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How to Send a Document with a Digital Signature via Email (The Complete eSignGlobal Envelope Guide)

Shunfang
2025-10-26
3min
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When you receive a contract or form by email (usually as a PDF) and want a fast, compliant e-signature, this guide gives you a standard path from email attachment → eSignGlobal envelope → completion & retention, covering single/multi-file packets, time-zone delivery, and approval routing. Overview

Table of Contents

1) When to use this guide

  • You received a PDF that needs signing (or you’ll export your document to PDF first).
  • You want to bundle the main contract with annexes to improve completion and auditability.
  • You need time-zone-aware delivery or must follow a strict approval/signing order.

2) Core flow: from email to “Send Envelope”

Step A: Upload & organize files

  1. Download the PDF attachment from your email.
  2. Sign in to eSignGlobal → open the Send Envelope page.
  3. Add documents: upload PDFs (≤30MB per file; up to 10 files per envelope).

Step B: Add recipients & basics

  1. Add recipients: enter Name + Email for each signer (up to 10 per envelope).
  2. Basics: set Subject (shows in the signer’s inbox) and Remark (internal note).

Step C: Advanced settings & field placement

  1. Advanced: set deadline (≤90 days), CC (≤10), attachments (≤10) → click Next.
  2. Add Fields: drag Signature, Date, Text, Checkbox/Radio to the page → click Send.
  3. Recipients are notified; track status and download the final file & certificate.

3) Key limits & parameters (cheatsheet)

  • Files: PDF; ≤30MB each; ≤10 files per envelope.
  • Recipients: ≤10 per envelope; supports ordered (serial/parallel/mixed) signing.
  • Advanced: deadline ≤90 days; CC ≤10; attachments ≤10.

4) Advanced features: Bulk Send / Scheduled Send / Signing Order

4.1 Bulk Send (one template × many recipients)

Use cases: onboarding packets, policies, partner agreements, annual compliance.
How-to: Install Bulk Send → choose Bulk Send on the Send page → upload a template/file, configure recipients & verification → download sample CSV and fill recipient/CC, subject, remark per row → upload CSV → place fields → Send → monitor progress and export status in Bulk Files.
Bulk Send

4.2 Scheduled Send (time-zones & orchestration)

Use cases: cross-time-zone teams, business-hour delivery, coordinated launches.
How-to: Install Scheduled Send → on the launch page, dropdown next to Direct Send → Send Later (pick date/time) → or on the field page, dropdown next to Send Now → Send Later (pick date/time).
Scheduled Send

4.3 Signing Order (serial/parallel/mixed routing)

Set signing order when adding recipients: same order = parallel, different order = serial. The system triggers steps sequentially; supports ordered/unordered, multi-step per signer, and multi-file re-ordering.

5) SES legality & compliance model (EU/US/HK/SG)

What is SES: Simple Electronic Signature such as typing a name, tick-box consent, a drawn signature, or an uploaded image (not meeting AdES/QES certificate/device requirements).
Key factors: consent, intent to sign, document integrity, auditability (timestamps, IP/UA, action logs), and retention.

Jurisdictions (high level)

  • EU (eIDAS): e-signatures shouldn’t be denied legal effect for being electronic/non-QES; QES has strongest presumption of equivalence.
  • US (E-SIGN/UETA): records can’t be denied effect due to electronic form; consumer cases add e-delivery/consent rules.
  • Hong Kong (ETO): private transactions accept reliable signatures with consent; government matters often require a recognized digital signature.
  • Singapore (ETA): recognizes e-signatures; digital/specified secure signatures carry stronger standing.

When to upgrade: high-value/high-risk/regulated use; when legal presumption is needed; or when counterparties/regulations require qualified certs and controlled devices.

eSignGlobal practice: use SES for most commercial agreements; for higher risk, add access code/OTP (ID/face), certificate/seal, timestamps & hashes, and a complete evidence package.

6) FAQ

Q1: Can I sign non-PDF files? Export to PDF first, then upload.
Q2: Can I bundle the main contract & annexes? Yes—up to 10 files/envelope for a single, complete audit trail.
Q3: How do reminders work with scheduling? Use Send Later plus deadline + auto reminders; use Resend to nudge pending signers.
Q4: How do I balance approvals & speed? Use Signing Order (parallel/serial/mixed) and assign multiple steps to one signer if needed.

7) About eSignGlobal: positioning & advantages

eSignGlobal = Asia-first localization · A great DocuSign alternative · Lower price

  • Localization & compliance aligned to HK ETO, SG ETA, and regional practices.
  • Better TCO with competitive subscriptions and add-ons.
  • Scale features: Bulk, Scheduled, Signing Order, templates, roles/permissions, API & webhooks.
  • Identity & evidence: access code/SMS/ID/face, timestamps & hashes, full audit/evidence packages.

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Shunfang
Head of Product Management at eSignGlobal, a seasoned leader with extensive international experience in the e-signature industry. Follow me on LinkedIn
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