Search Documents in SignNow
Easily finding the right document is essential for staying productive and organized in your digital workflow. SignNow offers a robust search feature that lets you quickly locate documents using a variety of parameters, whether you’re looking for a contract by name, tracking down a signer’s email, or searching for specific text within fillable fields. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about searching documents in SignNow, from accessing the search bar to advanced tips for efficient searching.
Understanding Document Search in SignNow
SignNow’s document search functionality is designed to help you pinpoint exactly what you need, even if you only remember a small detail about the document. With customizable search parameters, you can filter your results by document name, signer or inviter email, text within fillable fields, or even by document ID or group ID. This flexibility ensures that whether you’re managing a handful of files or a large archive, you’ll always be able to find what you’re looking for quickly and efficiently. The search bar is conveniently located at the top of your document management dashboard, making it accessible from anywhere within your SignNow workspace.
Accessing the Search Bar and Parameters
To start searching, simply locate the search bar at the top of your SignNow dashboard. Next to the search input, you’ll find a dropdown menu that allows you to select which parameters you want to use for your search. These parameters include Document Name, Signer’s Email, Inviter’s Email, Document Text, and Document ID/Group ID. By checking one or more of these options, you can tailor your search to be as broad or as specific as you need. This multi-parameter approach is especially helpful when you’re unsure of the exact details or want to cross-reference multiple fields.
Search by Document Name
If you remember the title or part of the name of the document you’re looking for, searching by Document Name is the fastest way to locate it. Simply select the 'Document Name' parameter from the dropdown, enter the relevant keywords, and press Enter. SignNow will instantly filter your document list to show only those that match your search terms. This is particularly useful for users who maintain organized naming conventions or need to retrieve documents based on project or client names.
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Search by Signer’s or Inviter’s Email
Sometimes, you may need to find a document based on who signed it or who sent the invitation. SignNow makes this easy by allowing you to search using either the signer’s or inviter’s email address. Select the appropriate parameter from the dropdown, type in the email address (even partial entries work), and press Enter. This is invaluable for tracking down documents in collaborative environments or when following up on signature requests.
Search by Text Within Fillable Fields
SignNow’s advanced search lets you look for documents containing specific text within fillable fields. This is especially helpful when you need to find forms or agreements based on unique information entered by signers, such as names, addresses, or custom responses. To use this feature, select 'Document Text' from the search parameter dropdown, enter the phrase or keyword you’re seeking, and press Enter. SignNow will scan the fillable fields across your documents and return matches, saving you the hassle of opening each file individually.
Search by Document ID or Group ID
Every document and group in SignNow is assigned a unique ID, which can be used for precise searching. If you have a document ID or group ID—perhaps from an audit trail, email notification, or export log—you can quickly locate the corresponding file by selecting 'Document ID/Document Group ID' in the search dropdown. You don’t need to enter the entire ID; just the first few characters are often enough for SignNow to find the match. This method is ideal for administrators or users managing large volumes of documents who need to reference files by their unique identifiers.
Tips for Effective Document Searching
To make the most of SignNow’s search capabilities, consider these best practices:
- Combine parameters: Use multiple search filters at once to narrow down results, such as searching by both document name and signer’s email.
- Use partial entries: You don’t need to remember the full document name or email address—partial keywords or email fragments will still yield results.
- Leverage fillable field search: When tracking down forms with unique responses, searching by document text can save significant time.
- Organize documents: Maintain consistent naming conventions and folder structures to make future searches even more efficient.
- Bookmark frequent searches: If you regularly search for the same criteria, consider bookmarking the filtered view in your browser for quick access.

Troubleshooting Search Issues
If you’re having trouble finding a document, double-check that you’ve selected the correct search parameters in the dropdown menu. Sometimes, a document may not appear if you’re searching under the wrong field (for example, searching by document name when you should be searching by signer’s email). Also, ensure there are no typos in your search query, and try using broader or alternative keywords. If you still can’t locate your document, it may have been archived or moved to a different folder. In such cases, check your Archive, Templates, or Shared Documents folders, or consult your team members for assistance. For persistent issues, reach out to SignNow support for further help.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I search for documents using multiple parameters at once?
Yes, SignNow allows you to select multiple search parameters from the dropdown next to the search bar. For example, you can search by both document name and signer’s email simultaneously to narrow down your results.
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Do I need to enter the full document name or email address to find a document?
No, you can enter partial names or email addresses. SignNow’s search is designed to return results even if you only remember part of the information.
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What should I do if my document doesn’t appear in search results?
First, verify that you’ve selected the correct search parameter and entered your query accurately. If the document is still missing, check if it’s been archived or moved to another folder. You can also try searching with broader keywords or consult your team for assistance.
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Can I search for documents by text entered in fillable fields?
Absolutely. By selecting the 'Document Text' parameter, you can search for any information entered into fillable fields within your documents, making it easy to locate forms or agreements based on unique responses.
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Is it possible to search for documents by their unique ID?
Yes, you can search by Document ID or Document Group ID. You don’t need to enter the entire ID—just the first few characters are usually sufficient for SignNow to find the correct document.