# Originating a webform (By External Users)

Webforms in emSigner allow documents to be initiated and signed by **external users** who do not have an emSigner account. This is useful when the signing journey needs to start outside your organization—such as customer agreements, declarations, or consent forms—while still maintaining structured workflows and auditability.

In this flow, the external user begins the signing process through a secure web link and provides required information before reviewing and signing the document.

***

#### How External Webform Signing Works

An external signer receives a webform signing link, typically shared via email, SMS, or embedded on a website. No emSigner account is required.

The signing journey progresses through three stages:

***

#### Stage 1: Accessing the Webform Link

When the external user opens the webform link:

* A web page opens prompting the user to enter basic identity details, such as:
  * Name
  * Email ID

These details are used to:

* Identify the signer in the workflow
* Populate predefined fields in the document
* Record signer information in audit logs

Once the required details are entered, the user proceeds to the next step.

***

#### Stage 2: Providing Additional Information

In the next screen, the user may be asked to provide additional inputs defined by the form creator, such as:

* Department
* Designation
* Custom text inputs
* Other mandatory or optional form fields

These inputs are:

* Captured as part of the webform submission
* Automatically mapped to corresponding fields in the document

The external user does not see or edit the document at this stage—only the form inputs.

***

#### Stage 3: Reviewing and Signing the Document

After completing the form:

* The user is redirected to the Review and Sign screen
* The document is displayed with:
  * All previously entered form data already populated
  * Signature and form fields assigned to the external user

At this stage, the external user can:

* Review the document content
* Complete required signature and form fields
* Sign and finish the process

Once signed, a confirmation message is shown indicating successful completion.

***

#### What Happens After the External User Signs?

After the external signer completes signing:

* The document automatically progresses to the next participants in the defined signing workflow
* Remaining participants receive notifications as per the signing order
* The completed action is recorded in the document audit trail

The **Signer Order Diagram** reflects:

* The external signer’s name and email
* Their position in the signing sequence
* Completion status alongside internal users

This ensures full transparency and traceability, even though the signing was initiated externally.

***

#### When to Use Webforms

Webforms are ideal when:

* The signing process must begin outside your organization
* You need structured data collection before signing
* Customers, vendors, or partners should not be required to create accounts
* Documents need to flow seamlessly into internal approval or signing chains