Google Docs: How to create an email signature
Signing a physical document is straightforward. You take a pen and scribble what could be described as a work of art on a piece of paper. However, it’s different when youlive a paper-free life. You’re restricted to your mobile or desktop keyboard and the fonts included with your word processor, like Google Docs. Typing your name in online signature fields is a popular and acceptable solution. But nothing beats the classiness and professionalism of a practice-honed annotation that even the best calligraphers would struggle to replicate.
If you use Google Docs, keep reading to learn how to sign an online document by creating and inserting your digital signature in the software on a desktop, phone, ortop-of-the-line Android tablet.
Sign your document with the Google Drawing tool
The Drawing tool is the easiest way to add an electronic signature to your Google Docs document. It’s Google’s onboard service for creating diagrams and illustrations. While it’s not as powerful as professional design software, it’s perfect for simple drawings and handwritten signatures.
Here’s how to use it:
Edit your signature
The signature you add to your Google Docs document is not permanent. You can edit or adjust it if necessary.
Since the signature appears in your document in the exact size you drew, start by resizing it. Select the annotation to view its bounding box. Then, drag a side to shrink or enlarge it.
You can also change the position of the signature in relation to the rest of the document using the indent and other options in the toolbar. If you need to move the signature, drag and drop it anywhere within the document.
You can do more than move things around. To edit the signature, go back to the Drawing tool by tapping theEditbutton. The same goes if you want to change the signature. And you can remove it using the Delete or Backspace button like you would a line of text.
Save and reuse your signature for future documents
You don’t have to draw a new signature when you need to add one to your document. Once you create a perfect one, save time by reusing it. Plus, it’ll look the same on all your files, creating a more professional look.
To do this, click theEditbutton for your image to return to the Drawing tool. Navigate toActions>Downloadand select a file type. Then download the signature as a JPEG, PDF, PNG, or SVG file and use it in another document without redrawing.
There’s a lot more you can do with Drawings. See our article oncreating illustrations in Google Docsfor more info.
Sign documents with an existing image of your signature in Google Docs
When it comes down to it, signing documents is about the same as adding an image using Google’s Drawing tool. If you use the Google app on your Apple iPhone orAndroid deviceor don’t want to use Google Draw, you’re able to insert signatures by adding an existing image.
If you don’t have an image signature, create one from the Google Drawing tool or third-party software like CreateMySignature. Let’s take Google Drawing as an example here.
The built-in Drawing tool is not available for Google Docs mobile. However, you can access the full online software athttps://docs.google.com/drawingson your phone, Mac, or PC.
Now, use the steps below to add your signature in Google Docs.
The image is added to your document, and you’re able to adjust it using the resizing and text wrapping options described earlier.
Create a signature with a Google Docs add-on
While third-party tools like CreateMySignature require you to leave your document, it’s possible to e-sign a Google Docs document with integrated add-ons like HelloSign, DocuSign esignature, Signable, and PandaDoc. There is no drought of capable Google Docs add-ons to sign a document. Let’s take PandaDoc as an example here.
To use an add-on:
you could also add other signers or recipients to add their signatures. PandaDoc has a 14-day free trial without requiring your credit card.
Most options require you to create an account the first time you sign up. Also, some require a form of payment, either as a monthly subscription or service charge with different pricing options. You can also create a free account and register for a free trial.
Use Google Docs eSignature to sign your name
Google has a built-in signature tool for Docs called eSignature, but it’s currently in beta. It’s designed to help you quickly execute agreements and sign important documents in Google Docs.
If you have a Google Workspace Individual account, it’s possible to join the beta by requesting enrollment via a Google Form. If you don’t have one, sign up for the popular Google Workspace subscription. You can read our dedicated post tolearn more about Google Workspace.
As with any beta, not all requests are approved. You may not be granted access even if you have a Workspace account. Also, Google says enrollment requests may take up to two weeks to process.
If you have access to the eSignature beta, here’s how to use it to sign a document:
The downside is that the service is in beta, but there are other limitations. For example, you can only add one signature field. Also, you can only request one person’s signature, and they must have a Google account. SeeGoogle’s support pagefor more information.
Sign documents without interrupting your workflow
Inserting a signature into your Google Docs document doesn’t need to be a complicated process. You can use the Drawing tool for a simple and fast signature or an add-on for a professional result. If you have a Google Workspace account, you can go the eSignature route if you prefer to use a built-in service.
Just like signatures are essential to agreements and contracts, page numbers are crucial to academic essays, term papers, and lengthy business proposals. So, check out our guide onadding page numbers in Google Docsto make it easier for readers to navigate and track their progress while reading your document.
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