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SignatureSmith / How to add a signature in Google Docs

How to add a signature in Google Docs

Google Docs has no “sign” button for personal accounts, but you can insert a signature image or draw one. Make a clean, transparent signature below, then choose a method.

Skip to the Google Docs steps ↓

Step 1 · Make your signature image

Name form
Ink
Finishing stroke
Handwriting (27 fonts)

Download

Step 2 · Insert a signature image (best looking)

Any Google account, on a computer.

  1. Create your signature above and press PNG (transparent).
  2. In the document, click where it should go and choose Insert › Image › Upload from computer.
  3. Click the image and choose the In front of text wrapping option in the small toolbar under it. Then drag it onto the line.
  4. Resize from a corner handle.

Option 2 · Draw it with Insert › Drawing

Quick, no file needed. Mouse signatures can look shaky.

  1. Choose Insert › Drawing › + New.
  2. In the toolbar, open the Line menu and pick Scribble.
  3. Sign in the canvas, then press Save and close.
  4. To change it later, double-click the drawing.

Option 3 · Built-in eSignature

Only on eligible paid Google Workspace plans.

  1. Open the document and choose Tools › eSignature.
  2. Add signature and date fields, then request signatures, or sign it yourself.
  3. Google sends the signed copy as a PDF. If you don't see the menu, your plan doesn't include it. Use the image method instead.

Good to know

  • Google Docs on phones can't insert drawings. Use the image method in the Docs app (Insert › Image), or sign on a computer.
  • Before you send, choose File › Download › PDF document so the signature can't be moved or copied as easily.
  • Keep your signature PNG out of shared Drive folders.

Signing a PDF instead? Use Sign a PDF. It places your signature on the page without uploading the file. For the other app, see how to add a signature in Word.

Google Docs signature questions

How do I put a handwritten signature in Google Docs?

Photograph your signature, remove the background with our free tool to get a transparent PNG, then insert it with Insert › Image › Upload from computer and set wrapping to In front of text.

Does Google Docs have an electronic signature feature?

Yes, for eligible Google Workspace business and education plans: Tools › eSignature. Free personal accounts don't have it, so use an inserted signature image instead.

Why does my drawn signature look bad in Google Docs?

The Scribble tool records mouse movement without smoothing. Our drawing pad smooths the stroke and varies the line width like ink. Download it as a PNG and insert it.

How do I sign a PDF from Google Drive?

Download the PDF and open it in our Sign a PDF tool, which works offline in your browser. Place your signature and download the signed copy, then upload it back to Drive.