PandaDoc Reviews
Pros
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Countless document editing tools
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Payment collection available
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Numerous templates and samples
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Custom branding
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Strong security
Cons
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Complicated website layout
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Oversimplified mobile app
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Pricey
Features
Device support
Ease of use
Creating official forms and tracking down the required signatures is one of those time-consuming activities that businesses could do without. However, if you ditch wet signatures and start using e-signature software, this doesn’t have to be the case. This technology is fast and secure, and most companies provide free forms and templates, removing the task of creating them from scratch.
PandaDoc is a popular choice among e-signers, as it provides document editing tools alongside electronic signature options. Moreover, contact management is a piece of cake with the platform, as it’s possible to request signatures from multiple signers and save recipients’ contact details.
The software provides the means to get legally binding e-signatures and secures documents with various methods, such as two-factor authentication (2FA). What’s appealing for newcomers is that PandaDoc can be used free of charge, letting users experience the platform with no strings attached. If that’s not enough, all paid subscriptions can be tried out for free for 14 days.
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Features
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. For such purposes, a single PandaDoc account is able to hold up to 900 users.
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.
Dashboard
Drawing a signature on PandaDoc
Typing a signature on PandaDoc
Customizing a document on PandaDoc
PandaDoc team Management
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, but bulk sending comes as an add-on.
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.
Templates and forms
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.
Templates
Template example
Samples
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 signature, stamp, and initials 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, although this requires first integrating Stripe, a payment processing platform.
Privacy and security
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. 2FA for accounts is noticeably missing, although it is used as a verification method when sending a document.
More than that, 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.
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.
Adding recipients
Signature certificate
Analytics
Security tools
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.
Device support
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.
Mobile dashboard
Mobile notifications
Mobile settings
Mobile draw signature
Mobile editing
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.
Ease of use
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.
Integrations
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.
To some extent, PandaDoc is almost too reliant on integrations. For example, Stripe is essential for inserting payment collection fields into documents, while Slack is needed for users to receive desktop notifications about signature requests and deadlines.
Pricing
Compared with its competitors, PandaDoc is on the pricier side. Subscriptions start at $19 a month per user, provided they choose annual billing, which yields a 35% 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.
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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, provided Stripe is integrated first.
Users receive access to various document editing tools when upgrading to the Essentials plan for $19 a month per user. 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.
Customer service
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 forwards you 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.
Support page
Blog
Live chat
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.
Bottom line
Despite missing the mark slightly with its crowded dashboard and hidden tools, PandaDoc is a well-equipped e-signature solution for anyone looking for an alternative to wet signing. It supports a wide range of businesses with its numerous templates, and getting accustomed to the software takes no time with the samples and hints provided.
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 essential features like bulk sending are locked behind a paywall. Nevertheless, the platform’s free-forever plan and 14-day free trial for its paid subscriptions give more than enough time to test the software.
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Richárd Z.
Mary P.
