How to send a document from an existing template?

This article will guide you through the process of sending a document for signature using a template with the Sign.Plus eSignature API.

By following these steps, you'll create an envelope from a template, set recipient details, and send the envelope for signature.

Prerequisites

• A Sign.Plus account with an API Plan
• Your Personal Access Token
• An existing template in your Sign.Plus account 

Step 1: Create an envelope from a template

1. Use the POST /v2/envelope/from_template/{template_id} endpoint to create a new envelope from a template.
2. Replace {template_id} with the ID of your existing template.
   Where can I find my template ID?
   • Go to https://app.sign.plus/templates .
     
   • Click on the desired template name.
     
   • Copy the ID from the right sidebar.
3. Send a POST request to POST /v2/envelope/from_template/{template_id} with the following JSON body:
   {
"name": "My wonderful envelope from template"
}
4. Include your API key in the Authorization header.
5. On success, you will receive an Envelopeobject. {
"id": "66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb6d",
// ...
"signing_steps": [
{
"recipients": [
{
"id": "66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb70",
"uid": null,
"name": "",
"email": "",
"role": "SIGNER",
"verification": null
}
]
},
{
"recipients": [
{
"id": "66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb71",
"uid": null,
"name": "",
"email": "",
"role": "RECEIVES_COPY",
"verification": null
},
{
"id": "66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb72",
"uid": null,
"name": "",
"email": "",
"role": "SIGNER",
"verification": null
}
]
}
],
"documents": [
// ...
],
"notification": {
// ...
}
}
6. Save the returned id as envelope_id for future API calls.
7. Record the idof each recipient for later use in the signing process.
   Examples:
   • 66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb71: First SIGNER (Step 1)
   • 66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb71: RECEIVES_A_COPY (Step 1)
   • 66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb72: Second SIGNER (Step 2)

Step 2: Set recipient details

If your template doesn't have fixed recipients and you need to set or update recipient details:

1. Use the POST /v2/envelope/{envelope_id}/signing_steps endpoint to update recipient information.
2. Replace {envelope_id} with the ID you received in Step 1.
3. Send a POST request with the following JSON body:
   {
"signing_steps": [
{
"recipients": [
{
"id": "66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb70",
"name": "John Doe",
"email": "john.doe@example.com",
"role": "SIGNER"
}
]
},
{
"recipients": [
{
"id": "66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb71",
"name": "Mark Twain",
"email": "m.twain@example.com",
"role": "RECEIVES_COPY"
},
{
"id": "66eb7d0467d2d549b89fcb72",
"name": "Jane Smith",
"email": "j.smith@example.com",
"role": "SIGNER"
}
]
}
]
}
4. On success, you'll receive an array of SigningStepobject.

Step 3: Send your envelope for signature

1. Use the POST /v2/envelope/{envelope_id}/send endpoint to send the envelope.
2. Replace {envelope_id} with your envelope ID from Step 1.
3. Send a POST request to this endpoint.
4. On success, the envelope will be sent to the recipient(s) for signature.

Conclusion

You've now successfully sent a document for signature using a template with the Sign.Plus eSignature API. The recipient(s) will receive an email notification with a link to sign the document.

Using templates can significantly streamline your document signing workflow, especially for frequently used documents with consistent layouts and signing requirements.