Does DocuSeal require a database server?

No. DocuSeal uses SQLite by default — the database is a single file stored at `/data/db.sqlite3` inside the container. No PostgreSQL, MySQL or Redis is needed. The volume mounted at `/data` persists all documents and the database across container restarts.

How much RAM does DocuSeal need?

DocuSeal's single container idles under 256 MB of RAM. A 1 GB VPS is comfortable for teams processing dozens of documents per month; plan for 2 GB if you anticipate high volume or multiple simultaneous signing sessions.

Do signers need a DocuSeal account?

No. Each signer receives a unique link (via email if SMTP is configured, or shared manually). They open the link in any browser, fill in their fields and submit — no registration, no app download required on their side.

Is DocuSeal's electronic signature legally binding?

DocuSeal generates an audit trail containing the signer's email, IP address and timestamp for each signature, plus a completion certificate. This satisfies the evidence requirements for simple electronic signatures under eIDAS (EU) and equivalent laws in many countries. For everyday NDAs, contracts and consent forms, DocuSeal's audit trail is sufficient.

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DocuSeal

Free DocuSign alternative — self-hosted e-signature, full control, zero per-signature cost.

1 GB (2 GB recommended for high document volume) RAM 1 vCPU Port 3000 Available

Source code

Tech stack

DockerRuby on RailsSQLite

Minimum RAM1 GB (2 GB recommended for high document volume)

Minimum CPU1 vCPU

Default port3000

Compatible OSChoice of Linux distributions

DocuSeal is an open-source document signing platform (AGPL-3.0, 17 k+ stars, v3.1.4) built with Ruby on Rails. It lets you create PDF templates with drag-and-drop fields, send signing requests to multiple parties, and collect legally binding electronic signatures — entirely on your own infrastructure.

Deployed on a ServOrbit VPS, DocuSeal replaces DocuSign and Adobe Acrobat Sign at zero per-document cost. The admin sets up templates once (NDA, employment contract, quote approval, GDPR consent form), then sends signing links by email or a shareable URL. Each signer completes the form in any browser — no account required on their side. Completed documents are stored with a full audit trail, downloadable as certified PDFs.

DocuSeal runs as a single Docker container with SQLite storage — no PostgreSQL or Redis needed. Initial RAM footprint is under 256 MB. The first visit to the web UI creates the admin account, so setup is truly zero-configuration. SMTP is optional (for email delivery of signing links); without it, links can be shared manually.

Key features

Drag-and-drop PDF template builder — add signature, initials, date, text, checkbox, stamp and image fields

Multi-party signing workflows: sequential or parallel, each signer sees only their own fields

Shareable signing links — no signer account required, works in any browser on any device

Audit trail with IP address, timestamp and completion certificate for each signed document

REST API and webhooks — embed signing flows into your app or automate from n8n / Make

White-labelling: custom logo, colours and sender email via admin settings

Single Docker container with SQLite — under 256 MB RAM, zero external dependencies

When to use this solution?

1

Freelancers and agencies

Stop paying per-envelope fees for NDAs, project contracts and scope-of-work documents. Upload your template once, send a signing link per client. DocuSeal stores the signed PDF and sends a copy to all parties automatically.

2

HR teams

Collect employment contract signatures, GDPR consent forms and policy acknowledgements without a SaaS subscription. Each employee receives a personalised link and signs in their browser — no app to install. The signed document lands in DocuSeal with a timestamped audit trail.

3

SaaS and e-commerce

Embed DocuSeal's API into your customer onboarding flow to collect terms-of-service signatures at registration. The webhook notifies your app the moment a document is signed, so you can activate accounts or trigger downstream workflows automatically.

Deploy DocuSeal on your VPS

Guide optimized for ServOrbit Cloud VPS.

01

Order a ServOrbit VPS

A 1 GB RAM plan on Ubuntu 24.04 is sufficient for most teams. DocuSeal and SQLite together idle under 256 MB; a 2 GB plan is recommended if you anticipate high document volume or multiple concurrent signers.

02

One-click deploy from the marketplace

Open your ServOrbit control panel, go to Marketplace → Collaboration & Productivity → DocuSeal, and click Deploy. Docker pulls docuseal/docuseal:latest and starts the container in under 30 seconds. Documents and the database are stored in a persistent Docker volume at /data.

03

Create the admin account

Navigate to http://:3000. DocuSeal shows a first-run wizard — enter your email and a strong password to create the admin account. This is the only required setup step.

04

Create your first template

Click Templates → New template and upload a PDF (NDA, contract, quote). Use the drag-and-drop editor to place signature, date and text fields. Assign each field to a signer role (e.g. Client, Counterparty). Save the template — it is now ready to send.

05

Send a signing request

From the template, click Send → fill in each signer's name and email → Send. DocuSeal emails a unique signing link to each party. If you have not configured SMTP yet, copy the link manually from the submission page and share it. Each signer signs in their browser; you receive a notification when all parties are done.

06

Configure SMTP for email delivery (optional)

In Settings → Email, enter your mail server credentials (Gmail SMTP, Amazon SES, Postmark or any relay). Once saved, DocuSeal sends signing invitations, reminders and completion notifications automatically. Without SMTP, all links must be shared manually — the app is fully functional either way.

Frequently asked questions

DocuSeal is an open-source electronic signature platform (AGPL-3.0, 17 k+ stars). It allows you to create PDF templates, send signing requests to multiple parties and collect legally binding digital signatures — entirely on your own server. It is a self-hosted alternative to DocuSign, Adobe Acrobat Sign and HelloSign.