Welcome to PandaDoc! This article is designed to assist you in transitioning from DocuSign.
PandaDoc overview
As you probably realize, DocuSign's workflow is modeled after the typical mail concept. You start with an envelope, into which you place documents, then you send it off to recipients for their signatures and return. Typically, the documents you add are uploaded files created elsewhere, and fairly limited design elements are available. On the other hand, PandaDoc is a platform designed to streamline your entire document process — from creating and sending documents, to collecting signatures and payments, through storing completed versions of your files. The PandaDoc editor offers stylish design elements, a more intuitive editing experience, and powerful real-time collaboration features.
PandaDoc fundamentals
Workspaces
Instead of using separate accounts, PandaDoc offers isolated working environments to separate different areas of your organization. For example, if a company uses PandaDoc for their HR team's onboarding, the Customer Success team's renewal documents, and the Sales team's proposals, they would likely use three separate workspaces.
Templates and documents
Within each workspace, there are templates and documents. Templates serve as master copies of documents, with placeholders for dynamic information and CRM capabilities.
Pages
Rather than sending recipients envelopes containing documents, with PandaDoc you'll send documents composed of pages. Cover pages and content pages can be mixed and matched to create engaging documents. Find out more about document design.
Blocks
PandaDoc offers content builder blocks you'll use to build content within pages. Blocks are flexible elements that help you add content — text, videos, images, and more — to your documents. For pricing and product information, use the quote builder block instead of a pricing table.
Fields
Similar to tags or tabs in DocuSign, fields in PandaDoc allow recipients to interact with documents. Conditional fields let your customers navigate through documents and see only the fields they need to fill out, based on rules you set up.
Variables
Variables are text placeholders that autofill dynamic information in documents, including data from your CRM. You can include variables in your document titles to streamline document creation and improve search and filtering.
Content library
For frequently used content such as case studies or marketing collateral, save these items to your content library and quickly add them to any template or document. You can also dynamically populate content library items based on specific values using smart content.
Roles
Roles are placeholders for your future recipients. On the template level, roles help you set up a signing order and workflow, while also autofilling variables. Learn more about PandaDoc fundamentals here.
PandaDoc vs. DocuSign workflow
This is the DocuSign workflow you're used to: | With PandaDoc, you'll adopt a new workflow: |
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PandaDoc allows you to send your document via email and text (SMS), either concurrently or separately.
Platform walkthrough
Before you start sending documents, take a minute to review your profile information and settings. Configure profile settings, branding, payment gateways, CRM integrations, team members, workspace settings, and saved messages to keep your workflow up and running. Review this account setup section for more details.
Document creation
The first screen you'll see when you log into PandaDoc is Home, which provides a high-level overview of your account activity in real-time. Here, you can monitor progress of documents you've sent and act on documents that require your attention.
From here, you can create new documents from scratch or use templates by selecting + New document along the left panel.
As with DocuSign, you can upload an existing file to PandaDoc.
Within your document, you can add content using blocks or from the content library, include a cover page, and add fields for your recipients to fill in. Learn more about creating a document.
Sending documents
Once your document is ready, you can send it via email or text (SMS). You'll be able to customize your email message, review variables, and send to recipients in a few clicks.
To collect payments in your documents, add a quote builder block. Once your document is sent, recipients can review pricing and pay directly through it. Find out more about collecting payments with PandaDoc.
Tracking documents
Once your document is sent, you can monitor its status and view its analytics and audit trail for detailed insights.
The payments feature lets you track and manage payment requests in a single place linked directly to your documents. You'll be able to navigate through pending, due soon, or overdue payments.
Migrating your documents from DocuSign to PandaDoc
It's easy to migrate documents you've completed in DocuSign over to PandaDoc. Our bulk import feature allows you to upload multiple files in draft or completed status to PandaDoc at once. Follow these steps:
Go to the Manage section in DocuSign, select the documents you wish to download, then select Download.
Unarchive the downloaded zip file.
In PandaDoc, navigate to the document list by selecting Documents along the left panel.
Select + Document, then Import.
Select a document status for your imported documents (choices include draft and completed) and then chose an existing destination folder or create a new one.
Need further guidance? Don't hesitate to contact our Support team. Have a specific workflow question, or need help getting started? Join one of our open Q&A sessions — one of our Learning Services team members would love to help! You can also access our on-demand courses to familiarize yourself with PandaDoc at your own pace.