e-Sign External PDFs
Published on February 24, 2026
DRTE
Use this guide to prepare and execute an external PDF for e-signature with DRTE, entirely inside Salesforce. The process has three phases: intake, field mapping, and execution.
External PDF E-Signature: Step-by-Step Execution
| At a glance | Phase I: Upload the external PDF to an E Signature Log record. | Phase II: Place signature, date, and data fields in the DRTE Editor. | Phase III: Confirm and save to route the signed document to Salesforce Files. |
Phase I: Document Intake and Centralization
- Create an E Signature Log record without defining an E Signature Request.
- Locate the DRTE Document Component on the page layout.
- Upload the external PDF by dragging the file into the upload zone or selecting "Upload Files."
- Verify the upload by ensuring the file appears in the open document section.
| Success check: The uploaded PDF is listed in the open document section and a "Sign/Prepare" option appears next to it. |
Phase II: Template Preparation and Field Mapping
- Launch the DRTE Editor by clicking "Sign/Prepare" next to the uploaded document.
- Review the document for existing signature blocks or blank spaces provided by the sender.
- Deploy functional fields from the sidebar onto the document:
| Field Type | Where to Place It |
| Signature / Initial Fields | In the designated signature area for the internal or external signer. |
| Date Fields | Adjacent to signature lines, so the date is timestamped automatically upon execution. |
| Data Fields | Use text boxes for any required manual entries (e.g., Title, Department, or Purchase Order numbers). |
- Assign each field to the appropriate place in the document.
Phase III: Execution
- Perform a final review of field placements to ensure alignment and legibility.
- Select Confirm and Save to initiate the signature workflow.
- Upon execution, the system automatically routes the completed document to Salesforce Files.
| Before you confirm: Double-check that every signer has a signature field and that date and data fields sit clear of existing text in the PDF. |
Compliance and Audit Standards
| Audit Trail | The system automatically generates the audit field values attached to the record, documenting IP addresses, timestamps, and user names. |
| Data Security | No document data is transmitted to external third-party servers; all processing occurs within the Salesforce Multi-tenant Cloud. |
| Final Storage | The fully executed PDF is stored as the "Single Source of Truth" in the Salesforce Files object, superseding all previous drafts. |
Knowledge Article Number: KA-00211