You send an envelope by making a POST request to /v1/envelopes. The request includes your document, the parties who need to sign, and the fields where they enter information.
The API supports two methods for providing documents:
- Upload a document – Send the file directly in your request
- Use a template – Reference a pre-configured template by its fingerprint
The two methods differ in how you configure and send documents:
| Upload a document | Use a template | |
|---|---|---|
| Document source | File sent in request | Template fingerprint |
| Field placement | Tags in document | Pre-configured in web app |
| Party assignment | Defined in request | Assigned to template roles |
| Setup required | None | Create template first |
Before you begin, ensure you have authenticated with the API. For instructions on using your API key, see the Authentication documentation.
Upload a document when you send files that vary between recipients or when you generate documents programmatically.
You define signature fields using tags — special markers such as {signature:signer1} or {date:signer1} that you place in your document before uploading. Signable detects these tags and creates interactive fields at those locations.
Use this method for:
- One-off contracts or agreements
- Documents generated from your application
- Situations where content or field placement changes each time
For more information, see Send an envelope with an uploaded document.
You can only use one document input method per request. You cannot upload a document and provide a template fingerprint in the same API call.
- Signable concepts – Understand envelopes, parties, and fields
- Tags – Place fields automatically using text markers
- Webhooks – Receive notifications when envelopes are signed