How to add signature in Google Docs?

"How do I sign a document electronically in google docs"- Google Docs Editors Community

This is a common question from Google Docs users, and 4,994 people on Google's forum have asked it. Some have a letter or a contract to sign themselves. Others need a client, a tenant or an employee to sign their Doc. Pasting in an image of your signature proves very little, and Google's own eSignature only works on some Workspace plans. With the Formesign - Signature for Google Docs addon, you can sign your Doc yourself or share it for others to sign, from any Google account.

Below are four ways to put a signature on a Google Doc, and where each one falls short.

There are four ways to put a signature on a Google Doc. An image and a drawing put your own signature in the Doc, Google's eSignature sends it to others to sign, and Formesign does both:

Upload a Signature Image
Use the Scribble Tool via Insert > Drawing
Use Google Docs' Built-in eSignature Feature (Workspace Only)
Use Google Workspace Addons (Formesign - Signature for Google Docs, Docusign etc)

Upload a Signature Image

Open your Google Doc
Click where you want to insert the signature.
Go to Insert > Image > choose your source (Upload from computer, Drive, etc.).
Select your signature image.
Resize and position the image as needed.

Use the Scribble Tool via Insert > Drawing

Open your Google Doc.
Click where you want to insert the signature.
Go to Insert > Drawing > + New.
In the Drawing window, click on the Line tool and select Scribble.
Use your mouse or trackpad to draw your signature.
Click Save and Close.
The signature will be inserted into the document and you can resize or move it as needed.

Use Google Docs' Built-in eSignature Feature (Workspace Only)

Create a new Google Doc or open an existing one, then click Tools > eSignature from the top menu.

You can drag one or more fields such as Signature, Initials, Name, Date Signed, Text field to add to your document. If you have multiple signers, under "Insert fields for", select the specific signer for whom you want to add an eSignature field. You can also use the Manage Signers option to update the list of available signers. Currently, you can add up to 10 signers to a document and assign fields to each.

You can assign signers to each field in the document. To manage a field, click on it to select it and use the Assigned to dropdown to change the signer. Each signer is assigned a unique color, making it easy to identify the fields assigned to them.

Once you have added the relevant fields to the document, you can send it for signatures by clicking on the Request signature option on the right. Enter a title for the PDF file, add the email address for each signer, include a message to be sent with the eSignature request and then click Send Request.

When you send the signature request, a PDF is generated and shared with the signers, who can only update the fields assigned to them and sign the document. Once the document is signed, a PDF copy of the completed file is saved in the same folder as your original document.

✅ Pros

Secure and legally compliant (ESIGN Act, eIDAS)
User-friendly and intuitive interface
Seamless integration with Google Drive
Supports multiple signers

❌ Cons

Does not support sequential signature workflows (cannot enforce signing order)
Cannot specify the Google Drive folder to save signed documents
Limited reporting and analytics

Use Formesign - Signature for Google Docs Addon

The Formesign addon turns your Doc into a document you can sign yourself or share for others to sign, from any Google account. If your Doc can't be read, download it as a PDF and upload it here.

Sign your Doc yourself

The first time, install the Formesign - Signature for Google Docs addon
Open your Google Doc
Click Extensions, click Formesign - Signature for Google Docs and click Request signature
In the Request signature panel, click Proceed

Review the fields on your document and click Proceed
Under How do you want the signature?, select I'll sign it and click Continue
Fill in the fields, draw your signature and click Submit document. The signed copy is sent to your email.

Get your Doc signed by others

Open your Doc, click Extensions, click Formesign - Signature for Google Docs, click Request signature and click Proceed
Review the fields on your document and click Proceed
Under How do you want the signature?, select Create a reusable link for recurring forms and click Continue

Click View signed documents. Each signed copy will be listed there.
Each signer starts on Google Sign-in. If your signers have no Google account, click Form, click the signature field and click Not required beside Verify identity.
Click on "Share" tab, copy the link and send it to your signers

Each signer reads the document, fills in the fields and their email, signs and clicks Submit document. Each response creates a new document and you get every signed copy.

If your Doc has more than one signer, the same question lets you sign first or send it to whoever signs first. The others are emailed in turn, in the order of your document.

Summary

Whether you sign a Doc yourself or need others to sign it, a pasted image proves very little and Google's eSignature only works on some Workspace plans. With Formesign, you sign your Doc or share one link for others to sign, from any Google account, and you get the signed PDF. Open your Google Doc or upload it as a PDF and complete the steps above. If you have any questions, write to support.