DocuSeal is an open source alternative to DocuSign that enables users to create fillable PDF forms, collect digital signatures, and manage document workflows—all without relying on proprietary cloud services. Built with Ruby on Rails, Vue.js, and Tailwind CSS, it provides a self-hosted solution for businesses and developers who need control over their document signing processes. With support for multiple storage backends, multi-user collaboration, and multilingual interfaces, DocuSeal is designed for teams requiring compliance, privacy, and customization in their e-signature workflows.
It’s ideal for organizations in regulated industries like banking, healthcare, and real estate that need to ensure data sovereignty while maintaining seamless document processing. The platform supports both web-based signing and embedded integrations via React, Vue, Angular, or plain JavaScript components, making it suitable for embedding into existing applications.
What You Get
- PDF form builder (WYSIWYG) - Create fillable PDF forms with 12 field types including Signature, Date, File Upload, and Checkbox without needing advanced PDF editing skills.
- Automated eSignature generation - Automatically apply digital signatures to PDFs upon submission, with built-in verification to validate authenticity.
- Multi-submitter support - Allow multiple parties to sign or fill out the same document in sequence or parallel, with tracking and notifications.
- SMTP-based email automation - Send automated signing invitations and reminders using any SMTP server for full control over communication channels.
- Flexible file storage - Store uploaded documents and signatures on local disk, AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, or Azure Blob Storage via configuration.
- Mobile-optimized UI - Fully responsive interface that works seamlessly on smartphones and tablets for field workers or remote signers.
- Multilingual support - UI available in 7 languages and signing flows in 14 languages to serve global users without translation overhead.
- API and webhooks - Integrate document workflows into existing systems via REST API and event-driven webhooks for automated triggers.
- Docker & one-click deployments - Deploy in minutes using Docker, Heroku, Railway, DigitalOcean, or Render with preconfigured setups.
Common Use Cases
- Building a healthcare intake system - A clinic uses DocuSeal to create patient consent forms with signature fields, auto-sends them via email, and stores signed copies in HIPAA-compliant S3 buckets.
- Creating a real estate closing workflow - A brokerage embeds DocuSeal’s signing form into their CRM to allow buyers and sellers to sign contracts remotely, with audit trails for compliance.
- Problem: Manual PDF signing delays approvals → Solution: DocuSeal automates form generation and signature collection, reducing turnaround from days to minutes - Legal teams replace paper-based processes by generating fillable PDFs programmatically and sending them for e-signature with embedded links.
- DevOps teams managing compliance across regions - A global fintech company self-hosts DocuSeal to ensure data never leaves their private cloud, while supporting 14 languages for international clients.
Under The Hood
Docuseal is a full-stack web application designed for document signing and workflow automation, combining Ruby on Rails backend with Vue.js frontend to deliver a flexible and extensible solution. The platform emphasizes modular configuration and seamless integration between UI and backend logic, enabling customizable document handling without sacrificing performance.
Architecture
Docuseal follows a monolithic architecture with strong MVC and layered design principles, organizing code into distinct modules for user management, template handling, and submission workflows.
- Clear separation of concerns with well-defined controllers, models, and views
- Modular organization supporting distinct functional areas such as document processing and form handling
- Use of layered design to manage complexity in backend and frontend interactions
Tech Stack
Built with Ruby 4.0.1 and Rails, the application leverages Vue.js for its frontend, integrating modern tools for styling, processing, and deployment.
- Ruby on Rails backend with Vue.js frontend for a component-based UI
- Extensive use of Tailwind CSS, PDFium, and ONNX runtime for styling and document processing
- Shakapacker and Webpack for asset compilation, with Docker support for deployment
- RSpec, ESLint, and RuboCop integrated for testing, linting, and code quality
Code Quality
Code quality in Docuseal is moderate, with consistent application of Rails conventions and reasonable test coverage, though some technical debt exists in controller logic.
- Reasonable test coverage with RSpec and linting tools configured for consistency
- Error handling follows standard Rails practices with some room for improvement in edge cases
- Code organization is clean and well-structured, aligning with typical Rails development patterns
What Makes It Unique
Docuseal stands out through its modular configuration system and hybrid approach to document workflow automation, combining backend processing with interactive frontend components.
- Unique integration of Vue.js UI components with Rails controllers for dynamic document behavior
- Extensible configuration system that allows flexible customization of signing and form workflows
- Focus on user control and customization without compromising performance or scalability