Articles on: Signatures

Downloading a signed document

Once an envelope reaches Signed status, the final sealed PDF is generated and available to everyone involved.


What the final document contains


The signed PDF includes:


  • The original documents, with all signatures, initials, dates and text fields filled in
  • A cryptographic seal applied by Katalyz — this makes the document tamper-evident
  • A unique envelope ID for verification


Everyone gets the same final document: signers, approvers, followers and the envelope creator.


Automatic delivery by email


When the last signer completes their part, Katalyz automatically emails the final PDF to:


  • Every signer
  • Every approver
  • Every follower
  • The envelope creator (you)


The email includes the PDF as an attachment and a link back to the envelope in the room.


Email notification with signed PDF attached


Downloading from Katalyz


To download the final PDF directly:


  1. Open the room where the envelope lives. The signature widget shows the Signed badge.
  2. Click Download signed copy.
  3. The PDF downloads to your computer.


Signed envelopes are also listed on the Signatures page, under the Completed tab (filter by status Signed to hide declined, expired and voided ones).


Signature widget in a Signed state with the "Download signed copy" button


Verifying a signed document


Every Katalyz signed PDF is sealed with a cryptographic signature. You can verify it by:


  1. Opening the PDF in Adobe Acrobat (or any PDF reader that shows signature status).
  2. Looking for the signature status — a valid sealed document shows "Signed and all signatures are valid" with a green checkmark.
  3. Confirming the issuer certificate matches one of Katalyz's published public certificates.


If the document has been modified after sealing, the signature becomes invalid and the PDF reader shows a warning. This is your tamper-evidence.


For most commercial contracts, this cryptographic proof plus the envelope ID are sufficient evidence of execution.


Long-term storage


Katalyz stores every signed envelope and its sealed PDF for the lifetime of your account. You can access them at any time from the Signatures page.


Best practice for high-value contracts:

  • Download a local copy once signed
  • Store it in your document management system (Google Drive, SharePoint, etc.)
  • Link it from your CRM against the deal record


Sharing the document externally


The signed PDF is a standard file — share it like any other. The cryptographic seal travels with the PDF regardless of where it goes, so any recipient can verify authenticity.


If a signer loses their copy, they can:

  • Check their original confirmation email
  • Log back into the room — the signature widget shows the Signed badge with the Download signed copy button


Updated on: 02/10/2026

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