> ## Knowledge Base Index > Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.contracthero.com/sitemap.xml > Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further. > Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash). # How to Request an Electronic Signature in ContractHero (FES & QES) # Requesting an electronic signature: FES & QES by email link ## What's in it for you Instead of juggling PDFs over email, merging versions and chasing signatures one by one, everything happens in one place: you can see at any time who has already signed, send reminders, and the signed document is filed against the contract automatically — audit-proof. For each request you choose between **FES** (simple electronic signature, for standard cases) and **QES** (qualified electronic signature, legally equivalent to a handwritten one). ## Before you start * The contract and the document to be signed are already uploaded to ContractHero. * You have the right to start signatures in your workspace, or on this particular contract. * A valid annual signature volume is in place (FES or QES, depending on the method). ## How it works ${youtube}[](5ELlehw5iXw) **1. Open the signature area** Open the **contract** you want and switch to the **Signature** tab in the right-hand sidebar. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/screenshot-2026-05-29-at-15114_71vhj8.png) As long as no process is running, you'll see the note “This document is ready to be signed” and the **“Request signature”** button. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/screenshot-2026-05-29-at-15141_1dru912.png) **2. Configure the request** Clicking “Request signature” opens the **“Request digital signature”** dialog, where you set every detail: * **Message** (required) — the text signers will see in the signature email. * **Qualified electronic signature (QES)** — the toggle switches between **disabled** (= FES) and **enabled** (= QES). With QES, signing always happens in sequence. * **Signers** — name and email of the first signer. Use **“Add another signer”** to include more people. * **Request signatures in sequence** — the **“Order signers”** toggle decides whether everyone signs at once or one after another (with QES, always one after another). * **Add CC recipients** — people who only receive a copy for information, without signing. * **Language of the signing process** — choose between **English** and **German**. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/screenshot-2026-05-29-at-15161_12882wb.png) Click **“Start”**. **3. Place the signature fields in the document** Next, the **document preparation** view opens. Drag and drop the fields you need onto the right spots in the PDF — typically: * **Signature** * **Initials** * **Date** * **First and last name** * other standard fields, depending on the contract type With several signers, check the **assignment** of each field (which field belongs to which person). The field options let you mark fields as required and adjust their position and size. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/screenshot-2026-05-29-at-15183_admisx.png) **4. Send it out** A quick checklist before sending: * right people, right order? * correct language? * all required fields placed? * all optional fields filled in? **“Send for signature”** sends the email — either to everyone at once, or, if you enabled ordering, to the first person only. ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/screenshot-2026-05-29-at-15210_13iaxoa.png) **5. Track the status** After sending, the Signature tab shows the **running signature process** with the current state per signer. This is also where you'll find the buttons to **cancel** the process or send a **reminder** (possible every 2 hours, when the deadline is closing in). ![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/1/2/5/2/12522a019f980500/screenshot-2026-06-02-at-18093_qf5t6z.png) **6. Signing complete** Once **all required signatures** are in, both the sender and **all signers** receive a PDF of the fully signed contract by email. At the same time, the signed document is saved to ContractHero automatically. ## Common questions **Do signers need a ContractHero login?** No. Signing happens entirely through the email link — no account, no app to install. **What's the difference between FES and QES?** **FES** (simple electronic signature) is the standard option for internal and low-risk contracts — fast, without identity verification. **QES** (qualified electronic signature) is legally equivalent to a handwritten signature — it requires the signers to verify their identity and is typically used for employment and lease agreements. **Who receives the fully signed document?** The sender and all signers get the PDF of the fully signed contract by email. It is also filed against the contract in ContractHero automatically — nothing to save by hand. **Can I run several signature processes on one contract at the same time?** No. Only **one** signature process can be active per contract. If you forgot a signer, for example, the clean route is: **cancel → start again**. **What happens if someone doesn't sign?** You can stop the process at any time with **“Cancel”**. You can also send a **reminder email** every 2 hours as the deadline approaches. **Are fields placed differently for QES than for FES?** The field types are identical. The difference sits in the background process (identity verification) and in the enforced order — signers see the same email-link workflow either way. ## Good to know * **QES enforces an order.** Even if you leave “Order signers” switched off, QES is always signed one after another. * **Language is set per request.** The language (English/German) applies to the email and the signer interface — not to the document itself. * **Reminder limit:** a reminder can be sent at most every **2 hours**. * **Annual volume:** FES and QES signatures draw on separate annual allowances. If one method is greyed out, that allowance is usually used up, or your plan doesn't include it. ## Related articles * [QES Signing Process (Recipient) – Step by Step](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/qes-signing-process-recipient-step-by-step-1qrx9fg/) * [FES Signatures: How Does the Yearly Volume Work?](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/fes-signatures-how-does-the-yearly-volume-work-aijtss/) * [QES Signatures: How Does the Yearly Volume Work?](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/qes-signatures-how-does-the-yearly-volume-work-1aqa9t6/) * [How can I edit Contracts?](https://support.contracthero.com/en-us/article/how-can-i-edit-contracts-pzlqcp/)