What documents are supported by DocuSign?

Asked by: Clair Larkin PhD  |  Last update: March 18, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (44 votes)

DocuSign supports a wide range of document types, including common formats like Word (.doc, .docx), PDF (.pdf), Excel (.xls, .xlsx), PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx), and text files (.txt), as well as image files (JPG, PNG, TIFF) and other business documents. It handles various file categories (Documents, Images, Presentations, Spreadsheets) and even allows printing from thousands of applications through its print driver, consolidating them into a single PDF for signing.

What documents can be signed by Docusign?

What types of documents can you electronically sign?

  • Contracts.
  • Applications.
  • Offer letters.
  • Sales contracts.
  • Real estate contracts.
  • Permission slips.
  • Rental/lease agreements.
  • Liability waivers.

Can you make any document a Docusign?

It's easy to upload Word, PDF and other common document formats from your computer or file-sharing systems like Google Drive and OneDrive. Select “I'm the only signer,” and then drag and drop fields into your document to add your signature, initials, dates or other custom fields to fill in.

What documents cannot be signed electronically?

Documents that cannot be electronically signed.

However, as a general rule, the following types of documents typically cannot be signed using an e-signature: Marriage, birth, and death certificates. Wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts.

Can Word documents be sent via Docusign?

With Docusign for Microsoft Word, you can securely send and sign important documents right from Word. You can send a Word document to a new envelope in your Docusign account. From there, you can add recipients, signing fields, and more documents before you send the envelope for signature.

How To Use DocuSign | DocuSign Tutorial For Beginners

32 related questions found

Why can't I upload a PDF to Docusign?

Cause: PDF is an Active XFA Form

While either Static or Active XFA PDFs will upload successfully, Docusign supports only XFA PDFs that are rendered as Static. Docusign will display a warning upon uploading such a document and you may lose some form field recognition and/or field values altogether.

What is meant by "supported file"?

Supported files can be searched for by file type and file format and shared via share link or embed code. In addition: There are no size limits for previews or conversion formats. Roles and permissions can be assigned to all conversion formats. Watermarks can be added to any conversion format.

Does Docusign use PDF or Word?

Docusign works with many types of documents: PDFs, Microsoft® Word Documents, Google Documents, and more.

What are the disadvantages of Docusign?

Understanding the Disadvantages of DocuSign

The platform can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individuals who may not require all the features offered in its higher-tier plans. Furthermore, the pricing structure can be complex, making it difficult for users to predict their exact costs.

Can a PDF be signed in Docusign?

Docusign eSignature supports virtually any type of document file type from most applications–like Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint–to ensure all your important documents can be sent for signature. Docusign eSignature even recognizes PDF documents and automatically tags form fields for data entry by signers.

What types of documents can I eSign?

Electronic signatures can be used for many documents, including contracts, agreements, forms, financial documents, HR documents, real estate documents, government forms, and compliance documents.

Can I convert a document to Docusign?

Upload your Word document using the Docusign for Word app. Docusign for Word automatically converts the document to a PDF file format. Docusign for Word detects form fields in the document and converts them to digital fillable fields.

Can a PDF be signed electronically?

To sign PDF forms, create an electronic signature for free and then place it or your initials anywhere in the PDF document. You can type, draw, or upload an image of your signature.

What are the four types of signatures?

The four main types of signatures broadly categorize physical and digital methods: Wet Signatures (traditional ink on paper), Electronic Signatures (eSignatures) like typed names or clicks, Digital Signatures (cryptographically secured eSignatures), and Other Markings/Symbols, including initials, 'X' marks, or stamps used for authentication. These types vary in security, legal standing, and usage, from formal legal documents to quick online agreements.
 

What format does Docusign use?

Docusign accepts almost all document types, including PDF, DOCX, RTF, TXT, and PNG, and you can store multiple documents in a single envelope. When you add a document file to an envelope, the Docusign platform converts it to PDF and stores it as base64-encoded ASCII.

What is a supporting file?

Supporting Files means computer files containing Supporting Information; View Source.

What image formats are supported by PDF?

The most common image file formats include JPEG, GIF, PNG, TIFF, BMP, and PDF. Read on to learn more about which files will best meet your imagery needs.

What documents can you upload to Docusign?

Docusign is compatible with the most commonly used file types, including Word, PDF, Excel, or Google Docs. The signing process is consistent, no matter the platform: upload your file, place signature fields, adopt your signature, and finish.

How to turn a PDF into a signable document?

To make a PDF signable, use a tool like Adobe Acrobat, Smallpdf, or DocuSign to open the file, select the "Fill & Sign" or "Prepare Form" tool, and add signature fields, allowing users to type, draw, or upload their signature before sending or saving the document. 

Can I put a word document into Docusign?

You can send a Word document to a new envelope in your Docusign account. From there, you can add recipients, signing fields, and more documents before you send the envelope for signature. Edit and save your Word document. Select Docusign from the ribbon.

How do I put a document into Docusign?

To upload documents through the File menu:

  1. Navigate to the location or folder to upload the document, and select File > Upload. The Browse window displays, allowing you to select documents for upload.
  2. Select the documents you want to upload to Docusign. Once all documents have been chosen, select Open.

How do I send a document that needs to be signed electronically?

To send a document for electronic signature, use platforms like Docusign or Adobe Acrobat, where you upload your document (PDF, Word, etc.), add recipients' emails, drag signature/date fields onto the document, and click send; the platform emails the signers a link, and you track the status and receive the signed copy. Google Workspace also offers built-in eSignature for Docs and PDFs. 

Is Docusign free with Office 365?

No, DocuSign isn't entirely free with Office 365; you get basic integration to send/sign from Microsoft apps, but sending documents for signatures beyond a few per month requires a paid DocuSign subscription, though signing documents sent by others is always free for recipients. Microsoft offers free trial periods or limited free signature requests with its apps, but full functionality for sending many documents needs paid plans, which can be managed via Microsoft's admin center for organization-wide use.