How to Edit a DocuSign Document: Step-by-Step Guide

Editing DocuSign documents is a crucial skill for professionals handling digital agreements. Whether you need to make changes before or after sending, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step. You'll learn how to edit document content, modify form fields, and even update templates to streamline future transactions. Plus, discover how AI tools like Bardeen can automate repetitive tasks, saving you time and effort. Ready to become a DocuSign editing pro and close deals faster?

Understanding DocuSign Document Editing Capabilities

DocuSign is a powerful tool for securely signing and sending documents, but it's important to understand its editing capabilities before and after a document has been sent for signature. This section will explain the differences, define templates, clarify partial document editing, and describe form field handling.

1. Editing Before vs After Sending

The ability to edit a DocuSign document depends on whether it has already been sent for signature. Before sending, you have full control to modify the document content and form fields. However, once sent, editing is limited to ensure document integrity and legal validity of signatures.

For example, if you realize a mistake after sending a sales contract for signature, you can't simply edit the existing document. Instead, you'll need to void it and send a corrected version, as explained later in this guide.

2. DocuSign Templates Explained

Templates in DocuSign allow you to create reusable document layouts with predefined form fields and settings. When sending a document based on a template, the content remains locked but you can still add or modify form fields before sending.

Using templates saves time and ensures consistency when repeatedly sending similar documents like NDAs or lease agreements. Templates relate to editing by providing a controlled starting point for customization.

To streamline your workflow, you might want to connect Google Docs with DocuSign for better document management.

3. Editing Select Pages of Multi-Page Documents

DocuSign treats a document as a single entity, so it's not possible to edit individual pages once a document has been uploaded. If changes are needed, the entire document must be replaced before sending.

One workaround is to separate a large document into smaller separate documents, so only the relevant section needs to be edited and resent if changes are required after sending for signature. This is more manageable than replacing a lengthy document.

4. Form Field Placement When Replacing Documents

If you do need to replace an entire document before sending, DocuSign can maintain your existing form field placement from the original version. This is helpful so you don't have to start over with adding signing boxes, date fields, etc.

When editing and reuploading a document, choose "Replace" rather than "Attach" to preserve field locations. The system will attempt to match fields based on the document structure, saving time and effort.

DocuSign's editing capabilities depend on the document status and whether templates are used. Partial page editing isn't supported, but field placement can be maintained when replacing documents.

Next up, we'll walk through how to edit an unsigned DocuSign document step-by-step, including replacing content and modifying form fields.

Editing an Unsigned DocuSign Document

Editing an unsigned DocuSign document is a straightforward process that allows you to make changes to the content, form fields, and recipient information before sending it out for signature. This section will provide step-by-step instructions, tips for using DocuSign's editor, guidance on modifying elements, and best practices to ensure a smooth editing experience.

1. Accessing and Editing an Unsigned Document

To edit an unsigned DocuSign document, start by logging into your account and navigating to the "Manage" page. Locate the envelope containing the document you wish to edit and click on it to open the details view.

Next, click the "Correct" button to switch the envelope status to "Correcting." This prevents recipients from signing while you make changes. You can now access the document and begin editing.

2. Making Content Changes with DocuSign's Editor

Once in the DocuSign editor, you can easily make changes to the document's content. Use the toolbar at the top to format text, add images, or insert new pages. Simply click on the text you want to modify and start typing.

If you need to replace the entire document, click the three-dot menu next to the document name and select "Replace." This allows you to upload a new version while maintaining the original document's form fields and placement.

3. Modifying Form Fields and DocuSign Elements

In addition to content changes, you can modify or add form fields, signature boxes, and other DocuSign elements to an unsigned document. To do this, navigate to the "Fields" tab in the editor.

From here, you can drag and drop new fields onto the document, reposition existing ones, or delete unnecessary fields. Be sure to assign each field to the appropriate recipient and set any required properties, such as making a field mandatory.

4. Best Practices for Editing Unsigned Documents

To avoid common mistakes when editing unsigned DocuSign documents, follow these best practices:

• Double-check recipient information before sending to ensure the right people receive the document.
• Preview the document after making changes to catch any errors or formatting issues.
• Use "Replace" instead of removing and re-adding documents to maintain field placement.
• Communicate with recipients about any changes made to the document to avoid confusion.

By following these steps and best practices, you can easily edit an unsigned DocuSign document's content and form fields to ensure it meets your needs before sending it out for signature. For more advanced features, consider using tools to enhance your data management.

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Now that you know how to edit an unsigned document, let's explore the process and limitations of editing a document that has already been signed in the next section.

Editing a Signed DocuSign Document

Editing a DocuSign document that has already been signed comes with limitations and legal implications. Once a document is signed, it is considered legally binding, and making changes to it can invalidate the signatures and agreement. In this section, we'll explore the alternatives to editing a signed document, the process of voiding and replacing it, and best practices for version control.

1. Limitations and Legal Implications of Editing Signed Documents

When a DocuSign document has been signed by all parties, it is considered a legally binding agreement. Attempting to edit the content of a signed document can invalidate the signatures and the entire agreement, leading to potential legal issues.

For example, if a contract has been signed by both the client and the service provider, and the service provider later discovers an error in the pricing, they cannot simply edit the document and resend it. Doing so would render the original signatures invalid and could lead to disputes or legal challenges.

2. Voiding and Replacing: An Alternative to Editing

Instead of attempting to edit a signed document, the recommended approach is to void the original document and send a new, amended version for signature. Voiding a document essentially cancels it, rendering it invalid and no longer legally binding.

To void a signed document in DocuSign, navigate to the "Manage" page, locate the envelope containing the signed document, and click "Void." You'll be prompted to provide a reason for voiding the document, which will be sent to all recipients.

3. Sending an Amended Version for New Signatures

After voiding the original document, you can create a new envelope with the amended version of the document. Make sure to clearly indicate that this is an amended version, highlighting the changes made from the original.

Send the new envelope to all parties for signature. It's important to communicate the reason for the new version and ensure that everyone understands the changes made. This process ensures that all parties are aware of and agree to the amendments.

4. Version Control Best Practices

To maintain a clear audit trail and avoid confusion, it's crucial to implement version control best practices when managing DocuSign documents. This includes:

• Clearly labeling each version of the document (e.g., "Contract v1.0," "Contract v2.0")
• Keeping a record of all changes made between versions
• Storing all versions securely in a centralized location
• Communicating version changes to all relevant parties

By following these best practices, you can ensure that everyone is working with the most up-to-date version of the document and minimize the risk of errors or disputes.

Voiding and replacing a signed document may take extra time and effort, but it is the most legally sound approach. Version control best practices will help you stay organized and maintain a clear audit trail if you have to change a signed document. Now, let's explore how you can enrich LinkedIn profiles using Google Sheets to prevent issues before sending documents for signature.

Editing DocuSign Templates

DocuSign templates allow you to create reusable document layouts with pre-placed fields, making it easy to send similar documents repeatedly. By editing templates, you can update the document content, form fields, and recipient roles without starting from scratch each time. In this section, we'll cover how to access and edit templates, modify the document content, adjust form fields and recipient roles, and understand the impact of template changes on previously sent documents.

1. Understanding the Purpose of DocuSign Templates

DocuSign templates are designed to save time and ensure consistency when sending frequently used documents, such as NDAs, contracts, or onboarding forms. Instead of creating a new document each time, you can use a template with pre-configured fields, branding, and recipient roles.

For example, a law firm might create a template for a standard client engagement agreement. By using a template, they can ensure that all necessary fields and legal clauses are included, and the document is formatted correctly every time it's sent.

2. Accessing and Editing Existing Templates

To edit a DocuSign template, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your DocuSign account and navigate to the "Templates" section
2. Locate the template you want to edit and click on its name to open the template details page
3. Click the "Edit" button to access the template editor
4. Make your desired changes to the document content, form fields, or recipient roles (covered in the next sections)
5. Click "Save and Close" to update the template

3. Modifying the Document Content

Within the template editor, you can modify the underlying document content, such as text, images, and formatting. To edit the document:

• Click on the document to open the content editor
• Make your desired changes, such as updating text, replacing images, or adjusting formatting
• Click "Save" to apply your changes to the template document

Keep in mind that modifying the document content will affect all future envelopes sent using this template, so be cautious when making significant changes.

4. Adjusting Form Fields and Recipient Roles

Templates often include pre-placed form fields and assigned recipient roles. To edit these elements:

• Drag and drop new fields from the "Fields" palette onto the document
• Click on existing fields to modify their properties, such as field type, size, or formatting
• Use the "Recipients" tab to add, remove, or reorder recipients and assign them to specific fields
• Adjust field settings, such as required fields or conditional logic, as needed

Be careful when removing or re-assigning fields, as it may impact the completion of documents sent using the template.

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5. Understanding the Impact of Template Changes

When you edit a template, the changes will apply to all future envelopes sent using that template. However, any documents that were previously sent using the template will not be affected by the changes.

If you need to update a previously sent document based on a template, you'll need to create a new envelope using the updated template and send it to the recipients for re-signing.

Editing templates allows you to refine and improve your frequently used documents over time. By carefully considering the impact of template changes and communicating them to your team, you can maintain consistency and efficiency in your document workflows.

You've made it this far in learning how to edit DocuSign documents! Give yourself a pat on the back for your dedication. In the next and final section, we'll summarize the key takeaways from this guide. Learn more about integrating Google Sheets with your documents.

Conclusions

Knowing how to edit a DocuSign document is crucial for managing agreements efficiently and accurately. This guide covered the essential aspects of editing DocuSign documents:

• DocuSign document editing capabilities, including editing before and after sending, using templates, and handling form fields
• Editing an unsigned DocuSign document, with step-by-step instructions and best practices
• Editing a signed DocuSign document, including limitations, alternatives, and version control
• Editing DocuSign templates to streamline document creation and maintain consistency

By mastering the art of editing DocuSign documents, you'll save time, reduce errors, and impress your colleagues. Don't let your documents control you – take charge and become a DocuSign editing expert today! For more ways to manage your documents, learn how to integrate Dropbox with other apps to keep everything organized.