How to Send a PDF for Signature via Email (The Easy Way)
The "old way" of getting a document signed via email is painful for everyone involved:
- You email a PDF attachment to your client.
- They have to print it out.
- They sign it with a pen.
- They scan it (or take a blurry photo with their phone).
- They email it back to you.
This process is slow, creates friction, and often results in low-quality documents that look unprofessional. Worst of all, you have no idea if they've even opened the email.
There is a better, faster, and more professional way. Here is how to send a PDF for signature via email using a modern e-signature tool like Inkless.
✨ The Modern Workflow
Instead of sending a static file attachment, you send a secure signing link.
- For You: You get real-time tracking (viewed vs. signed) and automatic reminders.
- For Them: They click a link and sign on their phone/laptop in 30 seconds. No printing required.
- The Result: A legally binding, high-quality digital PDF for both parties.
📨 Step-by-Step: Sending a Document for Signature
Here is how to do it using Inkless (it's free and takes about 60 seconds).
Step 1: Upload Your PDF
Go to useinkless.com and upload the contract, agreement, or form you need signed.
Step 2: Add Your Recipient(s)
Enter the email address of the person (or people) who need to sign. Pro Tip: You can add multiple signers if, for example, both a husband and wife need to sign a lease.
Step 3: Place the Signature Fields
This is the most important part. Don't make your client guess where to sign.
- Drag and drop the "Signature" box onto the signature line.
- Add a "Date" box (it will auto-fill the date they sign).
- Add "Text" boxes for their Name, Title, or Address if needed.
Why this matters: The recipient will be guided exactly to these spots. They can't miss a page or forget to date the document.
Step 4: Add a Custom Message (Optional)
Add a personal note to the email they'll receive. "Hi John, here is the contract we discussed. Please sign when you have a moment!"
Step 5: Click Send
Inkless instantly sends a branded email to your recipient with a secure link to the document.
🕵️ What Happens After You Click Send?
This is where the magic happens. You are no longer in the dark.
1. Delivery: The recipient gets an email: "Alex sent you a document to sign."
2. Viewing: When they click the link, you (the sender) can see in your dashboard that the document status changed to "Viewed." Now you know they have it!
3. Signing: They sign on their device. No account creation is needed for them. It's frictionless.
4. Completion:
- The document status changes to "Completed."
- You get an email notification instantly.
- Both you and the recipient automatically receive a PDF copy of the final, signed document.
💡 Best Practices for High Response Rates
If you want your documents signed faster, follow these tips:
- Pre-Fill Information: If you know their name and address, type it in for them before sending. The less they have to type, the faster they sign.
- Send Immediately: Send the document while you're still on the phone with them. "I just sent the link—did you get it?"
- Use a Mobile-Friendly Tool: 60% of emails are opened on phones. If your tool (like Inkless) works great on mobile, they can sign from the grocery store line.
- Check the Dashboard: If you see they "Viewed" the doc 3 days ago but haven't signed, it's time for a friendly follow-up text.
🔒 Is This Legally Binding?
Yes. Sending a document via a compliant e-signature platform like Inkless is often more legally robust than a scanned email attachment.
- Audit Trail: Inkless records the IP address, timestamp, and email address of the signer.
- Integrity: The digital PDF is sealed, preventing tampering after the signature is applied.
- Compliance: Meets standards for the ESIGN Act and UETA.
🚀 Start Sending for Free
You don't need expensive software to send professional e-signature requests.
Inkless lets you send unlimited documents for signature via email—completely free.
- Unlimited Sends: Send as many contracts as you need.
- Unlimited Recipients: Add as many signers as required.
- Real-Time Tracking: Know exactly when your deal is closed.
Stop waiting for scanners. Start closing deals.