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PandaDoc eSign API features and pricing: A detailed guide

“We only want time-consuming, manual signatures to execute our contracts”, said no one ever!

Why?

Because all businesses, irrespective of their size, want to accelerate their signature cycles, not slow them down by taking the traditional paper and pen route.

This is where eSignature APIs come in.

The PandaDoc eSignature API allows businesses to integrate electronic signature functionality into their applications, websites, or services. 

It provides a range of versatile features designed to simplify and automate the process of document creation while ensuring compliance with legal standards, distribution, and signing.

Its comprehensive suite of features is designed to facilitate seamless integration, enhance document security, and improve workflow efficiency.

In this blog, we will cover the various capabilities, features, and benefits of the PandaDoc eSign API, exploring how you can use it to optimize your business operations.

Why use PandaDoc eSign API?

PandaDoc eSign API follows the principles and architectural style of REST (Representational State Transfer). In simple terms, this means that the API is designed in a straightforward and consistent way, making it easy for developers to use.

It follows a common set of rules for how to request and send information, similar to how a website works. This makes it simple to connect PandaDoc with other software and allows developers to easily understand how to interact with it. 

Here’s why it stands out:

  • Seamless Integration: Developers can connect PandaDoc with existing systems, whether it's a CRM, ERP, or a custom-built solution, without needing to reinvent the wheel.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: The API comes with detailed, developer-friendly guides, making it easier to get started and troubleshoot when needed.
  • Predictable Design: Endpoints are intuitive and designed with simplicity in mind, allowing developers to quickly understand how to create, send, or manage documents programmatically.
  • Scalability and Performance: Whether you're handling a few transactions or thousands, the API is robust enough to scale alongside your application.
  • Secure Transactions: Built with security in mind, PandaDoc ensures that sensitive document-related data is transmitted and processed safely, aligning with compliance standards like SOC 2 and GDPR.

In a nutshell, it's built to be user friendly and efficient for handling tasks like creating, sending, and managing documents in a predictable and standardized manner.

PandaDoc eSign API pricing

An interesting thing about PandaDoc eSign API pricing is there are only one plan: Enterprise.

Developers can create a Sandbox account for free and test the complete API capabilities with a 14-day trial. However, the documents created in the Sandbox testing environment will not be legally valid.

The enterprise plan includes all the features that the PandaDoc brand offers in its API, including unlimited test documents, legally binding eSignatures, unlimited team workspaces, webhooks, webhook logs, API logs, and all the other feature sets.

While exact pricing requires contacting a solutions expert, it typically includes two main components: the Enterprise license fee and transaction-based charges. These charges depend on the volume of documents generated or processed via the API. This structure ensures that you only pay for what you use, but it also means costs can scale with usage.

For growing businesses, scalability is a critical factor to consider. The transaction-based model means that costs will increase as you generate more documents or process higher volumes. 

Additionally, if your integration requires advanced features like custom workflows, API monitoring tools, or priority support, these could come with additional charges. 

For startups or businesses in their early stages, PandaDoc also offers tailored packages to align with limited budgets and future scalability needs.

To make the most of the PandaDoc API, it’s essential to monitor your usage and plan for scalability. Consider discussing your long-term needs with PandaDoc’s solution experts to get a customized quote that aligns with your business goals. By doing so, you can avoid surprises and ensure that your investment delivers maximum value as your business grows.

PandaDoc eSign API features

The PandaDoc eSign API offers a wide range of features designed to streamline document management and enhance the efficiency of electronic signature processes.

Here, we’ve compared the PandaDoc eSign API’s features with Signeasy’s eSign API to help you get a better understanding of both software and choose the right fit for your business.

Feature PandaDoc eSign API Signeasy eSign API
Document Management
- Template management
-Dynamic fields
-Dynamic fields
- Extensive customization options and reusable templates
- Supports a wide range of dynamic fields (text, date, signature, etc.) that can be populated automatically
- Allows adding or modifying text, images, and other elements
- Supports unlimited embedded template creation and reuse
- Allows for basic form fields like text, date, and signature
- Limited editing, primarily focused on adding signature fields and text boxes
Electronic Signatures
- Legally binding signatures
-Multiple signers
-Signature workflows
- Compliant with eIDAS, ESIGN, UETA, and other regulations
- Supports multiple signers with sequential or parallel signing workflows
- Highly customizable signature workflows
- Compliant with major eSignature laws and regulations
- Supports multiple signers but with less advanced workflow options
- Basic signature workflows, suitable for straightforward processes
Integration and Automation-API integration
-Webhook support
-Automated workflows
- Extensive integrations with CRM, ERP, and other business tools
- Webhook sends real-time notifications about document events
- Robust automation capabilities for the entire document lifecycle
- Supports integration with popular apps and services through REST API
- Offers webhook support for document status updates
- Basic automation features for document workflows
Security and Compliance
-Data encryption
-Audit trails
-Compliance
- Strong encryption methods during transmission and storage
- Detailed audit trails for all document actions
- Compliant with GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and other industry standards
- Offers multi-factor authentication and strong encryption methods to protect sensitive data
- Provides audit trails for document activities
- Compliant with major eSignature regulations and standards
User Experience
-Customizable templates
-Real-time tracking and notifications
-User-friendly interface
- Extensive customization for templates
- Real-time updates and notifications about document status
- Intuitive and seamless signing experience
- Basic customization for templates
- Offers real-time tracking and notifications
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
Reporting and Analytics
-Detailed reporting
-Analytics
- Comprehensive reports on document status, usage patterns, and workflow efficiency
- Detailed analytics for insights into document workflows
- Essential reporting features for document activities
- Offers team tools and dashboard for analyzing data
Branding and Personalization
-Custom branding
-Personalized communication
- Extensive branding options including logos, colors, and fonts
- Allows for personalized messages and notifications to recipients
- Supports branding but with fewer customization options
- Limited personalization options
Collaboration
-Collaborative editing
-Comments and annotations
- Supports collaborative editing and review
- Allows users to add comments and annotations to documents
- Limited to collaborative signing
- Doesn’t support comments and annotations, primarily focused only on signatures
Flexibility and Scalability
-Scalable solution
-Customizable workflows
- Highly scalable to accommodate business growth and increased document volumes
- Workflows can be tailored to specific business requirements
- Scalable with limitations with complex workflows
- Basic workflow customization
API Documentation and Support
-API documentation
-Customer support
- Comprehensive documentation and resources for developers
- Strong customer support with dedicated resources for developers
- Well-documented API with resources for developers
- Responsive customer support, but resources are not as extensive as PandaDoc's
Additional Features -Advanced document generation
-Workflow automation
-Third-party integrations
- Generate documents from templates with advanced customization
- Extensive automation capabilities for various business processes
- Extensive integrations with a wide range of third-party applications and services like HubSpot, Salesforce, Stripe, Zapier, and more
- Limited to basic document creation
- Basic automation features for document workflows
- Supports integration with popular apps and services, including Microsoft, Google, and HubSpot, but fewer options compared to PandaDoc

PandaDoc eSign API user feedback

According to user feedback on G2 (a platform that reviews software), it’s evident that a majority of users find the PandaDoc eSign API easy to use. Users also found it to be intuitive and loved how easily they could integrate it.

However, some users found the API pricing rather steep, especially for adding additional users, which increased their overall expenses for expanding usage across their teams.

Some users also noted that the API does not currently fully support sequential signing.

Source 
Source

Benefits of using PandaDoc eSign API

Benefit PandaDoc eSign API Signeasy eSign API
Ease of Integration Seamless integration with a wide range of business tools (CRMs, ERPs, etc.) Easy to integrate with popular apps and services through REST API
Automation Advanced automation capabilities for document workflows, reducing manual tasks Basic automation features, suitable for straightforward document processes
Custom Workflows Highly customizable workflows to match specific business needs Supports custom workflows but with less flexibility compared to PandaDoc
Security and Compliance Robust security features, including data encryption, audit trails, and compliance with eIDAS, ESIGN, UETA Strong security measures, including encryption and compliance with major eSignature laws
User Experience User-friendly interface with real-time tracking and notifications, customizable templates, and a seamless signing experience Simple and intuitive user interface for a straightforward signing process
Scalability and Flexibility Highly scalable and flexible to accommodate growing business needs and increased document volumes Scalable solution but may have limitations in handling highly complex document workflows
Collaboration Enhanced collaboration features with support for multiple signers and collaborative document editing Collaboration features include template sharing between teams, sequential signing, and simplifying the signing process for documents with multiple signers
Data Insights and Analytics Detailed reporting and analytics on document status, usage patterns, and workflow efficiency, aiding in informed decision making Provides essential reporting features
Branding and Personalization Offers extensive customization options for branding, including logos, colors, and fonts, as well as personalized communication with recipients Supports branding and customization with fewer options compared to PandaDoc
API Documentation and Support Comprehensive API documentation and strong customer support, including dedicated resources for developers Well-documented API with responsive support
Additional Features Includes advanced features like document generation from templates, integration with a wide range of business applications, and extensive workflow automation capabilities Offers essential eSignature features with some integrations, focusing on ease of use and core eSign functionalities

Who should prefer the Signeasy eSign API?

Both the PandaDoc eSign API and the Signeasy eSign API offer powerful solutions for electronic signatures, but they cater to different needs and business scales. 

PandaDoc provides more advanced features and customization options, making it suitable for larger organizations with complex workflows. 

On the other hand, Signeasy offers a simpler, more straightforward solution with competitive and transparent API pricing that is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking for easy integration and essential eSignature functionalities.

With Signeasy’s starter plan, you can try out all the capabilities of the API in a free sandbox environment. Play with the tool all you want before making a commitment!

Frequently asked questions

Is PandaDoc eSign API free?
The PandaDoc eSign API is not free. Interested users can start with a 14-day free trial to assess its suitability and then get a custom plan that fits their requirements.
How do I request an eSignature in PandaDoc?
To request an eSignature in PandaDoc, first log in to your PandaDoc account and create or upload the document that needs signing. Add the necessary fields for signatures, dates, and other required information by dragging and dropping them onto the document. Once your document is prepared, enter the email addresses of the recipients who need to sign it, and send the document for eSignature. The recipients will receive an email notification prompting them to review and sign the document electronically. You can then track the status of the document within PandaDoc to see when it has been viewed and signed.
Is PandaDoc eSign compliant?
Yes, PandaDoc eSign is compliant with key electronic signature laws and regulations, ensuring the legality and security of its eSignatures. It adheres to the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States and eIDAS in the European Union, and it is also GDPR and HIPAA compliant. This compliance guarantees that electronic signatures collected through PandaDoc are legally binding, secure, and meet stringent data protection and privacy standards.
What type of documents can I create and send using PandaDoc eSign API?
The PandaDoc API supports a wide variety of document types, including proposals, contracts, quotes, and other business documents. You can create these documents from templates or from scratch and include features such as text fields, signature fields, checkboxes, and more.
Can I track the status of documents sent through the API?
Yes, you can track the status of documents sent through the PandaDoc eSign API. The API provides endpoints to retrieve information about the document's status, such as whether it has been viewed, signed, or completed. Real-time notifications and webhooks can also be used to receive updates on document events.
Is the PandaDoc eSign API secure?
Yes, the PandaDoc eSign API is designed with security in mind. It uses HTTPS for secure communication, and data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. The API also complies with various legal standards and regulations, including eIDAS, ESIGN, and UETA, ensuring that electronic signatures are legally binding and secure.
Can I customize the look and feel of documents sent through the API?
Yes, you can customize the appearance of documents sent through the PandaDoc eSign API. This includes adding your company's branding, such as logos, colors, and fonts. You can also customize the layout and design of the document templates to match your specific needs and preferences.
Sangeetha S
Sangeetha S
Sangeetha is the Senior Product Marketing Manager at Signeasy, where she strategizes and executes marketing initiatives to enhance product visibility and customer engagement. Away from the office, her passions include strolling with her dog, CeeCee, and playing the strategic game of Dungeons & Dragons.
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