Required Documents: Collect Files from Signers During E-Signature
Require signers to upload supporting documents - Photo ID, insurance certificates, licenses - before they can complete signing. Files are saved to your database automatically.
Overview
Service businesses often need supporting documents alongside a signed contract:
- Marinas need a Photo ID with work orders
- Construction needs insurance certificates with subcontractor agreements
- HR needs government ID with employment contracts
- Rentals need a driver's license with rental agreements
Previously, collecting these required a separate form, email, or manual follow-up. Now, signers upload everything in one flow - sign and upload in a single session.
Required Documents is available on Pro plans and above ($49/mo).
Setting Up Required Documents
Step 1: Open E-Signature Settings
- Open your flow in TypeFlow
- Go to the E-Signature tab
- Scroll down to the Required Documents section
Step 2: Add a Document Requirement
Click "+ Add required document" and configure:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Label | What the signer sees (e.g., "Government-issued Photo ID") |
| Instructions | Optional guidance (e.g., "Upload a clear photo of the front of your valid ID") |
| Assigned to | Which signer must upload this document |
| Save to field | Airtable/Softr attachment field where the file will be written back |
| Required | Whether the signer must upload before completing |
Step 3: Save
Settings auto-save. The next signature session created from this flow will include the document requirements.
Signer Experience
Desktop
After the signer completes all signature fields (signature, date, text, checkbox), the bottom bar button changes from "Next Field" to "Upload [Document Name]".
- Signer clicks the upload button
- A modal opens with drag-and-drop or file picker
- Signer selects their file (JPG, PNG, or PDF, up to 10 MB)
- After upload, the button becomes "Complete Signing"
The sidebar also shows the document status (pending/uploaded) for reference, but the main action is always in the bottom bar. No hunting required.
Mobile (Wizard Mode)
In wizard mode, a dedicated file upload step appears between the checkbox step and the signature step:
- Full-screen step with the document label and instructions
- Two buttons: "Take Photo" (opens camera) and "Choose File" (opens file picker)
- Preview after capture
- "Next" button enabled only after upload
Mobile (Document Mode)
In document mode, the attachment checklist appears above the Complete button, same as desktop.
Write-Back to Your Database
When you configure a "Save to field" (an Airtable or Softr attachment field), the uploaded file is automatically written to that field when all signers complete.
This uses the same write-back mechanism as the signed PDF - no extra configuration needed. The file appears as an attachment in your database record.
Example: Missie at Clear Lake Marine Center configures "Photo ID" to save to a "Customer ID" attachment field. When the customer signs and uploads their ID, the ID photo lands directly in the Airtable record alongside the signed work order.
Certificate of Completion
The Certificate of Completion includes an attestation section for each uploaded document:
The actual file is not embedded in the PDF. This is intentional - signed PDFs are often shared with third parties (accountants, insurers), and embedding a Photo ID would create a privacy risk. The attestation proves the document was received; the file itself stays in your database.
Plan Limits
| Plan | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Starter ($29/mo) | Not available |
| Pro ($49/mo) | Up to 3 requirements per flow |
| Enterprise ($199/mo) | Unlimited |
FAQ
What file types can signers upload?
JPG, PNG, and PDF by default. Each requirement can be configured with its own accepted file types.
Can I require different documents from different signers?
Yes. Each document requirement is assigned to a specific signer. Signer 1 might need a Photo ID while Signer 2 needs an insurance certificate.
Can signers replace an uploaded file?
Yes. Signers can replace their upload at any time before completing the signing. The old file is deleted and replaced with the new one.
Is the uploaded file embedded in the signed PDF?
No. For privacy, the signed PDF only includes an attestation (file name, size, upload date). The actual file is stored separately and written to your database attachment field.
What is the maximum file size?
10 MB per file. This applies to all plans.
Where are uploaded files stored?
Files are stored in TypeFlow's secure storage. If you configure a destination field, they are also written back to your Airtable (or Softr) attachment field when signing completes.
Related Articles
E-Signature: Complete Guide
Full guide to setting up e-signatures, configuring signers, and the signing experience.
Identity Verification (Email OTP)
Add an extra layer of security by requiring email code verification before signing.
E-Signature Audit Trail
Track every event in the signing process with a complete audit trail.
Need More Help?
- Email: support@typeflow.us
- Chat: Click the chat icon in the app