How to Handle a Downloaded Adobe Sign Agreement Sent by a Signer
Question details
The sender needs to process an Adobe Sign transaction after the signer bypassed the online system by downloading, signing, and manually returning the PDF.
- Product
- Adobe Sign
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- A recipient avoids the standard Adobe Sign online workflow by manually downloading the document, signing it offline, and emailing it back to the sender.
- Observed behavior
- The original signature request remains stuck in 'In Progress' status within the sender's dashboard because the online transaction was never completed.
Log into your e-signature dashboard and locate the pending transaction to verify that its status is currently marked as 'In Progress'.
Instruct the Signer to Complete the Online Workflow
The recommended approach is to have the signer use the original secure link so the transaction completes properly and generates a valid audit trail.
Because e-signature platforms rely on strict tracking to generate a legally binding audit trail, a sender cannot manually upload a downloaded and signed copy to close out a pending online transaction.
The best way to resolve this is to guide the recipient back to the original email request to finish the process electronically.
Ask the recipient to search their email inbox for the original signature request notification you sent.
Instruct the signer to click the 'Review and sign' button inside the email to open the interactive web interface.
Have the signer fill out any mandatory text fields, apply their electronic signature, and click the final 'Click to Sign' button at the bottom of the screen.
Cancel the Pending Agreement and Issue a New Request
If the signer is unable or unwilling to use the original link, cancel the current transaction and initiate a new request.
Easily Sign and Share PDF Documents Using WPS Office
If you want to avoid complex cloud workflows and pending agreement statuses, you can use WPS Office to quickly sign PDFs locally and share them with others.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF file that requires your signature.
- 2. Access the signing tool: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'PDF Edit' tab on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Create your signature: Click on 'Sign' to type your name, draw your signature, or upload an image of your physical signature.
- 4. Save and share: Place the signature on the appropriate line, save the PDF locally, and send it directly to the recipient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my signature request say 'In Progress' when the recipient already emailed me the signed file?
This happens when the signer manually downloads the document and signs it outside of the platform's secure environment. Because the web-based workflow was bypassed, the system never registered the completion.
Can I manually upload the downloaded, signed PDF to complete the transaction as the sender?
No. E-signature platforms generally do not allow senders to upload an offline copy to close a pending transaction, as this breaks the automated audit trail and invalidates the document's tracking history.
How do I ensure a legally binding audit trail when collecting signatures?
To maintain a compliant audit trail, all parties must complete the signing process entirely through the designated e-signature platform's online interface rather than handling the files offline.
