> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.emsigner.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.emsigner.com/initiate-and-sign-envelopes/signing-a-document/as-an-external-recipient-ad-hoc-user/navigating-through-initials-and-signature-placeholders.md).

# Navigating through initials and signature placeholders

After authentication (if any), the user is taken to the document viewing screen from email. At this stage, the user can review the document content before performing any signing actions.

<figure><img src="/files/2IbkFImIm4H69byXvW92" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Reaching Signature and Initial Locations

* The user may **scroll through the document manually** to locate initials or signature areas, or
* Use the **Next** button for guided navigation.

<figure><img src="/files/bnaQ9jEvvRlgtHJn8VvX" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* If there are **multiple initials or signature placeholders**, even across **multiple pages**, clicking **Next** automatically jumps the user from **one pending placeholder to the next**.
* This allows users to move sequentially through all required signing actions without manually searching across pages.

#### Visual Identification of Placeholders

* All required **Initials** and **Signature** placeholders are visually highlighted on the document.
* These indicators clearly show where action is required and which placeholders are still pending.

#### Applying Initials

When the user clicks on an **Initials** placeholder:

* The **Generate Initials** window opens.
* The user can choose from:
  * **Sample Initials** (auto-generated styles)
  * **Draw** (hand-drawn initials)
  * **Upload** (image upload)
* The initials text can be entered or adjusted.
* Clicking **Apply** or **Apply and Preview** places the initials on the document and shows a preview.

<figure><img src="/files/D54v4u34S21K58sI3NVy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Applying a Signature

When the user clicks on a **Signature** placeholder:

* The **Generate Signature Settings** window opens.
* The user selects the **Mode of Signature** (for example, eSignature).
* Available options include:
  * **Sample Signatures**
  * **Draw**
  * **Upload**
  * **My Signatures** (if previously saved)
* After selecting a style, the user clicks **Apply and Preview** to place and review the signature.

<figure><img src="/files/KC5HjxWTZXQss6N0zSxa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Preview and Finalization

* Applied **initials and signatures are immediately reflected** on the document, allowing the user to visually confirm their appearance and placement.
* After applying initials or signatures, the user can:
  * Continue using **Next** to navigate to the **next pending signature or initial placeholder**, or
  * Proceed to **fill other required fields or components** (such as text fields, checkboxes, or radio buttons), if configured in the document.
* If the envelope contains **multiple documents**, the user must review each document individually


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