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Troubleshooter
October 28, 2025
Question

Email subject - Unique field for each signer to avoid conversation mode [using API]

  • October 28, 2025
  • 6 replies
  • 164 views

Hello, 

We’ve noticed that when multiple emails are sent from DocuSign with the same subject line, Gmail automatically groups them into a single conversation thread. This makes it difficult for our recipients to easily identify or track individual signing requests.

Could you please let me know if there’s a way to prevent this behavior by adding unique identifiers so that each message is treated as a separate email in Gmail? 

The envelopes are created via the API from a PHP application, and I’m using the Email Signing Resource file to define the email subject template.

 

 

6 replies

JohnSantos
Guru
Guru
October 28, 2025

@ACOU 

If you send many envelopes via DocuSign with exactly the same subject, Gmail groups messages into one “Conversation”.  That is a feature of Gmail.  You’ll need to add something unique to the subject line, so they don’t ‘look’ like part of the same conversation or change the setting in Gmail.

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ACOUTroubleshooterAuthor
Troubleshooter
October 28, 2025

@JohnSantos could you please read again my question please, i already know the behavior and how to avoid it, but i want you to explain how i do it

JohnSantos
Guru
Guru
October 28, 2025

@ACOU 

Got it. These are high-level steps.  I found this reddit discussion on the same topic. https://www.reddit.com/r/GMail/comments/ce2c1l/emails_with_the_same_subject_get_grouped_together

  1. In your PHP “send envelope” logic, generate a unique subject string.
  2. Pass that into your envelope creation.
  3. If you use a Brand / Email Resource File for the envelope completion email and other notifier emails, make sure the subject node includes [[Data:SubjectInput]]. That way the uniqueness propagates.  

 

Welcome to the DocuSign Community! Your feedback is highly valued. If you find my response helpful, please give it a "Like" and consider marking it as the "Best Answer" to assist others with similar issues.
ACOUTroubleshooterAuthor
Troubleshooter
October 28, 2025

Shouldn't be on signer and not on envelope?

Docusign Employee
October 29, 2025

Hello ​@ACOU ,

You can  customize the email subject line for DocuSign envelopes to include a unique element. The best elements to use are those that are automatically generated for each document or transaction.

Here are a few ways to achieve this:

1. Use the Envelope ID: The Envelope ID is a unique identifier assigned to every document package (or "envelope") sent through DocuSign. This is the most effective method as it guarantees a unique subject for every sending request.

Subject Line Example: **{Original Subject} - Envelope ID: [Envelope ID]**

2. Use a Sequential Number or Timestamp: If the Envelope ID is not an option for some reason, you could append a continuously increasing number or a timestamp (like the current date and time down to the second) to the subject.

Subject Line Example: **{Original Subject} - Request #[Sequential Number]**

Subject Line Example: **{Original Subject} - [Date and Time]**

How to Implement in DocuSign

you generally customize the subject line when you create and send an envelope or by configuring an account-wide or template setting.

Template Customization: If you use a template, you can often define a dynamic subject line that pulls in a unique field like the Envelope ID or other custom fields.

Sending Customization: When you initiate the "Send" process for a document, look for the field where you enter the Email Subject. Ensure you add the unique element there.

Thanks and regards,
Mahmoud

ACOUTroubleshooterAuthor
Troubleshooter
October 30, 2025

I need an unique subject by recipient (not by envelope)