Placing Signature Fields
Drag and drop signature fields onto your PDF
Placing Signature Fields
After adding signers, the next step is to place signature fields and form elements on your PDF. This tells each signer exactly where they need to sign, initial, confirm, or fill in text.
SignNXT uses a simple drag-and-drop editor. Select a signer, then drag fields from the palette and drop them onto the PDF.
Before You Start
Make sure you have:
- ✅ Added all signers
- ✅ Reviewed the PDF and identified where each signer should complete fields
- ✅ Decided what fields are required (Signature, Date, Text, etc.)
Every field you place is assigned to a specific signer, and is color-coded to match that signer's card.
Understanding the Field Palette
The Field Palette has three sections with different field types for various use cases:
Standard Fields (Always Visible)
For basic document signing - these fields are always filled by the recipient during signing:
• Signature — where the signer applies their e-signature
• Initials — for quick initials/acknowledgement
• Date — captures the signing date
• Text — for names, IDs, amounts, comments, etc.
Smart Fields (Collapsible)
For mail merge and pre-filling data - these can be pre-filled from CSV files (campaigns) or manual entry (single documents):
• Text Field — Names, addresses, descriptions
• Number Field — Amounts, IDs, quantities
• Date Field — Birth dates, event dates
• Email Field — Email addresses
• Phone Field — Phone numbers
Smart Fields are perfect for templates and campaigns where you want to pre-fill data automatically. For basic documents, use Standard Fields.
Selection Fields (Collapsible)
For choices and confirmations:
• Checkbox — for confirmations and agreements
The Field Palette with three sections — drag fields onto the PDF
Place fields aligned to existing lines/boxes on the PDF for the cleanest signing experience.
How to Place Signature Fields
Select the Signer
Click the signer's colored card in the Signers panel.
- The selected signer will be highlighted
- Fields you place will be assigned to that signer
- Field color will match the signer's color
Select a signer before placing fields
If no signer is selected, fields cannot be placed.
Drag a Field from the Palette onto the PDF
From the Field Palette, click and drag a field type (Signature, Date, Text, etc.) and drop it on the correct location in the PDF.
Drag a field and drop it onto the document
The field will appear in the signer's assigned color.
Resize the Field (If Needed)
Click the field to select it, then drag the resize handles to fit the line/box on the PDF.
Resize fields to match the document layout
Move the Field to the Exact Position
To reposition a field:
- Drag the field with your mouse to move it
- Use your keyboard arrow keys for precise alignment (after selecting the field)
For perfect alignment on signature lines, click the field once, then use the arrow keys to nudge it into position.
Delete a Field (Optional)
If you placed a field in the wrong spot, select it and click the X (delete) option.
Remove a field using the X button
Repeat for All Signers
Switch to the next signer and place their fields:
1. Select the next signer card
2. Drag and drop the needed fields
3. Resize and align as required
Fields for multiple signers (color-coded)
You can place multiple fields of the same type (for example, multiple signature fields) if the signer must sign in more than one place.
Multi-Page Documents
If your PDF has multiple pages, use the page controls to navigate and place fields on any page.
Navigate pages and place fields across the document
Save Your Field Layout
When you finish placing all fields, click Save Fields.
Save your layout before sending
Always click Save Fields before you send the document. Unsaved field changes may be lost if the page is refreshed.
Field Requirements
By default, placed fields are treated as required. This ensures signers complete all assigned fields before they can finish signing.
Avoid placing fields on top of text. If the PDF has tight spacing, resize the field and align it to the nearest clear line or box.
Common Issues
Can't Place Fields
• No signer selected
• You are not in the document preparation/editor screen
• Page needs refresh
Fix: Select a signer card, refresh the page, and try again.
Field Overlaps Text
• Resize the field smaller
• Move it to a clean area
• Use arrow keys to align precisely
Best Practices
• Place signature fields directly on signature lines
• Keep field sizes consistent across the document
• Add Date fields near signatures for clarity
• Use Checkbox fields for consent/confirmation statements
• For templates and campaigns, explore Smart Fields to pre-fill data automatically
• Test the flow with your own email before sending important documents
Fields placed and saved? Continue to Sending Documents to deliver the document to signers.
Related Guides
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Fields placed successfully?
Continue to Sending Documents to send your document for signature.
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