PandaDoc Reviews

Signature customization is where it all begins with e-signature software. With this in mind, PandaDoc supports drawn, uploaded, and typed signatures, with four fonts available for the third option. In addition to creating a signature in the account settings, PandaDoc comes with the option of designing it before signing.

Other than with signatures, documents can also be validated with initials and a company stamp. If more coworkers need to sign, they can do so either as guest signers or by subscribing to the platform. This happens via an email invitation or by clicking on a shared link.

The software also makes dealing with multiple clients hassle-free. Those on a free trial – or using the free plan – can request a signature from five recipients simultaneously, while those paying for the service can request from 50. Fortunately, this doesn’t mean there’s a limit to the number of saved contacts. Beyond this, setting signing orders is straightforward and can come in handy when a document requires many signatures.

It’s slightly inconvenient that deadlines and reminders seem to be missing at first, as they can’t be set while preparing a document for signing. Instead, they must be configured in the company workspace’s settings, and they’ll automatically apply to every document.

When preparing to send a signature request, it’s possible to import documents from the cloud or a computer. Furthermore, PandaDoc supports PDF, DOC, XLS, PPT, and a few image formats like JPEG. Several documents can be uploaded simultaneously, and bulk sending comes as an add-on for Business users. Meanwhile, Enterprise customers with an annual plan get bulk sending without paying extra.

Documents that don’t need to be sent right away can be stored in folders. After adding all the necessary fields and sending the document, PandaDoc updates the workflow overview. This means it’s possible to check whether the document is finished, has been sent, is still waiting for a signature, or if its deadline has expired.

PandaDoc provides many options when it comes to templates. They can be created from scratch with the software without requiring a third-party text editor. After the custom template is completed, it can then be stored and reused at your pleasure.

Alternatively, there are more than 750 pre-made templates to choose from. These come in many variations, such as contract forms, business plans, legal documentation, onboarding templates, and many more.

PandaDoc also offers a few samples in its content library to get you accustomed to document customization. Users can see how features like a pricing table or signature block are laid out before starting their own design. Every new document or template can be edited by adding a signature, a stamp, and initial fields.

However, customization doesn’t stop there, as the software offers textboxes, images, tables, and videos. Most importantly, documents customized in PandaDoc can have payment collection fields. The platform supports Stripe, PayPal, Square, Authorize.net, ACH, and QuickBooks.

PandaDoc helps you close contracts faster with several automation features to make your workflow smoother.

Smart variables are perfect for adding placeholders that populate documents automatically by fetching information from your CRM platform, such as business size, industry, job title, and more.

Meanwhile, conditional content rules allow you to create flexible templates that change depending on the conditions you set. For example, you can insert recipient use cases, testimonials, or even pre-defined pricing based on industry or organization.

It’s also possible to automate repetitive tasks by using AI, such as data entry, contract updates, and approval tracking. Plus, everything runs smoother by taking advantage of trigger actions when the document’s status changes to auto-send them or notify the right people of what they should expect next.

PandaDoc works in the background to protect users’ privacy. The security measures in place are strong, but most are aimed at protecting user-recipient interactions. 2-factor authentication is available both for logging into your account and as a verification method when sending a document.

You can set a passcode, which encodes your e-signatures so they become digital signatures. If enabled, recipients must type the passcode to be able to sign a document.

Better yet, PandaDoc Identity Verification secures your documents even further by adding knowledge-based authentication (KBA) or ID check.

PandaDoc tracks each document’s history via audit trails, which the software calls workflows. These can be tricky to find, though, as the relevant dropdown menu is squeezed into a tiny corner in the upper right side of the screen.

When everyone has signed, PandaDoc issues a signature certificate. However, this isn’t a completion certificate, as recipients’ details, such as their IP addresses, are not included.

Nevertheless, a timeline of all processes is available in your account, appearing as a report of document progress. Finally, PandaDoc is a legally binding e-signature solution compliant with SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA, FERPA, and GDPR.

Those using PandaDoc on a computer must access the software via a browser, as there’s no desktop app. The web app is where the majority of tools are found and configured, including everything related to account management, workflows, billing, integrations, and contacts.

In comparison, the mobile app is an oversimplified version of the software. For instance, it’s possible to sign and edit documents, but they’re merely the basics. One benefit is that signatures can be redrawn with a finger. However, creating an e-signature this way isn’t completely straightforward, as about a quarter of the screen is blank, forcing you to draw the signature into a tiny space.

On the flip side, documents can be scanned and signed on the spot, and document preparation takes fewer steps than in the web app. It’s also handy that a process started in the web app can be continued on the phone.

In short, the mobile app is perfect when you need to quickly sign a document and there’s no computer around . Alternatively, the mobile-optimized website works well and gives you access to the full service.

With everything considered, it’s fair to say that PandaDoc could be more user-friendly. Most noticeably, the crowded dashboard can be overwhelming at first. Furthermore, some tools are difficult to find.

On a positive note, signing is easy-peasy for both the team and recipients. Sending happens directly from the app, meaning you don’t have to download the document and use a third-party email provider. But more importantly, recipients don’t have to be PandaDoc subscribers to sign.

PandaDoc integrates with a wide array of platforms. It works seamlessly with text editing software like Microsoft Word and offers an add-on for Google Workspace and Microsoft Teams. Those choosing to integrate PandaDoc into these solutions can sign documents directly from these apps.

Other integrations include CRM platforms like Hubspot, Zoho, and Salesforce. It’s also possible to integrate the graphic design platform Canva for editing and adding cover sheets. Furthermore, the online project management platform Monday.com fits the signing process into your workflow seamlessly. Some payroll software, such as QuickBooks, also has its PandaDoc add-on. Lastly, using Zapier in conjunction with the e-signature platform unlocks more than 1,000 integrations.

Compared with its competitors, PandaDoc is on the pricier side. Subscriptions start at $19 per seat per month, provided they choose annual billing, which yields a 46% discount compared to the monthly billing cycle.

While the company doesn’t provide refunds, PandaDoc makes up for this by offering an appealing free-forever plan and a 14-day free trial for all paid subscriptions.

The must-haves are included in the free plan, such as customizable e-signatures and tools for adding signature fields to documents. Another plus is that payment collection fields are also available for free.

Users receive access to various document editing tools when upgrading to the Essentials plan for $19 per seat per month. Moreover, templates and forms are unlocked, and documents can be tracked via audit trails.

Those who go a step further and choose the Business plan also receive custom branding. Finally, PandaDoc has an Enterprise plan for big companies that comes with extras like unlimited workspaces.

Getting in touch with PandaDoc is possible through many channels. The company has a 24/7 chatbot that either forwards you to a relevant FAQ or to a customer support agent.

Subscribers can speak to customer service via live chat, but those without a PandaDoc account must submit their phone numbers in the chatbot window and wait for a call back. It’s also possible to put forward a support request and set its priority from low to urgent.

Optionally, users can subscribe to premium support for an extra cost to get a dedicated point of contact, priority support, shorter response times, and more.

In addition to direct support, potential subscribers can learn about PandaDoc by reading blog posts regarding topics like contact management, the e-signature, and more. There’s also a learning center with e-signing seminars and a library of ebooks and webinars discussing how to integrate e-signatures into your business.

Finally, those who’ve just subscribed can check out several ‘getting started’ guides that take them through template creation, document import, user management, and more.

PandaDoc is also secure, legally binding, and compliant with many regulations, such as HIPAA. Moreover, the ability to authenticate recipients with passcodes and two-factor authentication boosts the software’s security.

Considering PandaDoc's high pricing, it’s unfortunate that features like bulk sending are locked behind a paywall. Nevertheless, the platform’s free plan and 14-day free trial for its paid subscriptions give more than enough time to test the software.