> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.docstudio.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.docstudio.com/user/external-documents-in-the-envelope/how-to-add-an-external-document-to-an-envelope.md).

# How to Add an External Document to an Envelope

{% hint style="info" %}
Set up the slot first in [How to Add External Documents to a Template](/user/template-builder/template-editor/how-to-add-external-documents-to-a-template.md).
{% endhint %}

### Upload an external document

<figure><img src="/files/xlYt246OZ4qew4Y8sCVO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

1. Open the envelope.
2. Find the external document upload zone.
3. Click the upload zone and select the file.
4. Wait until the upload finishes.
5. Fill in the remaining required fields.
6. Click <img src="/files/6KdnoMaSEAaA9GOH24yz" alt="" data-size="line">.

{% hint style="info" %}
When the upload finishes, you’ll see the file name or a PDF preview.

You can replace or delete the file before you send the envelope.
{% endhint %}

### Add an electronic signature

{% hint style="info" %}
Use this flow only if the template contains a **Signature field**.\
If the external document includes a **Signature field**, upload only a **.pdf** file.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/VMc9Aow7RRrCpLUqpWBq" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% columns %}
{% column %}

1. Click the signature field on the external document.
2. Place the signature where you need it.
3. Click the <img src="/files/iYN6sKHAmWTg0xvZ7smx" alt="" data-size="line"> button to apply the signature.
4. To change the signature, click the field again.
5. Fill in all required fields.
6. Click the <img src="/files/6KdnoMaSEAaA9GOH24yz" alt="" data-size="line"> button.
   {% endcolumn %}

{% column %}

<figure><img src="/files/jkouhrMC82ciDUnm9cKr" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

{% hint style="info" %}
After you apply the signature, review its placement on the PDF before you send the envelope.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="danger" %}
Electronic signatures work only for external documents uploaded as **.pdf** files.

If you add a **Signature field** to an external document in the template, the envelope accepts only **.pdf** uploads for that document.
{% endhint %}

### Related topics

* [How to Add External Documents to a Template](/user/template-builder/template-editor/how-to-add-external-documents-to-a-template.md)
* [How to Create and Send an Envelope](/user/envelopes/how-to-create-and-send-an-envelope.md)
* [How to Upload a Document for e-Signature](/user/dashboard/how-to-upload-a-document-for-electronic-signature.md)