Converting a non-signable document to signable lets you keep the same shared document, recipients, and engagement history while adding signature capability. In many cases, this is more efficient than creating a brand-new version. This article explains when conversion is the better choice and what advantages it provides.
Keep the Same Recipient Experience
When you convert, recipients continue working on the exact document they already received. This avoids:
Re-sending a new link
Confusion over which document is the “active” one
Duplicate versions in the recipient’s inbox
Potential delays caused by restarting review
This is especially useful when a customer has already reviewed the content and only the signing step is missing.
Preserve Engagement History
Conversion keeps the original:
View activity
Time spent
Comments and discussions
Timeline history
Creating a new version removes this context and starts analytics from zero, which may disrupt your internal tracking and deal workflow.
Avoid Rebuilding the Document
If you create a new version, you must typically:
Reapply recipients
Adjust roles
Reconfigure signing settings
Recreate or reimport content (for some workflows)
Converting bypasses all this work. The document stays intact with only signing added.
Faster Sign-Off After Review
Many teams share a non-signable proposal first to:
Align on terms
Gather feedback
Finalize details
Confirm readiness
Once aligned, conversion allows you to:
Add signer roles
Preview the email
Send for signature instantly
This shortens the approval cycle and removes the need to restart the process.
Reduce Errors and Mismatched Versions
When you create a new version, there’s a risk of:
Forgetting edits from the original
Selecting the wrong template
Sending mismatched content
Introducing formatting differences
Converting ensures the exact reviewed content becomes the signed agreement.
Maintain a Clean Workflow
Conversion preserves:
One document thread
One timeline
One set of comments
One consolidated audit trail
Multiple versions can introduce unnecessary complexity for both sender and recipient.
When Should You Not Convert?
Creating a new version may still be better when:
You need to change the document content
You want to restructure the proposal
You need to update branding or layout
The original non-signable document was incorrect or incomplete
Conversion does not allow editing of the shared content.
Key Takeaways
Conversion keeps recipients in the same document they already reviewed.
Engagement history, comments, and timeline are preserved.
It avoids rebuilding content or re-sending new links.
It reduces errors and speeds up signing.
Only use a new version when you need to change the document content itself.