PandaDoc free plan now includes API: what you can build

As of June, 2026, PandaDoc’s Free plan includes API access. That means new accounts will get both a sandbox key and a production API key at signup. 

The Free plan includes document generation, e-signature requests, template creation, and a sandbox environment. The key limit is 60 documents sent per year and five templates.

This shift now allows you to build a working integration. PandaDoc previously required a paid plan or a time-limited trial for API access.

What the free plan API includes

Here’s a quick look at what you get with the free plan before you start integrating:

• Send 60 documents/year

• 2 recipients per document

• 5 templates

• Sandbox key for development testing

• SDKs for fast integration

• Create and track documents from Claude or ChatGPT

• Legally binding eSignatures

• SOC 2, GDPR, and eIDAS compliant

The sandbox API key is fully usable on the free plan, meaning it’s not gated behind a trial. Keep in mind that documents sent with the sandbox key will carry a watermark, and recipients are limited to your own business domain. This is fine for development, since it’s not meant for sending to real customers yet.

For more details, check out our API pricing page or our API reference guides.  

4 things you can build on the free plan

Let’s talk about what you can actually do with the free plan. Each section below maps a documented API workflow with guides to help you implement.  

1. Generate a document from a template

You can programmatically create a branded document like a proposal, contract, or NDA by passing data into a PandaDoc template via API. The template will automatically populate with data like client name, deal value, and custom fields. 

The API flow is a POST code that sends to the document creation endpoint with template ID and field values. The document is generated and then returned in draft status. 

A good use case for this flow would be any app or CRM that needs to create a custom document without manual editing. For example, SaaS onboarding, sales tools, and HR workflows would all fit this case. 

Learn more about how to create a document from a template.

2. Trigger an e-signature request

This flow allows you to send a generated document to one or more recipients for a legally binding e-signature, entirely through the API. 

A POST code will go to the send endpoint with a document ID and recipient details. PandaDoc will then email the recipient with a signing link, and status updates will be available through polling or a webhook. 

This is helpful for any workflow where a document needs to be signed as part of a larger automated process, like with contract execution, offer letters, or onboarding agreements.

When it comes to sandbox keys, recipients are restricted to your own domain, which is the same restriction with all sandbox sends. Production keys can be sent to any external recipient, and up to two per document on the free plan. 

Learn more about the eSignature API.

3. Pull a completed signed document

You can programmatically retrieve a signed PDF with an audit trail once a document reaches “completed” status. 

Once a document is completed, you can retrieve a digitally sealed, signed PDF using the Download Completed Document endpoint. Just pass the document ID, and you'll get back a verifiable PDF.

This is great for archiving signed contracts to your own storage (like S3 or Google Drive), attaching to a CRM record, or triggering a post-signature automation workflow. Note that this endpoint requires a Production API key.

4. Embed signing in your own app

This feature allows you to embed a PandaDoc signing session directly inside your product using an iframe, so the recipient signs without leaving your app or receiving a separate email. 

You can create a document via API, generate an embedded signing session link, or render it in an iframe in your frontend. You’ll receive a status update when signing is complete.  

Embedded signing is helpful for SaaS products that need to collect signatures as part of their own UX, as it completely removes the “go sign this in PandaDoc” step. 

Where the free plan hits limits

It’s great to have a lot of freedom without having a paid plan, but know when it’s time to upgrade. Here are the free plan’s limitations to keep in mind:

• 60 sent documents/year (roughly 5/month) — This is fine for a prototype or solo builders, but not enough for production at meaningful volume.

• 5 templates — This is sufficient for a focused integration, but limiting if your product needs many document types.

• No CRM integrations — Automation workflows that sync with Salesforce or HubSpot require a paid plan.

• 2 recipients per document — This can be a hard ceiling on the free plan. Multi-party contracts with three or more signers need a paid plan.

Compare API plans.

How to get your API key and make your first call

• Sign up for a free PandaDoc account

• Go to Settings → API and Integrations → API.

• Enable API and Webhooks

• Generate your API key from the developer dashboard.

• Follow the quickstart guide to make your first call.

Ready to build for free with PandaDoc API? Get your free API key. 

See what else you can do with PandaDoc API

• Create multi-step approval workflows

• Add document editing to your product

• How to embed signing in your app