Top 3 Ways to Sign Documents in Google Docs

Google Docs is fast becoming one of the most popular word processors in the world. The simplicity and intuitiveness of Google Drive and Docs have made it a favorite among individuals and businesses of all sizes. It is web-based so there are no usability issues. Sharing and real-time collaboration is also seamless. Many people do not know that it is possible to add an electronic signature to your Google Docs.

This is a convenient feature as more companies and individuals prefer digital signatures. You can add your electronic signature to an agreement, letter of offer, or confidentiality agreement from a Google Doc in less than five minutes. Creating an electronic signature on a Google Doc without ever leaving the app is easy.

There are several ways to add a signature in Google Docs. You can create a signature using the built-in drawing tools or add an image with your signature. Third-party plug-ins from the G Suite marketplace are also available to integrate virtual signatures.

In this post, we’re going to talk about the three best ways to add signatures in Google Docs. Lets start.

1. Use the Drawing Tool in Google Docs

We will use the Google Docs Drawing tool to add an e-Signature to your Google Docs document. Follow the steps below to use the drawing tool to add a signature.

Stage 1: Open the Docs document in the browser.

Step 2: Move your cursor to the field where you want the signature.

Stage 3: Select Insert in the top toolbar and click Drawing > + New.

Step 4: Choose Scribble from the line drop-down menu and type your signature manually.

Step 5: Alternatively, you can enter and format a typed signature using the Text tool.

Step 6: Click save and close.

Step 7: The image will be ready for later use without the need for redrawing.

You can use the Google Docs sharing options to send the document or choose the Export option to convert it to PDF or Microsoft Word document.

This is the default way to add signatures in Google Docs, and if you don’t need to use the mark function often, it should be fine. However, if you always need to sign documents, you should use the eSign plugins from the G Suite store. Let’s explore some excellent plugins – DocuSign and PandaDoc.

2. Use DocuSign Plugin

DocuSign is one of the best third-party tools for adding and integrating virtual signatures into Google Docs. Follow the step-by-step instructions and use the DocuSign plugin.

Stage 1: Open the Google Docs document on the web.

Step 2: Go to Add-ons and go to Get add-ons. This will open the G Suite Marketplace.

Stage 3: Use the G-Suite marketplace search bar and type DocuSign.

Step 4: Click the plus icon for Google Docs or Google Drive and confirm the installation.

Step 5: After the add-on is successfully installed, you will see a new menu option called DocuSign eSignature in the Add-ons drop-down menu in Google Docs. Click that and select Sign with DocuSign.

Step 6: The first time you use the add-on, DocuSign asks for permission to run. Click Continue.

Step 7: You can now use the DocuSign for Google Docs Plugin to sign or send signatures on documents.

DocuSign eSignature plans start at $10 per month.

If for some reason you don’t want to use DocuSign, choose the PandaDoc add-on from the G Suite store.

3. Use PandaDoc Plugin

PandaDoc will automatically generate a signing certificate, including the time and date of the signature, which can then be forwarded to the original sender and the signed document.

Stage 1: In Google Docs, install and configure the PandaDoc add-on for Google Docs using the G Suite add-on store.

Download PandaDoc for Google Docs

Step 2: Login to your PandaDoc account with your username and password.

Stage 3: Go to Plugins > PandaDoc > Sign with PandaDoc.

Step 4: PandaDoc will ask for permission to access the document. Allow it, it will open the right side window.

Step 5: Select Create your signature and the launchpad will open to create your signature.

Step 6: Use the trackpad or mouse to create a digital signature.

Step 7: You will see the signature in the window. Tap on it and PandaDoc will add the signature as an image to Google Docs.

You can use drag and drop functionality to apply signatures anywhere in the document.

PandaDoc will save the document so you don’t have to create a signature from scratch every time. PandaDoc offers a 14-day free trial, and pricing starts at $19 per month after that.

Sign Documents on the Go

Google Docs remains a popular choice among users. Virtual signatures can be easily added to Docs documents using the built-in drawing tool or plug-ins from the G Suite marketplace. Go ahead, try PandaDoc or DocuSign and share your experience in the comments section below.

Next: Google Docs is a pleasure to use with templates. Read the post below to find the ten best Google Docs templates to increase productivity.