How to Send a PDF Sequentially to Multiple Digital Signers
Question details
The user needs to send a single PDF document to several recipients so that each person applies their digital signature in a predetermined, sequential order.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Routing a contract or agreement for approval where signatures must be collected from multiple parties in a specific sequence.
- Observed behavior
- The user requires a workflow that tracks the signing progress and automatically notifies each recipient only when it is their turn to sign the PDF document.
Verify the correct email addresses for all signers and confirm the exact sequence of approval required before initiating the document routing process.
Use Dedicated E-Signature Workflows for Sequential Routing
Use an advanced electronic signature platform like Adobe Acrobat Sign to arrange recipients in a required signing order and automatically notify them when it is their turn.
Standard desktop PDF editors allow for applying multiple signatures, but automatically routing a document sequentially via email requires an electronic signature service. These platforms manage the email notifications, enforce the signing order, and track the overall progress.
Log in to your preferred e-signature service dashboard (such as Adobe Acrobat Sign) and select the option to 'Request e-signatures'.
Input the email addresses of your signers. Ensure the 'Complete in Order' or sequential routing toggle is enabled so the platform routes the document sequentially based on the list order.
Attach or upload the PDF file that requires the signatures.
Proceed to the document preparation interface. Drag and drop the required signature and text fields into the PDF, carefully assigning each field to the corresponding recipient.
Click 'Send'. The system will automatically email the PDF to the first signer and will only notify the next recipient once the previous person has finalized their signature.
Sign and Manage PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit that makes it simple to edit, share, and digitally sign documents. While complex automated email routing is typically handled by enterprise e-sign services, WPS PDF allows you to securely add and manage multiple digital signatures locally before sharing the file with your team.
- 1. Open your PDF file: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document that requires digital signatures.
- 2. Navigate to the protection tools: Click on the 'Protect' or 'Fill & Sign' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
- 3. Apply a digital signature: Select the 'Sign' tool to create a new digital signature or insert an existing digital ID into the designated field.
- 4. Save and share securely: Save the signed PDF document and forward it manually to the next recipient in your workflow via email or cloud link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the signing order after the PDF has been sent?
In most e-signature platforms, once a document is sent for sequential signing, the order is locked. You typically need to cancel the current agreement and send a new request to modify the sequence.
What happens if a recipient declines to sign the PDF?
If any person in the sequence declines to sign the document, the sequential routing process halts. The PDF will not be forwarded to subsequent signers, and the sender will receive a cancellation notification.
Do recipients need special software to sign the document sequentially?
No. When using dedicated e-signature routing services, recipients receive an email with a secure link that allows them to review and sign the PDF directly in their web browser, without needing to install specialized software.
How can I check whose turn it is to sign the PDF?
You can track the document's progress through the dashboard of your e-signature provider. The status page will show which recipients have completed their action and whose signature is currently pending.
