Adding Signature Fields to Your PDF Using Text Tags (BoldSign Compatible)
When preparing documents for e‑signature, you can place signature fields directly inside your PDF using text tags. These tags tell the system where each signer should click to add their signature.
This guide walks you through how to format these tags and avoid common issues.
What Are Text Tags?
Text tags are small pieces of text you insert into your PDF. When the document is uploaded, the system automatically converts them into signature fields.
A basic signature tag looks like this:
{{ sign|1|* }}How to Format a Signature Tag
Each part of the tag has a specific purpose:
sign
— creates a signature field1
— identifies the signer (Signer 1)*
— marks the field as required
If you have multiple signers, simply change the signer number:
{{ sign|2|* }} {{ sign|3 }}Adjusting the Size of the Signature Box
The size of the signature field is based on the amount of whitespace inside the braces. To make the signature box larger, add spaces or line breaks:
{{ sign|1|* }}More whitespace = a larger clickable signature area.
Make the Text Invisible (Important)
BoldSign overlays the signature box on top of the text tag. If the text is visible, it will appear behind the signature field.
To prevent this:
Set the text color to white
before saving your PDF.
This keeps the tag functional but invisible to the signer.
Troubleshooting
403 Error or Signing Window Won’t Open
This is often caused by:
A corrupted or outdated PDF
A malformed text tag
A PDF created before the BoldSign migration
Try re‑exporting the PDF from your source application and re‑adding the text tags.
Signature Field Doesn’t Appear
Check for:
Missing braces
Incorrect formatting (e.g., missing pipes
|)No whitespace inside the tag
Examples
Required signature for Signer 1
{{ sign|1|* }}Optional signature for Signer 2
{{ sign|2 }}Large signature box
{{ sign|1|* }}