DocuSign Templates Versus Powerforms
A Powerform is simply a different way to distribute a template
The difference
A template is a DocuSign form that can be used over and over. It is created and distributed by someone with a DocuSign role other than Viewer, for example Sender. It is usually distributed via email like most DocuSign envelopes.
A Powerform is a self service DocuSign form distributed via a link on a webpage or via sending the link to the person(s) who need to complete the form. The content of a Powerform is a DocuSign template.
Similarities
Since the Powerform content is a template, both can have exactly the same fields, routing rules, user instructions and any other detail you put into the source template, i.e. if you consider each of the elements of a template you might need - custom fields, formulas, multiple signers, etc. - you can include them in a Powerform because the Powerform is simply a different way to distribute the template.
How to create a Template (High Level)
From the Home Screen, choose Templates, then choose New, Create New Template.
Note: Screengrabs are taken when the browser window is full-size.
Narrowing the browser window might change what you see.
A form is displayed; complete it (e.g. Template Name, etc.). Note that in the Add Recipients to the Envelope section you must identify Roles for the template recipients (i.e. the roles a recipient will fulfill when they receive the envelope). Do not use individual names when you create a template otherwise it won’t be usable for different recipients. You will provide individual recipient names when actually using the template.
Upload the document you want to base the template on; for example a PDF or Word document. This source document should be formatted so that each field (tag) will have enough space on the form; you will not be able to edit the source document within DocuSign. Choose Next and proceed to add and format the fields as for any DocuSign form. Don’t forget to Save.
How to create a PowerForm (High Level)
From the Templates section, choose the source template for the PowerForm and use the blue pulldown list on the right hand side (choice defaults to Use) and choose Create PowerForm.
You will see a form pre-filled with information from the template such as template name, instructions and so forth. Edit this information if desired. Then choose Create.
A dialog box will open showing the URL for the PowerForm and allowing you to copy the URL or embed the code in a webpage.
- An option: you can refine the message to recipients versus what the template message has.
- You can always find the URL again by:
- Navigating to the Template, opening it and choosing Copy URL from the Actions menu OR
- From Home choose Manage, choose PowerForms on the left hand menu, then choosing Copy URL from the drop-down next to the PowerForm.