# Send for e-signing

This article covers e-signing **files and Hippoly Docs** from the folder view. The signing flow is the same for both, you select the document, add signers, and send.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Signing meeting minutes works differently.** The flow is started from the meeting protocol panel, not the folder view. See [Send meeting minutes for e-signing](/using-hippoly/meetings/e-sign-meeting-minutes.md) under Meetings.
{% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Navigate to the file or Hippoly Doc in the folder view. The file must be in a format that can be converted to PDF (such as `.pdf`, `.docx`, `.xlsx` or similar). Hippoly Docs are automatically converted to PDF as part of the signing flow.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Open the context menu and select `Sign document`. The signing dialog opens.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the Hippoly Doc is still a **draft** or has a **draft in progress**, it will be automatically published before signing starts. This ensures that the version being signed is the final, shared version.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Add the people who need to sign the document:

* **Workspace members:** search by name and select from the list.
* **External parties:** enter the person's name and email address. They will receive a signing invitation by email and do not need a Hippoly account.

For each signer, select a [signing method](/using-hippoly/e-signing/signing-methods.md) that determines how they verify their identity (for example Swedish BankID, SMS, or no additional verification).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
By default, all signers can sign in parallel. If signatures need to happen in a specific sequence, for example the chairperson signs last, enable `Set signing order` and arrange the signers in the desired order.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Review the settings and click `Send for signing`. Hippoly converts the document to PDF if needed, creates the signing request through Scrive, and notifies all signers.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Once signing is initiated, the document shows a **Signing** indicator. You can track progress and send reminders from the [signing management view](/using-hippoly/e-signing/manage-signing-process.md).

## After signing completes

When all signers have signed:

* **For files:** the signed PDF **replaces the original file**. The unsigned version remains available in the file's version history for full traceability.
* **For Hippoly Docs:** the document status changes to **Signed** and it becomes **read-only**. The signed PDF is stored alongside the document and can be [downloaded](/using-hippoly/hippoly-docs/download-document.md) by anyone with access. The original content and full [version history](/using-hippoly/hippoly-docs/version-history.md) remain available.


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