# Installing WPsigner

> Install WPsigner Lite from WordPress.org or WPsigner Pro from the Account Portal — step-by-step for WordPress.

edition: both
Edition: Lite + Pro
AI note: This page applies to Lite and Pro. Call out Lite limits (PDF only, max 2 signers, email OTP, local timestamp) when they apply. Do not invent Pro-only features.
HTML: https://docs.wpsigner.com/getting-started/installation/
Markdown: https://docs.wpsigner.com/md/getting-started/installation.md
Source file: getting-started/installation.md

---

This guide covers both editions. Pick your path first, then follow the matching steps.

| Edition | Install from | Details |
|---------|--------------|---------|
| **Lite** (free) | WordPress admin → **Plugins → Add New**, or wordpress.org | PDF, max 2 signers — [Lite vs Pro](/getting-started/lite-vs-pro/) |
| **Pro** | [Account Portal](https://app.wpsigner.com/) ZIP | Full feature set |

> **Do not run both plugins active**
When **Pro** is active, Lite does not load. Keep one edition active. Upgrading to Pro keeps your existing Lite documents (same `wps_*` tables).

## Before You Begin

Ensure your server meets the [system requirements](/getting-started/requirements/):

- WordPress 5.8 or higher
- PHP 7.4 or higher
- OpenSSL extension enabled
- 128MB memory limit minimum

---

## Install WPsigner Lite

### Method A: Plugins → Add New (recommended)

1. Log in to WordPress admin
2. Go to **Plugins → Add New**
3. Search for **WPsigner**
4. Click **Install Now**, then **Activate**
5. Open the WPsigner menu and create your first PDF document (max two signers)

### Method B: Upload the Lite ZIP

1. Download the Lite package from wordpress.org (or your distribution ZIP named `wpsigner`)
2. In WordPress go to **Plugins → Add New → Upload Plugin**
3. Choose the ZIP → **Install Now** → **Activate**

---

## Install WPsigner Pro

### Method 1: Upload via WordPress Admin (Recommended)

This is the easiest method for most Pro customers.

**Step 1: Download the Plugin**

1. Log in to your [WPsigner Account Portal](https://app.wpsigner.com/)
2. Open the **Downloads** tab for the main WPsigner plugin
3. For official addons (for example Smart Signing Forms), use the **[Addons](https://app.wpsigner.com/account/?portal_tab=addons)** tab instead
4. Click **Download** to get the latest ZIP file
5. Save the file to your computer (do not unzip it)

See [Account Portal](/addons/account-portal/) and [Addons Overview](/addons/overview/) for addon downloads.

**Step 2: Upload to WordPress**

1. Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
2. Navigate to **Plugins → Add New**
3. Click the **Upload Plugin** button at the top
4. Click **Choose File** and select the Pro ZIP file
5. Click **Install Now**
6. Wait for the upload and installation to complete

**Step 3: Activate the Plugin**

1. After installation, click **Activate Plugin**
2. You'll be redirected to the WPsigner dashboard
3. Follow the welcome wizard to complete initial setup

If Lite was installed earlier, deactivate or remove Lite after Pro activates successfully. Your documents remain.

---

### Method 2: FTP/SFTP Upload

Use this method if you have server access or the admin upload fails.

**Step 1: Extract the Plugin**

1. Download the Pro ZIP from your account
2. Extract/unzip the file on your computer
3. You should have a folder for the Pro plugin (typically `insigner` or as documented in your download)

**Step 2: Connect via FTP**

1. Open your FTP client (FileZilla, Cyberduck, etc.)
2. Connect to your server using your FTP credentials
3. Navigate to `/wp-content/plugins/`

**Step 3: Upload the Folder**

1. Upload the entire Pro plugin folder (for example `insigner`) to `/wp-content/plugins/`
2. Wait for all files to transfer (this may take a few minutes)
3. Verify the main plugin file is present inside that folder (for example `insigner.php`)

**Step 4: Activate in WordPress**

1. Log in to WordPress admin
2. Go to **Plugins → Installed Plugins**
3. Find **WPsigner** (Pro) in the list
4. Click **Activate**
5. If Lite is also installed, deactivate Lite so only Pro runs

---

### Method 3: WP-CLI (Advanced)

For developers and automated deployments:

```bash
# Navigate to WordPress directory
cd /path/to/wordpress

# Install from local zip file
wp plugin install /path/to/wpsigner.zip --activate

# Or if you have direct download URL
wp plugin install https://wpsigner.com/download/wpsigner.zip --activate
```

---

## Post-Installation Setup

After activating WPsigner, complete these essential configuration steps:

### 1. Configure Digital ID

Your Digital ID is required for signing documents with legal validity.

1. Go to **WPsigner → More → Digital ID**
2. Choose between:
   - **Generate Self-Signed**: Quick setup for testing or internal use
   - **Upload Certificate**: Use your own .p12/.pfx certificate from a Certificate Authority

> **tip**
For production workflows that need a publicly trusted PDF certificate, evaluate an appropriate certificate from a recognized provider such as DigiCert, Sectigo, or GlobalSign.

### 2. Set Up Email

Ensure signing request emails are delivered reliably.

1. Go to **WPsigner → Settings → Email**
2. Configure SMTP settings (recommended) or use default WordPress mail
3. Customize email templates if desired
4. Send a test email to verify delivery

**Recommended SMTP plugins:**
- WP Mail SMTP
- FluentSMTP
- Post SMTP

### 3. Configure Branding (Optional)

Add your company's branding for a professional experience.

1. Go to **WPsigner → Settings → Branding**
2. Upload your company logo
3. Set your brand colors
4. Customize the signing page appearance

### 4. Set Permalinks

WPsigner requires pretty permalinks for signing URLs.

1. Go to **Settings → Permalinks**
2. Select any option except "Plain"
3. Click **Save Changes**

---

## Verifying Installation

### Check System Status

1. Go to **WPsigner → More → System Status**
2. Review the health check results
3. Ensure all requirements show green checkmarks

### Common Status Checks

| Check | Expected Result |
|-------|-----------------|
| PHP Version | ✅ 7.4 or higher |
| OpenSSL | ✅ Enabled |
| Memory Limit | ✅ 128MB+ |
| Upload Size | ✅ 10MB+ |
| Permalinks | ✅ Enabled |
| WP Cron | ✅ Working |

### Create a Test Document

1. Go to **WPsigner → New Document**
2. Upload a sample PDF
3. Add yourself as a signer
4. Place a signature field
5. Send the document
6. Check your email and complete the signing

If the test completes successfully, your installation is working correctly!

---

## Updating WPsigner

### Automatic Updates

WPsigner supports WordPress automatic updates:

1. Go to **Plugins → Installed Plugins**
2. Find WPsigner
3. Click **Enable auto-updates** (if available)

### Manual Updates

1. Download the latest version from your account
2. Deactivate the current WPsigner plugin
3. Delete the old plugin (your data is safely stored in the database)
4. Install the new version following Method 1 above
5. Activate the plugin

> **important**
Your documents, signers, and settings are stored in the database and are not deleted by a normal plugin update. Create a backup before updating.

---

## Multisite Installation

For WordPress Multisite networks:

### Network Activation

1. Download and upload `wpsigner.zip`
2. Go to **Network Admin → Plugins**
3. Click **Network Activate** for all sites

### Per-Site Activation

1. Upload the plugin to the network
2. Each site admin can activate independently
3. Settings are configured per-site

---

## Troubleshooting Installation

### "Plugin could not be activated"

**Cause**: PHP version too low or missing extension

**Solution**:
1. Check your PHP version (minimum 7.4)
2. Ensure OpenSSL extension is enabled
3. Contact your host if needed

### "Upload failed - file size exceeds limit"

**Cause**: Server upload limit too small

**Solution**:
1. Increase `upload_max_filesize` in php.ini
2. Or use FTP upload method instead

### "Fatal error after activation"

**Cause**: Plugin conflict or memory issue

**Solution**:
1. Increase WordPress memory limit in wp-config.php:
   ```php
   define('WP_MEMORY_LIMIT', '256M');
   ```
2. Deactivate other plugins temporarily to identify conflicts

### White screen after activation

**Cause**: PHP error being suppressed

**Solution**:
1. Enable WordPress debug mode in wp-config.php:
   ```php
   define('WP_DEBUG', true);
   define('WP_DEBUG_LOG', true);
   ```
2. Check `/wp-content/debug.log` for error details

---

## Getting Help

If you encounter issues during installation:

- **[System Requirements](/getting-started/requirements/)** - Verify server compatibility
- **[Troubleshooting Guide](/support/troubleshooting/)** - Common issues and solutions
- **[Contact Support](https://wpsigner.com/contact/)** - Get personalized help

---

## Next Steps

Now that WPsigner is installed:

1. **[Quick Start Guide](/getting-started/quick-start/)** - Create your first document
2. **[Creating Documents](/core-features/creating-documents/)** - Learn the 4-step wizard
3. **[Digital ID Setup](/digital-identity/digital-id/)** - Configure certificates