# Introduction to WPsigner

> Overview of WPsigner Lite and Pro — self-hosted electronic signatures for WordPress, shared core workflows, and when to upgrade.

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/introduction/
Markdown: https://docs.wpsigner.com/md/getting-started/introduction.md
Source file: getting-started/introduction.md

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WPsigner is a self-hosted electronic-signature plugin that turns a WordPress site into a document-signing platform. Document files and records stay on your infrastructure by default. There are two editions:

| Edition | Best for | Where to get it |
|---------|----------|-----------------|
| **[WPsigner Lite](/getting-started/lite-vs-pro/)** | Free PDF signing (max 2 signers), audit trail, email OTP | WordPress.org / Plugins → Add New |
| **WPsigner Pro** | Unlimited signers, campaigns, templates, addons, integrations, full white-label, API | [wpsigner.com](https://wpsigner.com/pricing/?utm_source=docs&utm_medium=upgrade&utm_campaign=introduction) |

Compare limits side by side: **[Lite vs Pro](/getting-started/lite-vs-pro/)**. Most guides below describe shared workflows and Pro-only features; each page shows an edition badge.

## Why WPsigner?

### Self-Hosted & Private
By default, document files and records remain on your WordPress infrastructure. Data is sent to a third party only when you configure an external service such as cloud storage, KYC, messaging, payments, or automation (Pro integrations).

### No Per-Envelope Fees
WPsigner does not charge a fee for each envelope. Hosting resources, license terms (Pro), and charges from configured third-party services still apply.

### Legal and compliance support
Electronic-signature laws recognize electronic records in many jurisdictions. WPsigner provides evidence and workflow controls that can support compliance, but enforceability depends on the document type, intent, consent, identity method, record retention, and local law.

| Framework | Region | WPsigner relevance |
|-----------|--------|--------------------|
| **ESIGN Act / UETA** | United States | Intent, consent, attribution, and retained records |
| **eIDAS** | European Union | SES-oriented workflows; AdES/QES require additional technical and provider conditions |
| **PIPEDA and provincial laws** | Canada | Electronic records plus privacy obligations |
| **Electronic Transactions Acts** | Australia | Electronic transactions subject to transaction-specific exceptions |

See [Legal Compliance](/compliance/) and consult qualified counsel for your use case.

### White-Label Ready (Pro)
**Pro** can remove WPsigner branding and replace it with your company logo, colors, and email identity. Lite includes editable email/on-screen texts but not full white-label renaming.

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## Core Features

### Document Management
- **PDF Upload**: Lite supports PDF; Pro also supports PNG and JPG
- **4-Step Wizard**: Intuitive document creation flow
- **Field Placement**: Drag-and-drop signature fields onto any location
- **Multi-Signer**: Lite allows up to **2** invited signers; Pro allows unlimited
- **Template Library**: Reusable templates (**Pro**)
- **WordPress signers**: Search users, add yourself as signer #1, optional matching WordPress login (**Pro 3.2.0+**)
- **Signed PDF fonts**: Vietnamese and other scripts on flattened PDFs (**Pro 3.2.0+**)
- **Bulk Send**: CSV invitations from a template, with a tag per batch (**Pro**)

### Signing Workflows
- **Parallel Signing**: All signers receive emails simultaneously
- **Sequential Signing**: Signers receive emails in a specific order
- **Auto-Reminders**: Automatic email reminders for pending signatures
- **Expiration Dates**: Set deadlines for document completion

### Security & Compliance
- **Digital Certificates**: PKI support with .p12/.pfx certificates
- **Timestamping**: Local timestamp in Lite; external TSA in **Pro**
- **Audit Trail**: Complete history of every action with IP, timestamp, and device info
- **Access Codes**: Optional PIN protection for sensitive documents
- **OTP**: Email OTP in Lite; additional channels in **Pro**
- **Document Integrity**: SHA-256 hashing to detect tampering

### Mobile Experience
- **Responsive Design**: Perfect signing on phones and tablets
- **Touch Signatures**: Draw signatures with your finger
- **Pinch-to-Zoom**: Native zoom for reviewing documents
- **Progressive Loading**: Fast page-by-page rendering
- **WPsigner App** (**Pro**): [Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wpsigner.app) is live; iOS coming soon. Pair with QR from **WPsigner → Mobile App**. [Mobile app docs](/mobile-app/)

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## How It Works

**Upload PDF** → **Add Signers** → **Place Fields** → **Send for Signing** → **Signers Sign** → **Download Certified PDF**

### Step-by-Step Process

1. **Upload Your Document**
   - Go to WPsigner → New Document
   - Drag and drop your PDF or click to browse
   - The document is securely stored on your server

2. **Add Signers**
   - Enter name and email for each signer
   - Choose parallel or sequential signing
   - Assign colors for easy field identification

3. **Place Signature Fields**
   - Drag fields from the toolbar onto the PDF
   - Position signature, date, text, and checkbox fields
   - Assign each field to a specific signer

4. **Send for Signing**
   - Review the document summary
   - Click "Send" to deliver emails to all signers
   - Track progress from your dashboard

5. **Signers Complete Fields**
   - Signers receive a secure link via email
   - They can sign on any device (desktop, tablet, phone)
   - Each signature is captured with timestamp and IP

6. **Document Completion**
   - Once all signers finish, the PDF is sealed
   - A certificate of completion is appended
   - All parties receive the final signed document

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## Field Types

WPsigner supports various field types for comprehensive document workflows:

| Field Type | Description | Use Case |
|------------|-------------|----------|
| **Signature** | Capture handwritten or typed signatures | Contracts, agreements |
| **Initials** | Smaller signature field for initials | Multi-page documents |
| **Date** | Current date auto-filled | Document dating |
| **Text** | Free-form text input | Names, addresses, notes |
| **Checkbox** | Yes/no selection boxes | Terms acceptance, options |
| **Dropdown** | Select from predefined options | Multiple choice fields |

---

## Integration Options

WPsigner integrates with your existing WordPress ecosystem:

### Built-in Integrations
- **WooCommerce**: Auto-send contracts after purchase
- **Fluent Forms**: Trigger signatures from form submissions
- **Formidable Forms**: Content signing, OTP, PDF template feeds, signed-PDF download, and optional [E2Pdf](/integrations/e2pdf/)
- **ChatGPT**: Custom GPT fills templates; send only after the user confirms ([guide](/integrations/chatgpt/))
- **Elementor**: Display signature status in your designs

### Automation Platforms
- **Zapier**: 5,000+ app connections
- **Make (Integromat)**: Visual automation workflows
- **n8n**: Self-hosted automation
- **Pabbly Connect**: Budget-friendly automation

### Developer Tools
- **REST API**: Full programmatic access to all features
- **Webhooks**: Real-time event notifications
- **Action Hooks**: WordPress hooks for customization
- **Filter Hooks**: Modify behavior without code changes

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## System Requirements

Before installing WPsigner, ensure your server meets these requirements:

| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|------------|---------|-------------|
| WordPress | 5.8+ | 6.0+ |
| PHP | 7.4+ | 8.1+ |
| MySQL | 5.7+ | 8.0+ |
| Memory | 128MB | 256MB+ |
| OpenSSL | Any version | 1.1.1+ |

### Required PHP Extensions
- `openssl` - For digital certificates and PDF signing
- `gd` OR `imagick` - For signature image processing
- `mbstring` - For multi-byte string handling
- `curl` - For webhook delivery

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## Getting Started

Ready to start signing documents? Follow these steps:

1. **[Install WPsigner](/getting-started/installation/)** - Download and activate the plugin
2. **[Quick Start Guide](/getting-started/quick-start/)** - Create your first document in 5 minutes
3. **[Configure Settings](/customization/whitelabeling/)** - Add your branding
4. **[Set Up Security](/digital-identity/digital-id/)** - Configure digital certificates

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## Support & Resources

### Documentation
- [Creating Documents](/core-features/creating-documents/) - Detailed document creation guide
- [Signer Workflows](/core-features/signer-workflows/) - Sequential vs parallel signing
- [REST API](/api/) - Developer API reference
- [Troubleshooting](/support/troubleshooting/) - Common issues and solutions

### Community
- [Feature Requests](https://wpsigner.com/contact/) - Suggest new features
- [Bug Reports](https://wpsigner.com/contact/) - Report issues
- [Changelog](/changelog/) - See what's new in each version

> **tip**
New to electronic signatures? Start with the [Quick Start Guide](/getting-started/quick-start/) to create a test document.