# 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
