signature fields, you can streamline the signing process and eliminate the need for printing and scanning documents manually.

3. Date Fields

Date fields are used when you need to capture a specific date within your document. This can be useful for recording important milestones, such as the effective date of a contract or the expiration date of an agreement. DocuSign's date fields ensure that the date format is consistent and eliminates the risk of confusion or errors.

For instance, if you're preparing a lease agreement, you might include date fields for the lease start date and end date. This helps clearly define the duration of the lease and provides a reference point for both parties.

4. Checkbox Fields

Checkbox fields are used when you need recipients to select one or more options from a predefined list. This field type is helpful when gathering information that has a limited set of choices or when you need recipients to acknowledge specific terms or conditions.

For example, if you're sending a consent form, you can use checkbox fields to allow recipients to select the specific items they agree to. This ensures clarity and helps avoid any misunderstandings regarding the recipient's preferences or permissions.

DocuSign's field types offer the flexibility to create documents that are tailored to your specific needs. By understanding the purpose and use cases for each field type, you can effectively gather the necessary information and signatures from your recipients.

In the next section of this guide, we'll dive into the basics of adding fields to a document template in DocuSign. You'll learn how to position fields, customize their properties, and ensure that your documents are ready for sending and signing. For more tips, check out our guide on lead enrichment.

Adding Fields to a Document Template in DocuSign

Adding fields to a document template in DocuSign is a straightforward process that allows you to create reusable documents with predefined fields. By setting up fields in a template, you can save time and ensure consistency when sending out documents for signature. Let's explore the steps involved in adding fields to a template and best practices to keep in mind.

1. Accessing the Template Editor

To add fields to a document template, you first need to access the template editor in DocuSign. Start by logging into your DocuSign account and navigating to the Templates section. Select the template you want to edit or create a new one by uploading a document. Once in the template editor, you'll see your document and the available tools for adding fields.

Automate document tasks by using Bardeen to integrate Google Drive with other apps.

2. Placing Fields on the Document

With the template editor open, you can start placing fields on your document. DocuSign provides a variety of field types, such as text fields, signature fields, date fields, and checkboxes. To add a field, simply drag and drop the desired field type from the toolbar onto the appropriate location in the document. You can position the field precisely by using the alignment tools and guides.

For example, if you're creating an employment contract template, you might add text fields for the employee's name and address, a signature field for their signature, and a date field for the contract start date.

3. Customizing Field Properties

Once you've placed a field on the document, you can customize its properties to fit your specific requirements. Double-click on the field to open the field properties dialog box. Here, you can modify various settings such as the field label, default value, font size, and alignment. You can also set fields as required or optional, depending on whether the information is mandatory or not.

For instance, if you're adding a signature field, you might want to set it as required to ensure that the document cannot be submitted without a signature. Additionally, you can specify the signing order if multiple signers are involved.

4. Organizing and Naming Fields

As you add more fields to your template, it's crucial to keep them organized and properly named. Use descriptive names for your fields that clearly indicate their purpose. This makes it easier for both you and the recipients to understand the information being requested. Consider grouping related fields together using DocuSign's layout tools, such as tables or sections.

For example, if you have multiple fields related to a person's contact information, you could group them under a "Contact Information" section. This helps keep the document structured and easy to navigate.

5. Saving and Using the Template

Once you've finished adding and configuring fields in your template, it's time to save your work. Click the "Save and Close" button to store the template in your DocuSign account. You can then use this template whenever you need to send out a document with the same set of fields. Simply create a new envelope, select the template, and fill in any necessary recipient information.

By saving templates with predefined fields, you can streamline your document workflow and ensure that all required information is captured consistently across multiple documents.

Save time and improve accuracy by using Bardeen's integrate Google Docs feature.

Adding fields to document templates in DocuSign allows you to create efficient and standardized documents. By following these steps and best practices, you'll be able to set up templates that save time and minimize errors.

In the next section, we'll explore how to customize field properties to further tailor your templates to your specific needs. From setting required fields to using conditional logic, you'll discover the power and flexibility of DocuSign's field customization options.

Customizing Field Properties in DocuSign

When adding fields to a document template in DocuSign, customizing their properties is crucial for creating a smooth and efficient signing experience. By configuring field settings such as required vs optional, conditional logic, default values, and validation, you can ensure that signers provide the necessary information accurately. Let's explore how to customize field properties and when to use each option.

1. Setting Required and Optional Fields

One of the most important properties to configure is whether a field is required or optional. Required fields must be completed by the signer before they can submit the document, while optional fields can be left blank. To set a field as required, simply check the "Required" checkbox in the field properties dialog.

For example, in a contract, you might set the signature field as required to ensure that the document is legally binding. On the other hand, a field for additional comments could be marked as optional, giving signers the flexibility to provide feedback if desired.

2. Implementing Conditional Logic

Conditional fields allow you to create dynamic forms that adapt based on the signer's input. With conditional logic, you can show or hide fields, enable or disable them, or set their values automatically based on the answers to previous fields. This feature is particularly useful for complex documents with multiple sections or variations.

To create a conditional field, you'll need to define the conditions and actions in the field properties. For instance, in a rental application, you might have a field asking if the applicant has a co-signer. If they select "Yes," additional fields for the co-signer's information would appear, while selecting "No" would hide those fields.

3. Providing Default Field Values

Setting default values for fields can save time and reduce errors by pre-filling common information. Default values can be static, such as a standard contract clause, or dynamic, such as automatically populating the current date. To set a default value, enter the desired text or formula in the "Default Value" field of the properties dialog.

For example, you might set a default value for a date field to use the current date, ensuring that the document is always dated correctly. Similarly, you could pre-fill a company name or address field to avoid repetitive typing for the signer.

4. Applying Field Validation Rules

Validation rules help maintain data integrity by ensuring that signers enter information in the correct format. DocuSign offers various validation options depending on the field type, such as text, number, email, or date. By applying validation rules, you can minimize errors and improve the overall quality of the collected data.

To set validation rules, select the appropriate option from the "Validation" dropdown in the field properties. For instance, you might apply a number validation to a field for a social security number, limiting it to a specific format. Similarly, an email validation rule would ensure that signers enter a valid email address format.

By customizing field properties in DocuSign, you can create templates that are tailored to your specific requirements. Whether it's setting required fields, implementing conditional logic, providing default values, or applying validation rules, these customization options will help you build efficient and user-friendly documents.

Next up, we'll dive into tips for designing forms that are intuitive and easy to complete, ensuring a positive signing experience for your recipients.

Tips for Creating User-Friendly Forms in DocuSign

Designing user-friendly forms in DocuSign is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient signing experience. By following best practices for labeling and grouping fields, minimizing the number of fields, considering accessibility, and optimizing for mobile responsiveness, you can create forms that are intuitive and easy to complete. Let's explore these tips in more detail and see how they contribute to a positive user experience.

1. Logical Field Labeling and Grouping

Clear and concise field labels are crucial for guiding signers through the document. Use descriptive labels that accurately represent the information being requested, such as "First Name" or "Email Address." Avoid ambiguous or confusing labels that may lead to errors or frustration.

Grouping related fields together can also improve readability and comprehension. For example, in an employment application, you might group personal information fields (name, address, phone number) in one section and employment history in another. This logical organization helps signers navigate the form more efficiently.

2. Minimizing Field Count

While it's tempting to include every possible field in a form, a cluttered document can overwhelm signers and lead to abandonment. Evaluate each field critically and ask yourself if it's truly necessary for the purpose of the document. If a field is optional or rarely used, consider removing it or making it conditional based on other responses.

By keeping the number of fields to a minimum, you reduce the cognitive load on signers and increase the likelihood of completion. Remember, every additional field is an opportunity for confusion or frustration, so be judicious in your field selection.

3. Designing for Accessibility

Accessibility is an essential consideration when designing forms in DocuSign. Ensure that your form is usable by individuals with disabilities, such as those using assistive technologies like screen readers. Use clear, high-contrast text and provide alternative text for images or non-text elements.

In addition, consider the reading level of your target audience and use plain, easy-to-understand language. Avoid jargon or complex terminology that may be barriers to comprehension. By designing with accessibility in mind, you create a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all signers.

4. Optimizing for Mobile Responsiveness

With the increasing prevalence of mobile devices, it's crucial to design forms that render well on smaller screens. Mobile-responsive forms adapt to different screen sizes and orientations, providing a seamless signing experience across devices.

To optimize for mobile responsiveness, use a single-column layout that stacks fields vertically. Ensure that buttons and form controls are large enough to be easily tapped with a finger.

Bardeen helps test your form on various devices quickly. Discover more here for optimizing mobile responsiveness.

By following these tips for creating user-friendly forms in DocuSign, you can improve completion rates, reduce errors, and provide a positive signing experience for your recipients. Remember, a well-designed form is an investment in your document's success.

Congratulations on making it this far in the guide! Your dedication to mastering DocuSign is truly commendable. In the next section, we'll tie everything together and summarize the key points you've learned throughout this journey. Learn more about sales demos and how they can enhance your business interactions.

Conclusions

Mastering the skill of adding fields in DocuSign is crucial for creating effective and efficient documents. In this guide, you discovered:

• The various field types available and their specific use cases
• Step-by-step instructions for adding fields to document templates
• Customizing field properties to suit your document's requirements
• Best practices for designing user-friendly forms that are accessible and mobile-responsive

By applying the knowledge gained from this guide, you'll be well-equipped to create professional and streamlined documents in DocuSign. Don't let poorly designed forms hold you back from achieving your goals! For more tips on improving your workflow, check out how to automate sales with AI or automate sales prospecting.