eForms vs. Document Library — What's the Difference?

Overview

Sertifi offers two ways to send authorization forms. Here is how to tell them apart and when to use each one.

Note: eForms are only available in Next Gen portals. If your portal uses the Classic interface, you are always using Document Library forms.

	eForms	Document Library
What it is	A digital form built directly in the Sertifi platform — no PDF needed.	A PDF or Word document uploaded to your Document Library.
How to send	Create New → Send Authorization eForm.	Create New → Send Authorization (no eForm label).
How signers experience it	Guided form with clearly labeled fields and a date picker.	Fillable PDF — appearance depends on the document design.
Customization	Limited — uses Sertifi's standard field set.	Highly customizable — ySertifi Support designs the PDF layout.
Best for	Quick setup, standard authorization workflows.	Custom forms, branded documents, complex field layouts.

How to tell which type a file is using

In the file room, look at the document listed under the authorization. If it shows a Sertifi-generated form name (not a filename ending in .pdf), it is an eForm. If it shows a PDF filename, it is from the Document Library.

Still need help?

Contact Sertifi Support at [e-mail].