eSign guide
Annex Orbis eSign collects legally binding signatures on PDFs, routes recipients, stamps a completed packet, and keeps an audit certificate. Open the product at app.annexorbis.com/dashboard/esign.
On this page
Concepts
Envelope — the full signing packet: one or more PDFs, recipients, fields, message, routing order, status, and records.
Prepare — the editor where you place fields, set recipients, and send.
Form View — a guided list of required inputs for signers (especially useful on phones), alongside the document canvas.
Template — reusable document + field layout. Can power public form links and bulk send.
Send an envelope
- In the app, open eSign → New envelope and upload one or more PDFs.
- Add recipients (email). Set a routing order when one person must finish before the next is invited.
- Place fields on each page. Use anchor / signature-line helpers when the PDF has obvious “Sign here” marks.
- Send. Recipients get a secure link. When everyone finishes, download the stamped PDF and audit certificate from History.
After send, you can correct an envelope if fields or documents need a fix before everyone has completed.
Field types
| Type | Use |
|---|---|
| Signature / Initials | Drawn, typed, or saved image from the signer |
| Date / Date signed | Manual date, or auto-filled when they finish |
| Text / Number | Free text or numeric input |
| Checkbox / Radio | Optional or required selections |
| Dropdown | Pick-one list from values you define |
| Formula | Computed from other fields at stamp time (e.g. totals) |
Templates, PowerForms & bulk send
- Templates store document structure and field placement. Create an envelope from a template when you send the same packet often.
- PowerForms are public links on a template. Anyone with the link starts a new envelope (useful for waivers and intake forms).
- Bulk send takes a template plus a recipient list and creates many envelopes in one job.
In-person & kiosk
Host-assisted signing keeps a tablet or shared device in the room. A multi-signer kiosk queue advances recipients in order so each person completes their fields, then hands off to the next without email delays.
Self-sign
Use self-sign when only you need to mark a PDF you already have. Store a signature and initials under Saved signatures and reuse them. Completed self-sign packets appear under Self-signed and History.
Custom send-from
Invitation emails leave from:
- Your address — when Mail is enabled for the org, you have a custom-domain mailbox, and you paste a mail API key (
cl_live_…) under eSign → Settings. - no-reply@annexorbis.com — default platform sender when custom send-from is not configured.
Create mailbox API keys in Mail settings. See also the API keys guide.
Org settings
Under eSign → Settings:
- Default reminder cadence and expire-after days
- Brand logo, company name, subject template, post-sign redirect
- Form View default for new envelopes
- Custom send-from address and API key
Audit & legal
Completed envelopes include a stamped PDF and a downloadable audit certificate covering lifecycle events (invites, signatures, completion).
Electronic signatures under Annex Orbis eSign are designed for compliance with the US ESIGN Act and UETA for standard commercial documents. High-stakes or jurisdiction-specific requirements still need your counsel's review.