Watch the video above to see the full export and eSignature workflow in action.
The guide below covers each step so you can start exporting polished documents and collecting signatures on your own projects.

Exporting BIM Documents to PDF and Collecting eSignatures in One Workflow

Working collaboratively online is great for drafting and review, but at some point every project needs a finished document. A polished PDF for a client. A formally signed contract. A BIM execution plan that’s been approved, exported, and stored as part of the project record. Traditionally, that means exporting to one tool, formatting in another, emailing the document for signatures, then chasing people down and filing the result somewhere – a process that eats up time and introduces errors.

Plannerly handles all of this in one connected workflow. You can export one or multiple documents as a professionally formatted PDF, choose to include only published content, add a cover page, request eSignatures from the people who need to sign, and have the finished, signed document automatically stored in your File Manager. No switching between tools, no manual formatting, and no chasing signatories over email.

The export process starts from the export file option, where you choose which documents to include. You can select a single document or combine several – for example, a cover page alongside your BIM execution plan and a contract. There’s also an option to export only published content, which means the PDF will contain only sections that have been through the approval workflow and authorised for use. This is important for ISO 19650 compliance, where you need confidence that exported documents represent approved information.

When you need formal sign-off, you can request an eSignature as part of the export. Instead of generating a standard PDF, Plannerly creates a contract that requires one or more signatories. Each signatory receives an email with a link. When they click through, they see the document along with a signature panel – they review, confirm, and sign. Their signature is added to the document automatically, and all signatures are collected on a dedicated signature page. Once everyone has signed, the document status updates automatically.

Every export and signed contract is stored in the File Manager, so there’s always a retrievable record. And because Plannerly applies automatic formatting, bookmarks, and proper document structure during export, the resulting PDF looks professional without you having to spend time on layout. You can also export to Word if you need an editable version alongside the PDF.

For teams finalising BIM execution plans, information protocols, or any document that requires formal approval, this workflow turns what used to be a multi-step administrative headache into something you can do in a couple of clicks.

How to export documents and request eSignatures in Plannerly

1. Open the export option – go to “export file” and choose “document” to begin setting up your export.
2. Select your documents – choose which document tabs to include. You can select one or multiple – for example, a cover page plus your BIM execution plan plus a contract.
3. Choose published content only – use the dropdown to filter the export to only include sections that have been published and authorised. This ensures the PDF contains only approved content.
4. Request eSignatures – instead of a plain export, request signatures from one or more signatories. Enter the people who need to sign, and Plannerly creates a contract rather than a standard PDF.
5. Signatories receive an email – each signatory gets an email with a link to the document. They can review the full content before signing.
6. Sign using the signature panel – signatories use the signature panel to confirm and apply their signature. The signature is added to the document automatically.
7. Signatures are collected – all signatures appear on a dedicated signature page within the document. Once all required signatures are in, the contract status updates automatically.
8. Access exports in File Manager – all exported PDFs and signed contracts are stored in the File Manager, where they’re always available as part of your project record.

What you’ll learn

• PDF export with automatic formatting – how Plannerly generates a professionally formatted PDF with bookmarks and proper structure, no manual layout work needed
• Multi-document export – how to combine cover pages, BIM execution plans, and contracts into a single export
• Published content filtering – how to export only approved, published sections for controlled document management
• eSignature workflow – how to request, collect, and track signatures without leaving the platform
• File Manager storage – how every export and signed contract is automatically stored and accessible for future reference

Common questions

Explore further

• Export PDF and eSignatures – a detailed overview of the export and signing workflow across the platform
• Exporting reports and managing the final handover – the advanced course lesson on closing the loop with professional exports
• Creating structured contracts – connecting requirements, documents, and agreements – learn how contracts link to your wider document workflow
• BIM Boot Camp – the intensive programme covering end-to-end BIM and ISO 19650 workflows