Envelope
In electronic signature platforms, an envelope is a digital container that bundles one or more documents, recipient assignments, field mappings, authentication settings, and workflow configuration into a single transaction unit.
What it means
The envelope metaphor mirrors physical mail: just as a paper envelope holds documents and is addressed to recipients, a digital envelope groups all signing artifacts together. An envelope can contain multiple documents that all must be signed in the same session, and it tracks the overall completion status as it moves through each signer's queue.
Why it matters for e-signatures
Every document you send for signature in SignOwl is an envelope. Understanding the envelope model helps you structure complex transactions — such as an employment package with an offer letter, NDA, and benefits election form — as a single organized event.
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
Can an envelope contain documents that different signers need to sign?
Yes. Within a single envelope you can assign different signature fields to different recipients, controlling which pages or fields each person must complete.
What happens to an envelope if one signer declines?
If any required signer declines, the envelope is typically voided and all other parties are notified. The sender can correct the issue and resend.
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