Sending agreements for signature quickly and efficiently is crucial for keeping business processes on track. With Docusign CLM (Contract Lifecycle Management), you can streamline this process, whether you’re sending manually or using automated workflows. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of these features in Docusign CLM.

❓What’s the best way to send a document for signature using Docusign CLM?

You can send a document for signature directly from within CLM using the “Prepare for Signature” action:

• Navigate to your document in CLM (e.g., from the Documents page or folder hierarchy).

• Click into the document preview.

• Select Actions > Prepare for Signature.

• This opens a Docusign eSignature envelope with your document ready for configuration.

From there, add recipients, customize the message, add required fields, and send the envelope just like you would in Docusign eSignature.

❓Can I send documents automatically using CLM workflows?

Yes! CLM supports automated sending through workflow steps. This is ideal for embedding eSignature into broader contract processes, like generation or review.

• Use the Send for Signature workflow step.

• Configure recipient details, messaging, and fields in advance.

• Optionally include manual review steps for internal users before sending.

❓What happens to a document in CLM while it’s out for signature?

When a document is sent for signature:

• It becomes locked/checked out in CLM, preventing edits or versioning.

• Once all recipients have signed, the signed PDF and certificate of completion are automatically added as a new version in CLM.

• You can view the signature transaction history from within the document’s history panel.

❓Can I manage the signature process from within CLM?

Yes—CLM allows you to:

• Cancel a signature request directly from the document’s preview.

• Send signature reminders to recipients who haven’t signed yet.

These controls help manage in-flight agreements without switching tools.

❓How do I track who signed and when?

After all recipients sign:

• The signed PDF is versioned into CLM.

• Envelope metadata, including timestamps, recipients, and actions, is available in the document history.

• A full certificate of completion is accessible from Docusign eSignature for audit purposes.

❓How can I tell if a document was sent straight for signature or went through review?

To report on different workflows (e.g., signed directly vs. reviewed), use document metadata attributes:

• Tag documents with values like “standard” or “exception.”

• Use workflow steps to update metadata dynamically (e.g., if a document is pulled from signature and sent for negotiation).

• Then, build CLM reports based on these attributes.

❓Why can’t I see the full recipient name when adding signers?

If the full name isn’t visible during envelope setup:

• Try adjusting your browser zoom—zooming out usually reveals the full fields.

• This issue may relate to screen resolution or browser settings.

📺 Want more on this? Watch the full training session
As part of a Docusign Community event “Get Agreements Signed Fast Using CLM,” we explore how to use CLM to send and manage agreements faster—from preview to post-signature tracking. Watch the recording on-demand. 

💬 Drop a comment below!
Comment below to ask questions about sending documents for signature in CLM or to share how your team is streamlining workflows with Docusign CLM.