Documenso
Self-HostedOpen-source alternative to DocuSign for secure electronic document signing
Overview
Documenso is an open-source electronic signature platform built for self-hosting, offering a privacy-focused alternative to SaaS tools like DocuSign. It lets users upload PDFs, add signature/initial fields, invite signers via email, track progress with audit trails, and manage teams. Deployable via Docker Compose, Kubernetes, or manual setup, it ensures full control over sensitive document data, avoiding third-party SaaS dependencies. Ideal for small businesses, freelancers, and organizations prioritizing data sovereignty and compliance with e-signature standards.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
documenso:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: documenso
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Electronic signature for PDF documents
- Audit trails & real-time signing progress tracking
- Team management & customizable branding
- Self-hostable via Docker/Kubernetes
- Privacy-focused with no third-party data sharing
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Documenso hard to install?
No—Documenso provides a simple Docker Compose setup that gets you running in minutes. For advanced users, it also offers Kubernetes manifests and manual installation guides. Basic knowledge of Docker or server management is helpful but not mandatory for basic deployment.
? Is it a good alternative to DocuSign?
Yes—for users who value self-hosting and data privacy, Documenso is an excellent alternative. It covers core e-signature features like document uploads, signature fields, and audit trails. However, it lacks some enterprise-level integrations (e.g., Salesforce sync) that DocuSign offers, making it better suited for small teams or individuals.
? Is it completely free?
Yes—Documenso is released under the MIT License, so it’s completely free to use, modify, and self-host. There are no hidden fees or subscription costs for any core features, including team management and document signing.
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Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Completely free & open-source (MIT License)
- ⊕ Full data sovereignty (self-hosted control)
- ⊕ Easy Docker deployment for quick setup
- ⊕ Compliant with e-signature best practices
Cons
- ⊖ Limited enterprise integrations (e.g., CRM sync) compared to SaaS tools
- ⊖ Requires basic server management skills for self-hosting
- ⊖ Smaller user community than established platforms like DocuSign