This guide walks you through every screen in SignZA — from the moment you create your account to downloading a legally signed document. Each step shows you exactly what you'll see and what to click. Most users complete their first send in under 3 minutes.
Step 1
Create your free account
Create your account
Start sending documents for signature
Go to signza.app and click Get started free. Enter your email address, create a password, and optionally add your WhatsApp number (used to share signing links via WhatsApp). Click Create account — you'll receive a verification email. Click the link in that email to activate your account.
Use your permanent email address — it cannot be changed after signup. Your email appears in all outgoing signing requests to your clients.
Step 2
Open your dashboard and click Send document
Documents
After logging in you land on your dashboard, which shows all your documents. To send a new document, click the green Send document button in the top-right corner. Your first time here the list will be empty — that's normal.
You can also access Send document from the dashboard's quick actions panel at any time.
Step 3
Upload your PDF and give it a title
Upload your PDF
Max 10 MB · PDF files only
Drop your PDF here
or click to browse
Drag and drop your PDF onto the upload area, or click to browse your files. PDFs must be under 10 MB. Give the document a clear title — this is what your signer sees in their email (e.g. 'Service Agreement — Thabo Mokoena'). Click Continue when ready.
Only PDF files are supported. To convert a Word document: File → Save As → PDF in Microsoft Word, or use File → Print → Save as PDF on Mac.
Step 4
Drag signature fields onto the PDF
Place signature fields
Your PDF loads on-screen. Click + Signature or + Initials in the toolbar, then drag the green field to exactly where you need the signature to appear. You can resize any field by dragging its corner. Add as many fields as needed — on any page. When all fields are positioned correctly, click Send link.
Placing fields on a multi-page document? Use the page navigation arrows to move between pages. Fields stay exactly where you place them — zoom level doesn't affect position.
Step 5
Enter your signer's details and send
Who is signing?
Thabo will receive an email with a secure signing link
Enter your signer's first name, last name, and email address. Optionally add their WhatsApp number if you'd like to share the signing link via WhatsApp as well. Click Send document — your signer receives an email with their unique signing link within seconds.
Your signer's link is single-use and tied to their email address. If you need to send to multiple signers, send one document per signer.
Step 6
Your signer taps to sign — on any device
Service Agreement
Tap the highlighted fields to sign
Draw your signature
Your signer opens their email, clicks the signing link, and lands on their document. Orange fields show exactly where they need to sign. They tap a field, draw or type their signature in the pop-up, then tap Confirm. Once all required fields are complete, they click Confirm & Sign — and it's done. You receive an email notification the moment they sign.
Signers don't need a SignZA account. They don't need to install anything. The link works in any browser on any phone, tablet, or desktop.
Step 7
Download your legally signed PDF
Document signed
Service Agreement · ECT Act compliant
As soon as the signature is captured, SignZA creates a final PDF with the signature burned in, and appends a full audit certificate page — capturing the signer's name, email, IP address, timestamp, and consent declaration. Both you and your signer can download the signed PDF and the certificate at any time from the document's detail page.
What happens next
Your signed document lives in your dashboard forever — you can download it or share it any time. If your signer hasn't signed within 3 days, SignZA automatically sends them a reminder. You can also trigger a manual reminder from the document's detail page at any time.
Common questions
Is the signature legally valid in South Africa?
Yes. SignZA complies with the Electronic Communications and Transactions (ECT) Act 25 of 2002. The audit certificate appended to every signed document captures the signer's name, email, IP address, device, and timestamp — giving it the same legal weight as a handwritten signature for the vast majority of South African business documents. Read the full legal guide →
What if my signer makes a mistake?
They can clear any field and re-sign before they hit Confirm & Sign. Once they confirm, the document is locked. If you need to start over, void the document from your dashboard and send a fresh copy.
How long does the signing link stay active?
Signing links remain active until the document is signed or you manually void it from your dashboard. There's no automatic expiry.
Can I see when my signer opens the link?
Yes — your dashboard shows when the document was sent, when it was opened (viewed), and when it was signed. You also receive an email notification at each stage.