In-document Comments
Allow inline notes tied to specific locations so reviewers can reference exact clauses and provide contextual guidance during the signature process.
Combining a comment viewer with eSignature centralizes feedback and signature actions in one place, reducing confusion and speeding approvals while keeping an auditable record of reviewer input and signer intent.
Administrators configure commenting and signature policies, manage user roles, set retention rules, and oversee audit-log exports to ensure the system aligns with organizational compliance needs and process standards.
Reviewers provide inline comments and resolve notes, while signers complete signature fields; these users follow visibility rules and contribute to the transaction audit trail without managing system-wide settings.
Allow inline notes tied to specific locations so reviewers can reference exact clauses and provide contextual guidance during the signature process.
Support multi-message threads so collaborators can reply, resolve, and reopen comment chains without losing prior context during sign-off stages.
Assign comments to individual reviewers or signers for clear responsibility and follow-up within the same eSignature transaction.
Restrict which parties can see or edit comments, helping organizations separate internal review notes from external signer-visible comments.
Associate comments with adjacent signature or initial fields to clarify signer questions and ensure signers address reviewer notes before completing the document.
Capture comment timestamps, authorship, and resolutions in the transaction history to support compliance reviews and dispute resolution.
Link document comment and signature events to cloud repositories such as Google Drive or Dropbox so the latest annotated and signed files are stored centrally and version-controlled.
Embed comment-enabled signature workflows into CRM records to preserve negotiation comments, signature status, and attachments in the customer record for sales and legal teams.
Synchronize comment threads and signer activity with collaboration tools so teams can see document feedback and signature progress within their existing communication channels.
Expose comment viewer and signature capabilities via API so developers can build custom approval flows, surface comments in portals, and automate status updates.
| Workflow Setting | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Automatic Reminders | 48 hours |
| Signer Order Enforcement | Sequential |
| Comment Visibility Default | Internal only |
| Audit Logging Level | Full events |
| Document Retention Policy | 7 years |
Most comment viewer and eSignature tools run in modern browsers and on native mobile apps, supporting major desktop and mobile operating systems for reviewers and signers.
For best results, use the latest browser versions, enable JavaScript, and confirm mobile app permissions; integrations may require separate connectors or account authorizations to surface comments across systems.
| Feature | signNow (Recommended) | DocuSign | Adobe Sign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inline Commenting | Limited | ||
| Threaded Discussions | Limited | ||
| Comment Visibility Controls | Granular | Basic | Granular |
| Comment Link to Fields |
30 to 90 days for drafts and active negotiations
3 to 7 years for signed contracts in many industries
Follow industry-specific mandates such as HIPAA or FERPA requirements
Move older signed files to cold storage
Delete records per policy after retention expiry
| Provider Plans | signNow (Featured) | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | HelloSign | PandaDoc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level Access | Basic eSignature and comment viewer included | Core eSignature plan only | Included with Acrobat subscription | Simple commenting included | Entry plan with limited workflows |
| API Access | Available on paid plans with developer support | Paid API plans required | Enterprise API available | Developer API available | API on business tiers |
| Bulk Send Support | Available on business plans | Enterprise add-on | Enterprise feature | Business plan feature | Business plan add-on |
| Enterprise Controls | Role, SSO, and retention options | SSO and advanced admin | SSO and compliance tooling | Enterprise administration | Admin controls and SSO |
| Support & SLA | Business support with optional SLAs | Paid support tiers | Enterprise level support | Email support with upgrades | Priority support on enterprise tiers |
Create, execute, and manage workflows of any complexity, electronically from virtually anywhere. Scalable eSignature capabilities allow you to share documents with the right people in the correct order and define roles for each recipient. Execute document workflows faster and easier than ever before.
Optimize complex signing processes with airSlate SignNow’s powerful features to enhance your business. Control your automated eSignature workflows to ensure they're running at peak performance with instant notifications and reminders.
Bring teams together in a secure, shared environment. Manage documents, use form templates and notifications to create more efficient cross-organization collaboration. Free your employees from having to spend time on repetitive activities so that they can focus on valuable, business-critical tasks.
Run your projects with industry-leading integration. Collect Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, and SharePoint all in one business flow. Connect your software to a single system for endless possibilities and more productiveness.
Feel confident with the knowledge that your data is protected by the most recent in encryption security. airSlate SignNow is GDPR and eIDAS compliant and provides you visibility into your eSigning procedure with court-admissible audit trails. Set up user access permissions and roles to manage who has access to what.