Sign a contract online: instructions for use

Why sign your contracts online

Why sign your contracts online

Signing a contract online reduces the signing cycle from 3-5 days to a few hours. No need to print, scan, send or restart. Everything happens in a browser, with superior traceability 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 mistakes or typos (no correction possible once signed)
• exact amounts and dates

mandatory annexes attached (DPE for a lease, RIB for a SEPA mandate)

Step 2: add the signatories

• For each recipient:
• full name
• email address
• mobile phone (for OTP SMS if AES)

role (signatory, CC, copy)Define theorder ⬥⬥⬥: parallel (all sign at the same time) or sequential (each signatory after the previous one).

Step 3: place the signature fields

Drag and drop the fields on the PDF:

• "signature" field on the relevant page
• optional: "date", "text", "initials" field on each page
• associate each field with a signatory

Step 4: send and track

Configure the options:

• signature level (SES or AES)
• automatic reminders (D+3, D+7)
• expiration date (generally 15-30 days)

An email is sent to each signatory 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 automatically generated with:

• time-stamped audit footer
• cryptographic fingerprint
• signature in PAdES format

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

Best practices

• Usetemplatesfor recurring contracts (80% gain on preparation)
• PreferAESfor high-stakes contracts (> €5,000)
• Send the contractunambiguously(no marked "draft")
• Relaunch automatically rather than manually
• Wellcommunicatewith the signatory if they have never signed electronically

Frequent errors

• Send without proofreading: any correction requires a new send
• Add wrong signatory or wrong email
• Forget to add annexes
• Use SES for a critical contract
• Do not set an expiration (the contract drags on indefinitely)

How Certyneo helps you

Certyneo makes sending a contract to sign simple and quick: drag-drop of the PDF, intuitive placement of fields, sending in 2 clicks, real-time dashboard. Reusable templates, CRM integrations, automatic reminders, 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, he clicks on the email link, signs, it's over.

What happens if the signatory refuses?

The contract is marked "refused". You can edit it and resubmit, or abandon it.

Can we sign on mobile?

Yes, all modern platforms allow it.

Is the signed contract the same as the PDF sent?

Same content, plus an audit footer and cryptographic fingerprint.

Conclusion

Signing an online contract is done in 5 simple steps. Once the workflow is installed, your sales and administrative cycles will never be the same again.

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