Prefill fields
Prefill fields let you provide information in a document before sending it for signature. The value is already filled in when the signer opens the signing request, so they only need to complete the fields that require their input.
A prefill field is simply a regular field whose value you provide before sending the signing request. You do not need to create a separate template for every variation of a document.
Why use prefill fields?
Prefill fields are useful when some information changes from one signing request to another, but the document structure and signing process remain the same.
For example, suppose you are organizing the same event in Boston and New York, on different dates, and everyone attending must sign the same waiver.
Instead of creating two templates:
- Boston Event Waiver
- New York Event Waiver
you can create one Event Waiver template with prefill fields for:
- Venue
- Event Date
When creating the signing request for the Boston event, prefill the fields with:
- Venue: Boston
- Event Date: October 10, 2026
For the New York event, use the same template again but provide:
- Venue: New York
- Event Date: October 17, 2026
You can then send each request to the appropriate set of signers. The template stays the same; only the prefilled information changes.
This is particularly useful when you have a standard document that is reused with different customers, locations, dates, prices, or other values.
Common examples
Quotes and pricing
You can create one standard quote template with fields such as:
- Customer name
- Quote number
- Price
- Valid-until date
When sending the quote, enter the customer's details and agreed price as prefilled values. The signer receives the completed quote and only needs to review and sign it.
Contracts
A standard contract can contain fields for:
- Customer or company name
- Contract start date
- Contract end date
- Agreement amount
- Reference number
The same template can be reused for every customer while the relevant information is prefilled for each signing request.
Forms and applications
A standard application or registration form can have fields for information you already have, such as a person's name, registration number, appointment date, or location. Prefilling this information saves the recipient from entering it again.
Prefilling a signing request
When creating a signing request, you can provide values for the template's prefill fields before sending it.
The signer sees these values already entered when they open the signing request.
Prefill vs. signer fields
The difference is who provides the information:
| Field use | Who provides the value? |
|---|---|
| Prefill field | The sender provides the value before sending the signing request. |
| Signer field | The signer provides the value while completing the signing request. |
For example, if you already know the quote price, make it a prefilled field. If the signer needs to provide their phone number, make it a signer field.
Prefill fields therefore allow you to reuse one template for many different signing requests while supplying the information that changes from one request to another.