If you have an agreement that you frequently upload to Common Paper just to collect signatures from your customers, a signature-only template (also called an uploaded template) makes it faster and easier to send out these documents. You upload the document once, place the signature fields, and then send it out as-is to each counterparty.
Creating a signature-only template
Click Templates in the left navigation. Signature-only templates have their own section, Signature-only templates, below the main list of templates.
If you already have signature-only templates, click Upload document next to the section heading.
If you don't have any yet, click Upload a template in the empty section.
Signature-only templates are not created from the Add new template button, which is for Common Paper Standard and custom templates.
On the following screen, upload the file you want to use for your template. This can either be a Word doc (DOCX) or a PDF. You'll be able to place signature fields (and other fields) on the next step.
You'll need to fill out additional information as well:
Agreement Type - This can be one of the standard Common Paper agreement types, or alternatively you can add your own.
Signer - The default signer in your organization who normally signs this agreement. You can change this when you send individual agreements.
Signing Order - The default signing order. Again, you can override when sending individual agreements.
Template Name - This is how the template is listed in the Create or import an agreement menu, and helps you identify it.
Once you are happy with your selections, move on to the Signature Block.
Preparing the Signature Block
On this screen, you'll be able to drag and drop fields for both you and your counterparty to use when signing the agreement.
To switch between adding fields for the sender (you) or the recipient (your counterparty) to complete, use the Signer dropdown. Each field is color coded based on the signer.
There are many different types of fields you can add:
Signature Fields [REQUIRED] - You'll need two of these, one for the Sender and one for the Recipient. You can add more than one if need be.
Date Signed - This field will be automatically populated by the signing software with the date when each party has signed the document.
Auto-fill Fields (Name, Email Address, Company, Title) - While the name suggests these will auto-fill with customer information, they won't. However, signers will be required to fill them out when signing.
Standard Fields - These fields can be used to capture other information on forms such as physical addresses, etc.
Only the signature fields are required.
NOTE: Once you've placed these fields and saved the template, you won't be able to return to edit or change them later.
Once you've set your fields, click Save Template. This will take you right to the Create Agreement form where you can send out a real or test version of your agreement for signature.
Sending a signature-only template for signature
There are two ways to send a signature-only template. From the Templates page, open the ⋮ menu next to your template in the Signature-only templates section and choose Create an agreement.
Alternatively, your template also shows in the Create or import an agreement dropdown on the Agreements list page. Templates appear there in the order an admin sets on the Reorder your templates page, and signature-only templates can be placed anywhere in that order. See Templates and template settings.
However you get to the Create New Agreement form, you'll be asked to provide much of the same information needed when sending normal agreements. Most regular agreement features are supported, such as automated reminders and signature request expirations dates. For agreement types that support collecting fees, you can even include a post-signature billing workflow.
Archived signature-only templates
Archived signature-only templates are kept separately from your other archived templates. Click Show archived uploaded templates below the Signature-only templates section to see them.