HelloSign API for Embedded E-Signatures and Workflow Automation

Overview

The HelloSign API provides programmatic access to e-signature capabilities, allowing developers to integrate document signing workflows directly into their applications. It is designed for businesses that need to automate the process of preparing, sending, signing, and managing documents without requiring users to leave their platform. The API supports various document types and offers features for embedded signing, template management, and webhook notifications for real-time status updates.

Key use cases for the HelloSign API include onboarding new customers by embedding signature requests into application forms, streamlining internal HR processes, and automating sales contract execution. Developers can create custom signing experiences, pre-fill document fields, and track the progress of signature requests through their lifecycle. The API is suitable for small businesses seeking to digitize document processes, as well as large enterprises requiring scalable, compliant e-signature solutions integrated with existing CRM or ERP systems.

HelloSign, founded in 2010 and acquired by Dropbox, emphasizes ease of use for both developers and end-users. Its API documentation includes guides and examples to facilitate integration. The platform adheres to various compliance standards, including the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States, as well as eIDAS in the European Union, which provides a legal framework for electronic signatures across EU member states. These compliance measures are critical for organizations operating in regulated industries or across international borders, ensuring the legal validity and enforceability of signed documents.

Key features

• Embedded Signing: Integrate the signing experience directly into your application's UI, allowing users to sign without redirection.
• Template Management: Create and manage reusable document templates with predefined fields and roles, streamlining repetitive signing processes.
• Document Workflow Automation: Programmatically prepare documents, specify signers, add custom fields, and send signature requests.
• Webhooks for Status Updates: Receive real-time notifications about signature events, such as document viewed, signed, or declined, to update application states.
• Audit Trails: Generate comprehensive audit trails for each signed document, providing evidence of who signed, when, and from where, to support legal enforceability.
• API Test Environment: Utilize a sandbox environment for development and testing without incurring signature costs or affecting live data.
• Multi-language Support: The signing experience can be localized to support various languages for global users.
• Compliance Standards: Supports industry and legal compliance requirements including SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, eIDAS, HIPAA, ESIGN Act, and UETA, as detailed in their trust center.

Pricing

HelloSign API pricing is structured around the number of valid signatures required per month. A free Developer Plan is available for testing, offering 50 test signatures. Paid plans include a monthly signature allowance, with overage fees for additional signatures. As of May 2026, the following tiers are offered:

For detailed pricing information and current offers, refer to the HelloSign API pricing page.

Common integrations

The HelloSign API is designed to integrate with a range of business applications and platforms, enabling seamless document workflows. While direct integrations are often built programmatically using the API, common categories of system integrations include:

• CRM Systems: Integrate with platforms like Salesforce to automate contract generation and signing within sales pipelines.
• ERP Systems: Embed signature capabilities into enterprise resource planning tools for procurement, HR, and legal document processing.
• Cloud Storage: Connect with services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or SharePoint for document storage and retrieval post-signing.
• HR Platforms: Automate onboarding documents, offer letters, and policy acknowledgements.
• Custom Web Applications: Embed e-signature functionality directly into proprietary web and mobile applications for various use cases.
• Workflow Automation Tools: Integrate with platforms like Tray.io to create complex, multi-step document workflows.

Alternatives

• DocuSign API: A widely adopted e-signature platform offering extensive API capabilities for document management and signing, often used for enterprise solutions.
• Adobe Acrobat Sign: Provides e-signature services integrated with the Adobe Document Cloud ecosystem, suitable for businesses already using Adobe products.
• PandaDoc API: Offers document generation, e-signature, and workflow automation, often favored for sales proposals and contract management.
• SignNow API: A cloud-based e-signature solution that provides an API for embedding signing functionality into business applications, focusing on usability and legal compliance.

Getting started

To get started with the HelloSign API, you will typically need to obtain an API key and set up a development environment. The following Python example demonstrates how to send a signature request using the HelloSign SDK. This example assumes you have the HelloSign Python SDK installed and have replaced placeholders with your actual API key and signer email.

import hellosign_sdk

# Configure API client
api_key = "YOUR_API_KEY"
client = hellosign_sdk.HSClient(api_key=api_key)

# Define signer roles and email addresses
signers = [
    {'email_address': '[email protected]', 'name': 'Signer One', 'order': 1},
    {'email_address': '[email protected]', 'name': 'Signer Two', 'order': 2}
]

# Define a file to be signed (replace with your document path or template ID)
# For a file-based signature request:
# files = ['path/to/your/document.pdf']

# For a template-based signature request, use template_id instead of files
template_id = "YOUR_TEMPLATE_ID" # Example: 'c2e42d7c0f0a2e7c4b7c0f0a2e7c4b7c'

# Define subject and message for the signature request
subject = "Please sign this document"
message = "This is an important document for your review and signature."

try:
    # Send a signature request using a template
    signature_request = client.send_signature_request_with_template(
        test_mode=True, # Set to False for production requests
        template_id=template_id,
        subject=subject,
        message=message,
        signers=signers,
        # You can also add custom_fields_data if your template has custom fields
        # custom_fields_data={'ProjectName': 'Alpha'}
    )
    print(f"Signature request sent successfully! Request ID: {signature_request.signature_request_id}")
    print(f"Signing URL for Signer One: {signature_request.signatures[0].signing_url}")

except hellosign_sdk.api.HSException as e:
    print(f"Error sending signature request: {e}")

This Python code snippet initializes the HelloSign client with an API key, defines signers, and then sends a template-based signature request. The test_mode=True parameter is crucial for development, as it prevents actual signature usage from your monthly quota. For more detailed examples and language-specific SDK guides, refer to the HelloSign API documentation.