HelloSign API: Streamlining Document Signing and Management with Node.js

Introduction:

HelloSign is an e-signature API and workflow platform that simplifies the process of signing, sending, and managing documents. It allows businesses to automate their document workflows by integrating with other software tools, including CRMs, HR management systems, and file storage platforms. In this blog, we will focus on using the HelloSign API in Node.js, a popular server-side JavaScript framework, to create and send documents for e-signatures.

What is HelloSign API?

HelloSign API is an application programming interface (API) that allows developers to integrate electronic signature functionality into their software applications. It provides a platform for businesses and organizations to create and manage legally binding electronic signatures for a wide range of documents, such as contracts, agreements, and invoices.

With the HelloSign API, developers can embed signature workflows into their applications, allowing users to sign documents electronically directly within their software. The API provides a set of endpoints that developers can use to create and manage signature requests, templates, and documents, as well as to retrieve signed documents and associated metadata.

HelloSign API is designed to be developer-friendly, with a comprehensive set of documentation, code samples, and software development kits (SDKs) available for various programming languages, including Node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby, and Java. The API supports a wide range of file formats, including PDF, Word, Excel, and image files, and integrates with popular cloud storage platforms such as Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box.

Overall, the HelloSign API simplifies the electronic signature process and allows developers to build customized signature workflows that meet their specific needs.

Getting Started with HelloSign API

To use the HelloSign API in Node.js, we first need to create a HelloSign account and obtain an API key. The API key is used to authenticate and authorize requests to the HelloSign API.

Once we have obtained the API key, we can use the HelloSign Node.js SDK, which provides a wrapper around the HelloSign API to make it easier to use in Node.js. To install the SDK, we can use the npm package manager:

npm install hellosign-sdk --save

After installing the SDK, we can require it in our Node.js application and use it to create and send documents for e-signatures.

Creating and Sending Documents for E-Signatures

To create and send a document for e-signatures using the HelloSign API in Node.js, we first need to upload the document to the HelloSign server. We can do this using the HelloSign.file.upload() method, which takes the file path as an argument and returns a file object with a unique file ID.

const HelloSign = require('hellosign-sdk');
const hs = new HelloSign({ apiKey: 'YOUR_API_KEY' });

hs.file.upload({
  file: '/path/to/document.pdf',
}, (err, res) => {
  if (err) console.log(err);
  console.log(res);
});

Once we have uploaded the document, we can create a new signature request using the HelloSign.signatureRequest.create() method, which takes an options object as an argument. The options object contains the details of the signature request, such as the recipients, the message, and the file ID.

hs.signatureRequest.create({
  test_mode: 1,
  title: 'My First Signature Request',
  subject: 'Please sign this document',
  message: 'Please sign this document and return it to us.',
  signers: [
    {
      email_address: 'john@example.com',
      name: 'John Doe',
    },
  ],
  files: [res.file_id],
}, (err, res) => {
  if (err) console.log(err);
  console.log(res);
});

In this example, we have created a signature request with a single recipient, John Doe, and uploaded the document we want him to sign using the file ID returned from the HelloSign.file.upload() method. We have also set the test_mode parameter to 1 to create a test signature request.

Advanced Features of the HelloSign API

The HelloSign API offers several advanced features that can help developers create more robust and customizable document workflows. In this section, we will take a closer look at some of these features and how they can be used in a Node.js application.

Embedded Signing
Embedded Signing allows users to sign documents directly within your application. This feature can be useful if you want to provide a seamless signing experience without having to redirect users to the HelloSign website. To implement Embedded Signing, you will need to use the HelloSign embedded object, which can be included in your application using an iFrame.

Here's an example of how to implement Embedded Signing in a Node.js application:

const { Embedded } = require('hellosign-sdk');
const embedded = new Embedded({
  clientId: 'YOUR_CLIENT_ID',
  documentId: 'DOCUMENT_ID',
  redirectUrl: 'https://yourapp.com/success',
  height: '800px',
  width: '100%',
  skipDomainVerification: true,
});

const embeddedUrl = await embedded.getSignUrl();

In this example, we create a new Embedded object with our clientId, documentId, redirectUrl, height, and width parameters. We then call the getSignUrl method to generate a URL that can be used to display the embedded signing interface.

Templated Documents
Templated Documents allow you to create reusable document templates that can be customized with user-specific data. This can be useful if you need to generate multiple similar documents with different data, such as contracts or agreements. To use Templated Documents, you will need to create a template on the HelloSign website and upload it to your account. You can then use the template_id parameter to reference the template in your API requests.

Here's an example of how to use a Templated Document in a Node.js application:

const { HelloSign } = require('hellosign-sdk');
const helloSign = new HelloSign({
  apiKey: 'YOUR_API_KEY',
});

const response = await helloSign.signatureRequest.create({
  test_mode: 1,
  template_id: 'TEMPLATE_ID',
  title: 'My Document',
  subject: 'Please Sign',
  message: 'This is a test document.',
  signers: [
    {
      email_address: 'john@example.com',
      name: 'John Smith',
      role: 'Client',
    },
  ],
});

In this example, we create a new signature request using a Templated Document with the template_id parameter. We also specify the title, subject, message, and signers parameters to customize the request.

Custom Fields
Custom Fields allow you to add additional fields to your documents, such as text fields, checkboxes, or dropdown menus. These fields can be used to capture additional data from signers or to create more complex document workflows. To add Custom Fields to your documents, you will need to use the custom_fields parameter in your API requests.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the HelloSign API is a powerful tool for businesses and developers to streamline their document signing and management processes. With its user-friendly documentation and robust set of features, the HelloSign API offers a great solution for companies looking to integrate digital signatures into their workflows. By using the HelloSign API, businesses can reduce the time and resources needed for document processing, while also improving their overall efficiency and productivity.

As an API development expert, CronJ offers comprehensive services for businesses looking to integrate digital signature capabilities into their workflows. Our team of experienced developers has a deep understanding of the HelloSign API and can help you implement it seamlessly into your existing systems. With our support, you can take advantage of the full range of features offered by the HelloSign API, and streamline your document signing and management processes. Contact us today to learn more!

References:

https://app.hellosign.com/api/documentation