Send Signature Invites Using API

Automating your document signing process is a game-changer for businesses and developers alike. With the signNow API, you can send signature invites directly from your application, streamlining workflows and ensuring documents are signed quickly and securely. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about sending signature invites using the signNow API, including the differences between freeform and role-based invites, required parameters, best practices, and troubleshooting tips. Whether you're building a custom integration or enhancing your current workflow, you'll find actionable steps and visual examples to help you succeed.

Understanding Signature Invites in the signNow API

Signature invites are at the heart of the signNow API's eSignature automation capabilities. They allow you to request signatures from one or more recipients on any document, directly through API calls. There are two main types of signature invites: freeform and role-based. Freeform invites give signers the flexibility to place their signature anywhere on the document, while role-based invites assign specific fields to designated signers in a set order. Understanding these options is crucial for designing workflows that fit your business needs and ensure compliance. By leveraging the signNow API, you can automate repetitive tasks, reduce manual errors, and provide a seamless signing experience for your users.

Prerequisites and Authentication

Before you can send signature invites using the signNow API, you need to ensure your environment is properly set up. This includes registering for API access, obtaining your API credentials, and authenticating your requests using OAuth 2.0. Authentication is essential for securing your API calls and protecting sensitive data. Each API request must include a valid access token in the Authorization header. For detailed steps on obtaining and using access tokens, refer to the signNow API authentication documentation. Proper authentication not only secures your workflow but also ensures that only authorized users can send signature invites and access documents.

Overview of Invite Types: Freeform vs. Role-Based

The signNow API supports two primary types of signature invites, each designed for different use cases:

• Freeform Invites: These allow recipients to sign anywhere on the document. Ideal for documents without predefined fields or when you want to give signers maximum flexibility.
• Role-Based Invites: These are used when your document contains fillable fields assigned to specific roles. Each signer is guided to complete their designated fields in a set order, ensuring compliance and accuracy.

Choosing the right invite type depends on your workflow requirements. Freeform invites are quick and flexible, while role-based invites provide structure and control over the signing process.

How to Send a Freeform Signature Invite via API

Sending a freeform invite is straightforward with the signNow API. First, ensure your document does not contain any fillable fields. Then, use a POST request to the appropriate endpoint, including the sender and recipient email addresses, subject, and message in the request body. The sender's email must match your signNow login. This process is ideal for simple signature requests where the signer can place their signature anywhere on the document.



After configuring your request, send it and check the response to confirm success. You can then verify the invite in your signNow dashboard.



Once the invite is sent, reload your signNow dashboard to see the new signature request.

How to Send a Role-Based Signature Invite via API

Role-based invites are perfect for documents that require multiple signers to complete specific fields in a particular order. Start by uploading your document and adding fillable fields for each role. Then, construct a POST request to the invite endpoint, specifying each signer's email, role, order, and any additional parameters such as reminders or authentication methods. This approach ensures that each recipient receives clear instructions and only accesses the fields assigned to them.



By carefully setting parameters like roleid, order, and authenticationtype, you can customize the signing experience and enhance document security. After sending the request, monitor the status in your developer sandbox or signNow dashboard to confirm successful delivery.

Required and Optional Parameters for API Invites

When sending signature invites via the signNow API, it's important to understand which parameters are required and which are optional. For both freeform and role-based invites, you must specify the document ID, sender and recipient emails, subject, and message. Role-based invites require additional details such as role IDs, signing order, and field assignments. Optional parameters include reminders, expiration dates, authentication types (like password protection), and custom messages for each recipient. Leveraging these options allows you to tailor the signing process to your organization's needs, improve security, and enhance the signer experience.

Best Practices for Sending Signature Invites with API

To maximize the effectiveness of your eSignature workflows, follow these best practices:

• Validate all input data before sending API requests to prevent errors and ensure successful delivery.
• Use role-based invites for documents that require structured signing or multiple signers in a specific order.
• Implement reminders and expiration dates to keep your signing process on track and avoid delays.
• Secure your API credentials and never expose them in client-side code or public repositories.
• Monitor invite status using the signNow dashboard or API responses to track progress and address issues promptly.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can create reliable, secure, and user-friendly signing experiences for your recipients.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, you may encounter issues when sending signature invites via API. Common problems include authentication errors, invalid document IDs, or missing required parameters. Always check your API responses for error messages and consult the signNow API documentation for guidance. If you experience persistent issues, verify your access token, ensure your document is properly uploaded, and double-check all request parameters. Proactive troubleshooting helps maintain smooth workflows and minimizes disruptions for your signers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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