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E-Signatures

OpenCLM integrates with OpenSign — a free, open-source e-signature platform — to enable legally binding electronic signatures directly from the contract workflow.

The Electronic Signatures view showing signature request status cards and recent requests

How E-Signatures Work in OpenCLM​

  1. A contract is Approved by all required approvers.
  2. An authorised user (Signatory, Contract Manager) initiates a Signature Request.
  3. OpenCLM sends the signature request to OpenSign along with the contract PDF.
  4. Signatories receive an email with a link to view and sign the document.
  5. Once all parties sign, the signed PDF is automatically attached back to the contract in OpenCLM.
  6. The contract status updates to Signed.

Prerequisites​

Before sending signature requests:

  1. An Administrator must configure the OpenSign connection in Settings → Integrations.
  2. The contract must be in Approved status.
  3. The initiating user must have the signatures:create permission (Signatory, Contract Manager, Administrator roles).

Sending a Signature Request​

  1. Open an Approved contract.
  2. Click the Signatures tab.
  3. Click Request Signatures.
  4. Add signatories:
    • Internal signatories — search by name among OpenCLM users.
    • External signatories — enter name and email address.
  5. Set the signing order:
    • Sequential — Party A signs first, then Party B receives the document.
    • Parallel — All parties receive the signature request simultaneously.
  6. Optionally add a message to include in the invitation email.
  7. Set an expiry date — the signature request expires and must be re-sent if not signed by this date.
  8. Click Send.

Signature Status​

The Signatures tab shows the real-time status for each signatory:

StatusMeaning
PendingSignature request sent, awaiting response
ViewedSignatory opened the document
SignedSignatory completed signing
DeclinedSignatory declined to sign
ExpiredRequest expired without a signature

After All Parties Sign​

  • OpenSign returns the fully executed PDF to OpenCLM.
  • The signed PDF is attached to the contract's Documents tab as "Signed Copy".
  • The contract status changes from Approved to Signed.
  • Contract Manager and the author receive an email notification.

Resending or Cancelling​

To resend a pending request (e.g. if the signatory missed the email):

  1. Go to the Signatures tab.
  2. Click the ⋮ menu next to the pending signatory.
  3. Click Resend reminder.

To cancel a signature request:

  1. Click Cancel Request in the Signatures tab.
  2. Provide a cancellation reason.
  3. All signatories receive a cancellation notification.
note

Cancelling a signature request does not change the contract status — it remains Approved. You can send a new signature request after cancellation.

Signature Audit Certificate​

After all parties sign, download the Audit Certificate from the Signatures tab. This PDF contains:

  • Each signatory's name, email, IP address, and timestamp.
  • Document hash for integrity verification.
  • OpenSign certificate ID.

The Audit Certificate provides legal evidence of the signing event.

E-Signature Legality​

Electronic signatures via OpenSign are valid under:

  • eIDAS (EU)
  • ESIGN Act & UETA (US)
  • Most other national e-signature laws

Consult your legal team to confirm compliance requirements for your specific jurisdiction and contract type.