# Originating a document

The emSigner mobile app allows you to originate documents for signing by creating an **envelope**. An envelope defines the document(s), participants, signing order, and signature configuration required to complete a signing workflow.

This section walks through the complete end-to-end flow—from creating an envelope to initiating it for signing.

<figure><img src="/files/fXr9YU2HhAPaql2knJ1L" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Accessing Envelope Creation

From the **Home** screen:

* Tap the **➕ (Plus)** button at the center of the bottom navigation.
* Choose one of the following options:
  * Create an envelope – start from scratch
  * Use templates – initiate using a pre-configured template

This section focuses on Create an envelope.

<figure><img src="/files/fUMryV4W4DEK505qqCRa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 1: Enter Envelope Details

You are prompted to provide basic information about the envelope:

* Envelope name\
  A descriptive name to identify the signing request.
* Reference number (optional)\
  Used for internal tracking and reporting.

Tap **Proceed** to continue.

<figure><img src="/files/Vs1TcR6AxwNAUzxupLS2" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 2: Upload Documents

Next, add the document(s) that need to be signed.

Available options:

* Upload document – select a file from your device
* Scan document – scan  document using the camera

Key points:

* Uploaded documents are previewed in the envelope.
* Documents can be removed or replaced before proceeding.
* Multiple documents can be added if required.

Tap **Proceed** once documents are added.

<figure><img src="/files/cUnDiB2yxbtP2FcPyXMc" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 3: Add Participants

Participants define who will sign, review, or receive a copy of the document.

#### Adding Participants

You can add participants in two ways:

* Search existing users (by name or email)
* Add external participants by entering their name and email

#### Participant Configuration

For each participant, you can configure:

* **Role**
  * Signer
  * Reviewer
  * CC recipient
* **Workflow type**
  * **Serial** – participants act in sequence
  * **Parallel** – participants act simultaneously

<figure><img src="/files/ufkcdUbPO97pt9PNTqiY" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Participant details are listed clearly, and you can:

* Remove participants
* Add more participants
* Adjust order or roles before proceeding

Tap **Proceed** to move to document configuration.

<figure><img src="/files/V87aCcTc8Wva7QcVB4W0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 4: Configure Signatures & Fields

The document opens in **edit mode** for field and signature configuration.

#### Placing Signature and Field Components

For each participant, you can place required components such as:

* Signature
* Name
* Department
* Designation
* Mobile number

Key behaviors:

* Placeholders are linked to the selected participant.
* You can navigate across pages while placing fields.
* Each participant’s fields are configured independently.

On-screen guidance helps ensure all mandatory placeholders are completed.

<figure><img src="/files/Gb8NHbLwhXPQakZ8c1LP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 5: Review & Edit Envelope Details

At any point, you can tap the **Edit (✏️) icon** to:

* Modify envelope details
* Revisit participant configuration
* Adjust document setup

This flexibility allows corrections before final submission.

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### Step 6: Optional (Advanced) Settings

Before initiating the envelope, you can optionally configure additional settings:

* **Envelope expiry**\
  Define how long the envelope remains active.
* **Watermark**\
  Apply a watermark to the document.
* **Reminders**\
  Enable or disable automated reminders.
* **Workflow language**\
  Select the language for signer notifications.
* **Attachments**\
  Add supporting documents for reference.
* **Additional message**\
  Include a custom note for participants.

These settings are optional and can be skipped if default behavior is sufficient.

<figure><img src="/files/ImzApvcb7OM9GGeHzBbM" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### Step 7: Initiate the Envelope

Once all configurations are complete:

* Tap **Initiate the envelope**
* The envelope is sent to participants based on the defined workflow

A confirmation screen indicates that the envelope has been successfully initiated.

<figure><img src="/files/pVuGWVoxhvawf1Q9mH6H" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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### What Happens After Initiation

After initiation:

* Participants receive notifications to review or sign.
* The envelope appears in the **Envelopes** section for tracking.
* Signing progress can be monitored in real time.
* Once all required actions are completed, the envelope moves to **Completed** status.


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