n8n Automation Guide

Complete Guide to eSignature
Automation with n8n

Learn how to build fully automated eSignature workflows using n8n and TurboSign. From contract generation to signature tracking to document filing—eliminate manual work and accelerate your business processes by 10x.

eSignatures have gone from "nice to have" to "business critical" in just a few years. But most businesses are still using eSignature platforms in the worst possible way: manually.

The typical manual process looks like this: Generate a document (manually), upload it to an eSignature platform (manually), fill in signer details (manually), send it (manually), wait for signatures, check status (manually), download the signed PDF (manually), and file it somewhere (manually). This process takes 15-30 minutes per document and introduces multiple points of failure.

There's a better way. By integrating eSignature workflows directly into n8n, you can automate the entire process end-to-end. Documents generate automatically from your CRM or PSA data, get sent for signature automatically, remind signers automatically, and file themselves automatically when complete.

10x Faster

Reduce time from document creation to signature from days to hours—completely hands-off.

Zero Manual Work

Set up once, run forever. Documents generate, send, track, and file themselves automatically.

Higher Completion Rates

Intelligent AI-powered reminders increase signature completion rates by 60%+ vs manual follow-ups.

This guide covers everything you need to build production-ready eSignature automation workflows with n8n and TurboSign—from basic single-signer contracts to complex multi-party approval flows with conditional logic.

Not all eSignature platforms are created equal when it comes to automation. TurboSign was built from the ground up as an API-first, webhook-native platform specifically designed for workflow automation—not bolt-on automation added to a manual product.

Native n8n Integration

Official TurboSign node with full support for all eSignature operations. Not a generic HTTP request node—a purpose-built integration.

  • Send for signature operation
  • Check signature status
  • Download signed documents
  • Webhook triggers for all events

Webhook Events

Real-time webhooks for key signature events. Build reactive workflows that respond to document status changes.

  • Document sent and viewed
  • Document signed and completed
  • Document declined or voided

Modern REST API

Clean, well-documented API with SDKs for TypeScript, Python, Go, and Java. Integration takes minutes, not days.

  • RESTful design with predictable endpoints
  • Comprehensive API documentation
  • OpenAPI/Swagger specification
  • Rate limits designed for automation

70% Lower Cost

Transparent pricing without per-envelope fees or user minimums. Free tier includes 5 signatures/month—perfect for testing workflows.

  • No per-envelope charges
  • No hidden fees for automation
  • Predictable monthly pricing

💡 Why Not DocuSign/HelloSign/PandaDoc?

While established platforms like DocuSign, HelloSign, and PandaDoc work well for manual workflows, they were primarily designed for point-and-click operation rather than automation. TurboSign was built specifically for API-first automation and n8n integration, making it easier to build the reactive, event-driven workflows that automation requires.

Common n8n eSignature Workflow Patterns

1

Pattern 1: Simple Single-Signer Contract

Generate contract from CRM data, send for signature, auto-file when signed

Workflow Steps:

1

Trigger: CRM Deal Status Changed

HubSpot/Salesforce/Pipedrive deal marked as "Won" triggers workflow

2

Generate Contract from Template

TurboDocx node pulls deal data, populates Word/PDF template with client info, services, pricing

3

Send for eSignature

TurboSign node sends generated PDF to client contact with signature fields configured

4

Webhook: Document Signed

When client signs, webhook triggers next workflow step

5

Download & File Signed PDF

Signed document auto-saved to Google Drive/Dropbox/SharePoint + attached to CRM deal

6

Notification & Next Steps

Slack/Teams notification to team + trigger onboarding workflow

⏱️ Time Comparison:

Manual Process:

30-45 minutes + 3-5 day wait

Automated Process:

0 minutes + 2-4 hour completion

2

Pattern 2: Multi-Party Sequential Approval

SOW/MSA requiring client contact, legal review, and C-level approval in sequence

Workflow Steps:

1

Generate SOW with Multiple Signature Fields

TurboDocx creates SOW with three signature positions: Client POC, Client Legal, Client Executive

2

Send with Signing Order Configured

TurboSign sends to POC first (signingOrder: 1), Legal receives after POC signs (signingOrder: 2), Executive last (signingOrder: 3)

3

Webhook: Each Signature Triggers Update

CRM deal updated with "POC Approved", "Legal Approved", etc. as each party signs

4

AI-Powered Reminder Sequence

If signer hasn't acted in 48 hours, n8n triggers OpenAI node to generate personalized reminder email based on deal context

5

Webhook: All Parties Signed → Trigger Execution

When final signature complete, automatically trigger project kickoff workflow

🎯 Use Cases:

  • Enterprise MSAs requiring legal + executive approval
  • High-value consulting SOWs with multi-stakeholder sign-off
  • Vendor contracts requiring procurement, legal, and finance approval
3

Pattern 3: Conditional Routing Based on Deal Value

Different approval workflows triggered based on contract value

Workflow Logic:

1

IF: Deal Value < $10,000

Simple workflow: Generate → Send to client POC only → File when signed

2

ELSE IF: $10,000 - $50,000

Moderate workflow: Generate → POC + Manager approval (sequential) → File + notify accounting

3

ELSE: Deal Value > $50,000

Complex workflow: Generate → POC → Legal review → Executive approval → Counter-signature by your executive → File + accounting + legal archive

💡 Pro Tip:

Use n8n's Switch or IF nodes to route documents to different TurboSign configurations based on deal value, client type, region, or any other CRM field. This ensures appropriate approval levels without manual intervention.

4

Pattern 4: Batch Monthly/Quarterly Documents

Automatically generate and send multiple client documents on a schedule

Scheduled Workflow:

1

Trigger: Schedule (Last Day of Month, 9 AM)

n8n Schedule node triggers workflow monthly

2

Fetch All Active Clients from CRM

Pull list of all clients tagged for QBR/monthly reporting

3

Loop: For Each Client

Generate QBR/report from RMM/PSA data → Send to client contact for acknowledgment signature

4

Track Completion via Webhooks

As clients sign, webhook updates tracking spreadsheet/dashboard

5

AI Follow-Up for Non-Signers

After 7 days, check who hasn't signed → AI generates personalized follow-up

📊 Perfect For:

  • Monthly QBRs for MSP clients
  • Quarterly security assessments
  • Annual policy acknowledgments for all employees
  • Recurring service renewals

Advanced n8n + TurboSign Techniques

Once you've mastered basic workflows, these advanced techniques take your eSignature automation to the next level.

AI-Powered Contract Data Extraction

Instead of manually mapping CRM fields to contract templates, use OpenAI to intelligently extract contract terms from deal notes, emails, or call transcripts. AI identifies parties, services, pricing, timelines, and deliverables automatically—then TurboDocx generates the contract.

Example Workflow:

Salesperson closes deal with notes: "Client wants 3-year managed security, 50 endpoints, $8K/month, start Feb 1" → OpenAI extracts structured data → Contract auto-generated with correct terms → Sent for signature

Conditional Fields Based on Client Responses

Combine TurboDocx conditional logic with n8n workflow branching. If client selects "Yes" for certain service add-ons during contract review, automatically regenerate contract with additional clauses and send updated version for signature.

Use Case:

Client reviews MSA, checks box for "24/7 support add-on" → Webhook triggers n8n → New contract version generated with 24/7 SLA terms → Sent for signature

Compliance Automation: Auto-Archive with Audit Trail

For regulated industries (finance, healthcare, legal), automatically archive signed documents to compliance storage with complete audit trail: who signed when, IP addresses, authentication method, certificate chain.

Workflow:

Document fully signed → Webhook trigger → Download signed PDF + signature certificate → Upload to compliance storage (Box, SharePoint) with metadata → Log entry in audit database

Complete Example: Automated MSP Client Onboarding

This real-world workflow shows how an MSP can automate their entire client onboarding process—from deal won to first service delivery—using n8n, TurboSign, and TurboDocx.

The Complete Flow:

1

Trigger: CRM Deal Won

Sales team marks opportunity as "Closed Won" in CRM

2

Generate MSA + SOW

TurboDocx pulls deal data from ConnectWise, generates professional MSA and SOW from templates

3

Send for Sequential Signatures

TurboSign sends MSA to: (1) Client POC → (2) Client Legal → (3) Your Executive (counter-signature)

4

AI Follow-Up Sequence

If any signer delays, AI generates personalized reminder emails based on context and urgency

5

Webhook: All Signatures Complete

When final signature collected, webhook triggers onboarding automation

6

Create IT Glue Documentation

Client configuration auto-created in IT Glue with network details, contacts, service agreement terms

7

Provision RMM Agents

NinjaOne client created, deployment package generated and emailed to client IT contact

8

Setup Accounting & Billing

QuickBooks/Xero customer created, recurring invoices setup based on MSA terms

9

File Signed Contracts

Signed MSA/SOW uploaded to SharePoint + IT Glue + attached to ConnectWise client record

10

Team Notifications

Slack notification to #onboarding channel with client details + Teams meeting invite for kickoff call

11

Welcome Email Sequence

Client receives automated welcome email series with portal access, support info, and onboarding checklist

⏱️ Before vs After Automation:

Manual Process (Traditional MSP):

  • • Contract generation: 2 hours
  • • Multiple email exchanges: 2-3 hours
  • • Signature collection: 3-5 day wait
  • • Manual follow-ups: 1-2 hours
  • • Client onboarding setup: 8-12 hours
  • • RMM/PSA configuration: 2-3 hours
  • • Documentation: 2-3 hours
  • • Accounting setup: 1 hour
  • Total: 18-23 hours over 3-5 days

Automated Process (Modern MSP):

  • • Contract generated: 10 minutes
  • • Signatures collected: 4-24 hour turnaround
  • • Client onboarding: 3-4 hours
  • • RMM/PSA configuration: 30 minutes
  • • Documentation: 20 minutes
  • • Accounting setup: 15 minutes
  • • Manual follow-ups: 0 hours (automated)
  • Total: 4-5 hours over 4-24 hours (75% time savings)

Start Building eSignature Workflows Today

Ready to eliminate manual eSignature processes and build automated workflows that run 24/7? Here's how to get started:

1
Sign Up for TurboSign Free Tier

Start with 5 free signatures per month. No credit card required. Perfect for testing and building your first workflows.

2
Install TurboSign n8n Node

Install from our GitHub repository following the installation instructions. The node includes both document generation and eSignature capabilities.

3
Start with Simple Workflow

Build Pattern #1 (single-signer contract) first. Once working, expand to multi-party and conditional workflows.

4
Configure Webhooks for Reactive Workflows

Set up TurboSign webhooks to trigger downstream automation when documents are signed, viewed, or completed.

5
Monitor & Optimize

Track completion rates, time-to-signature, and manual intervention requirements. Optimize reminder timing and messaging.

Eliminate eSignature Bottlenecks Forever

Manual eSignature processes are one of the last major workflow bottlenecks in modern businesses. Every hour spent uploading documents, filling in signer details, sending reminder emails, and manually filing signed PDFs is wasted time that could be invested in growing your business.

By integrating TurboSign with n8n, you unlock true end-to-end automation. Documents generate automatically from your CRM data, get sent to the right people in the right order, follow up intelligently when needed, and file themselves in all the right places when signed. Zero manual work required.

The workflows in this guide aren't theoretical—they're production patterns used by thousands of businesses running on n8n. Start with the simple patterns, master them, then expand to advanced multi-party conditional flows. Your future self will thank you for eliminating this workflow friction.

Build Your First eSignature Workflow

Ready to automate? Install the TurboSign n8n node, grab your API credentials, and build your first workflow in the next 30 minutes. The complete documentation and workflow examples are waiting for you.

Related Resources

Written by Alex Martinez

Developer Relations & Automation Lead at TurboDocx

Developer advocate passionate about automation, workflows, and helping MSPs scale operations through modern integration platforms.