How to Get a Contract Signed Online: Step-by-Step Guide

Why sign contracts online

Getting a contract signed online reduces the signing cycle from 3-5 days to just a few hours. No need to print, scan, mail, or follow up manually. Everything happens in a browser, with superior traceability compared to paper.

Step 1: Prepare the document

Start with a clean PDF (ideally < 10 MB for performance). If your contract is in Word, the platform automatically converts it to PDF.

Check before sending:

• no typos or errors (corrections are not possible once signed)

• exact amounts and dates

• required attachments included (energy performance certificate for a lease, bank details for a SEPA mandate)

Step 2: Add signatories

For each recipient:

• full name

• email address

• mobile phone number (for SMS OTP if AES)

• role (signer, CC, in copy)

Define the order: parallel (all sign at the same time) or sequential (each signer after the previous one).

Step 3: Place signature fields

Drag and drop fields onto the PDF:

• "signature" field on the relevant page

• optional: "date", "text", "initials" field on each page

• associate each field with a signer

Step 4: Send and track

Configure options:

• signature level (SES or AES)

• automatic follow-ups (Day+3, Day+7)

• expiration date (usually 15-30 days)

An email is sent to each signer with a unique link. From your dashboard, you see in real time: sent → opened → signed.

Step 5: Archive and reuse

Once all signatories have signed, the final PDF is generated automatically with:

• timestamped audit footer

• cryptographic hash

• signature in PAdES format

The document is archived for 10 years by default. You can export it at any time or share it with a third party.

Best practices

• Use templates for recurring contracts (80% time savings on preparation)

• Prefer AES for high-stakes contracts (> €5,000)

• Send the contract unambiguously (no "draft" marking)

• Set up automatic follow-ups rather than manual ones

• Communicate clearly with the signer if they have never signed electronically before

Common mistakes

• Sending without reviewing: any necessary correction requires a new send

• Adding wrong signer or wrong email

• Forgetting to add attachments

• Using SES for a critical contract

• Not setting an expiration date (the contract lingers indefinitely)

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo makes sending a contract for signature simple and fast: drag-drop the PDF, intuitive field placement, send in 2 clicks, real-time dashboard. Reusable templates, CRM integrations, automatic follow-ups, 10-year archiving.

Discover the Certyneo electronic signature solution

FAQ

How long does it take to send a contract?

2-5 minutes for a simple contract, more for complex templates.

Does the signer need to create an account?

No, they click the email link, sign, and that's it.

What happens if the signer refuses?

The contract is marked "refused". You can modify it and resend, or abandon it.

Can you sign on mobile?

Yes, all modern platforms support it.

Is the signed contract the same as the PDF sent?

Same content, plus an audit footer and cryptographic hash.

Conclusion

Signing a contract online takes 5 simple steps. Once the workflow is in place, your sales and administrative cycles will never be the same again.

Try Certyneo to send, sign, and track your documents online easily, quickly, and securely.