How to Add a Signature to Google Docs

The Need for Digital Signatures

In the past, if someone emailed you a contract, you had to print it out, sign it with a physical pen, scan it back into your computer, and email it back. This was a slow, expensive, and frustrating process.

Today, almost all business agreements are handled digitally. If a colleague shares a Google Doc with you containing a freelance contract or an HR approval form, you can sign it directly inside your web browser. You do not need to print anything, and you do not need to buy expensive third-party software like Adobe Acrobat.

Google Docs has a built-in drawing tool that allows you to create a legally binding signature using your mouse or trackpad. While it might take a few attempts to make your signature look exactly like your handwriting, it is the fastest and most efficient way to sign a document for free.

How to Draw a Signature in Google Docs

You can insert a signature anywhere in a document, but you should usually place it directly above the “Sign Here” line.

1. Open the Google Doc you need to sign.
2. Click your mouse cursor on the exact line where you want your signature to appear.
3. Look at the top menu bar and click on Insert.
4. Hover your mouse over Drawing, then click on + New.
5. A large checkerboard drawing canvas will appear on your screen.
6. Look at the toolbar at the top of the canvas and find the Line tool (it looks like a diagonal line).
7. Click the small downward arrow next to the Line tool to open the dropdown menu.
8. Select Scribble from the bottom of the list. (Your mouse cursor will turn into a small crosshair).
9. Click and hold your left mouse button (or press down on your trackpad) and draw your signature on the canvas.
10. If you make a mistake, simply click the Undo arrow at the top left of the window and try again.
11. When you are happy with how it looks, click the blue Save and Close button in the top right corner.

How to Format and Resize Your Signature

When you click “Save and Close,” Google will insert your drawing into the document as an image. However, it will probably be far too large and ruin the formatting of your text. You need to adjust it.

1. Click directly on your newly inserted signature. A blue box with small squares in the corners will appear around it.
2. Click and drag any of the corner squares inwards to shrink the signature down to a realistic size.
3. Below the signature, you will see a small pop-up menu with text wrapping options.
4. Click the middle icon labeled Wrap text (or In front of text).

This formatting change disconnects the signature from the rigid text lines, allowing you to freely drag and drop the signature anywhere on the page, precisely positioning it over the dotted “Sign Here” line without breaking the document’s layout.

Alternative Method: Using a Scanned Image

If you find it impossible to write your name elegantly using a computer mouse, you can use a high-quality photograph of your real signature instead.

1. Take a piece of blank, bright white paper and sign your name using a thick black pen.
2. Take a well-lit photograph of the signature using your smartphone.
3. Transfer the photograph to your computer (via email or AirDrop).
4. Open your Google Doc, click on Insert, hover over Image, and select Upload from computer.
5. Select the photo of your signature.

Because the photograph will likely have a grey or yellowish background (due to room lighting), it might look unprofessional sitting on top of the stark white Google Doc. To fix this, click on the image, click Image options in the top toolbar, open the Adjustments tab, and increase both the Brightness and Contrast sliders until the paper background turns completely white and blends seamlessly into the document.