How to Send a PDF to Multiple Signers Sequentially
Question details
The user needs to collect signatures from multiple people on a single PDF document at different times but encounters issues because previously signed files are no longer accepted for new requests.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Setting up a sequential signature workflow to route one agreement to multiple recipients in a specific order.
- Observed behavior
- When attempting to send a PDF that was already signed and flattened via basic Fill & Sign tools, the system rejects it as an unsupported or locked file for subsequent automated signature requests.
Ensure you have the original, unsigned version of your PDF document ready, as previously signed or flattened files may be locked for security and cannot be used to initiate a new sequential signature request.
Set Up a Sequential Signing Workflow in Adobe Acrobat Sign
Create a single agreement with all recipients included from the start and establish a strict signing order to automate the routing process.
Instead of manually sending a document back and forth, professional e-signature platforms allow you to automate the routing. By setting a signing order, the document is only forwarded to the second person after the first person has completed their required fields.
Log into Adobe Acrobat Sign, navigate to the Home tab, and click on 'Request e-signatures' to initiate a new agreement.
In the Recipients section, enter the email addresses of all required signers. Ensure the toggle for 'Complete in Order' is turned on so the system assigns a sequential number (1, 2, 3) to each email address.
Click 'Add Files' to upload the original, unsigned PDF document that requires signatures. Do not use a copy that has already been flattened.
Click 'Next' to open the authoring environment. Drag and drop signature fields for each participant, making sure to assign the correct fields to the corresponding recipient in the drop-down menu.
Review your document setup and click 'Send'. The system will automatically route the PDF to the first signer, and then sequentially to the others once the preceding signatures are completed.
Sign and Manage PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides powerful and user-friendly PDF tools, allowing you to easily insert multiple signatures, protect documents, and collaborate securely without relying on expensive, overly complex software.
- 1. Open your document: Launch WPS Office and open the unsigned PDF document you need to prepare.
- 2. Access signature tools: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'Protect' tab located on the top menu ribbon.
- 3. Create and insert signatures: Click 'Sign' to draw, type, or upload an image of your signature, and place it exactly where needed on the document.
- 4. Save and route: Save the signed document securely. You can then share the file via email or WPS Cloud for the next person to review and add their signature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I request a signature on a PDF that's already signed?
Once a PDF is signed using most digital signature tools, it is 'flattened' and secured with encryption to prevent tampering. This security measure locks the document, making it uneditable and incompatible with automated routing for new signature requests.
How does sequential signing actually work?
Sequential signing is an automated workflow where a single document is routed to multiple recipients in a specific order. The second person is only notified to view and sign the document after the first person has successfully completed their assigned fields.
Can I change the signing order after I send the agreement?
In most e-signature platforms, the routing order is locked once the agreement is sent out and the signing process has begun. To change the order, you typically need to cancel the current transaction and send a new request.
Is it possible to have both sequential and parallel signing in one document?
Yes, many advanced e-signature platforms allow hybrid workflows. For example, you can set the document so that two people can sign at the same time (parallel) and, once both are done, route it to a final approver (sequential).
