> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://signatureapi-daf4ee54.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send an Envelope to an Approver

> Route an envelope through an approver before it reaches a signer

An **approver** is a recipient who reviews and authorizes a document without adding a signature. Use an approver when someone needs to authorize a document before it goes out for a formal signature. Common examples include a manager reviewing a contract before it reaches a client, or a compliance officer checking a document before finalization.

In this example, we will create an envelope with:

* A single PDF document.
* Two recipients: an approver with the key `manager`, followed by a signer with the key `client`.
* Sequential routing so the approver acts first.
* One signature place assigned to the signer. The approver does not need a signature or initials place.

All other envelope settings use the default configuration:

* The signer will receive an email with a link to sign after the approver completes their step.
* The account's default language, timezone, and timestamp format used.

<Note>The `delivery_type` for approvers defaults to `none`, meaning the completed deliverable will not be automatically emailed to the approver. Set `delivery_type` to `email` if you want SignatureAPI to deliver the completed deliverable by email.</Note>

## Create the Envelope

When creating the envelope:

* Set `routing` to `sequential` (this is the default, but it is good practice to be explicit).
* Add the approver recipient before the signer in the `recipients` array. The order of the array controls the routing order.
* Set `"type": "approver"` on the approver recipient.
* Add a signature place to the `places` array inside the document object, assigned to the signer only:
  * `key`: Identifies the place. Must match the placeholder in the document file (e.g., `client_signature`).
  * `type`: Set to `signature`.
  * `recipient_key`: Set to the signer's key (`client`).

```json theme={null}
// POST https://api.signatureapi.com/v1/envelopes
// X-API-Key: key_test_...
// Content-Type: application/json

{
    "title": "Service Agreement",
    "routing": "sequential",
    "documents": [
        {
            "url": "https://pub-9cb75390636c4a8a83a6f76da33d7f45.r2.dev/dummy-nda.pdf",
            "places": [
                {
                    "key": "client_signature",
                    "type": "signature",
                    "recipient_key": "client"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "recipients": [
        {
            "type": "approver",
            "key": "manager",
            "name": "Sarah Chen",
            "email": "sarah@company.com"
        },
        {
            "type": "signer",
            "key": "client",
            "name": "Michael Torres",
            "email": "michael@client.com"
        }
    ]
}
```

## Result

If the request is successful, Sarah Chen (the `manager`) enters the approver ceremony first. She reviews the document and, when satisfied, clicks **Approve**.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/signatureapi-daf4ee54/nTNmbAkpPw5L2NqU/docs/images/approve-button.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=nTNmbAkpPw5L2NqU&q=85&s=ae9ca012c3ad3a4641f0304e02573218" alt="Approve button" width="421" height="108" data-path="docs/images/approve-button.png" />
</Frame>

A confirmation screen appears once the approval is complete.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/signatureapi-daf4ee54/nTNmbAkpPw5L2NqU/docs/images/approved-confirmation.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=nTNmbAkpPw5L2NqU&q=85&s=a05d5f32f78ba4db37977aef99c4e22a" alt="Approved confirmation" width="606" height="285" data-path="docs/images/approved-confirmation.png" />
</Frame>

After Sarah approves, SignatureAPI routes the envelope to Michael Torres (the `client`). Michael receives an email with a link to sign the document and places his signature on the designated signature line.

## Try It

[Try this example in Postman](/docs/api/postman) using your [test API key](/docs/api/test-mode) to create a free, non-binding test envelope. Test envelopes won't send emails, but you can review them in your dashboard.

## Keep Learning

* Learn about [sequential signing](/docs/api/guides/how-to/sequential-signing) for workflows with multiple signers in a specific order.
* Learn about [parallel signing](/docs/api/guides/how-to/parallel-signing) for workflows where signing order does not matter.
* Explore the [Approver](/docs/api/resources/recipients/approver) recipient reference for details on delivery and place assignments.
* Explore other [types of places](/docs/api/resources/places/object), such as [text inputs](/docs/api/resources/places/text-input) that can be assigned to approvers.