How to Create and Add a Signature in Google Docs

With the shift to remote working and increasing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of human activities, hard copy documents are gradually being replaced by digital copies. One of the tools by which digital copies of documents are created, stored and shared is Google Docs. Documents can also be signed or stamped using Google Docs.

In Google Docs, users can create a signature or add an image as a signature using the Scribble feature. Unless you have a digital pen connected to your computer, of course you will use your mouse.

Here are the steps to follow when using either method.

Creating a Signature Using Scribble

With the Scribble feature in Google Docs, users can create, store and add a signature to the document on their device. Here’s how to do this:

Stage 1: Open Google Docs and find the document you need to add your signature to.

Step 2: In the document, place the cursor where you need to add the signature.

Stage 3: Click Add on the Ribbon at the top of the Google Docs document.

Step 4: Click Drawing and select New.

Step 5: In the new window labeled Drawing, click Line and select Scribble; this should change the cursor to a big + sign.

Step 6: Move the cursor to the Drawing area and start sketching your signature by moving your mouse like a pen. Note that you can also use the stylus pen for this process.

Step 7: Once you are satisfied with the signature, click Save & Close and the created signature should appear in the document in the location you selected earlier.

Editing a Signature Using Scribble

What if you think there is an error in the signature and you have to edit it? Yes, you can edit it. Google Docs lets you use the Scribble tool to edit the signatures you add to your documents. Here’s what you need to do step by step:

Stage 1: Select the signature, then click Edit in the list of options below the signature and this will launch the Drawing window.

Step 2: Select the error and press the Backspace or Delete key on your keyboard to remove it.

Stage 3: Once you are satisfied with the signature, click Save & Close.

Adding a Picture as a Signature

Using the scribble tool to create a signature may not produce the desired results unless you have a Stylus Pen or touchscreen that makes it easy to reproduce handwritten signatures. However, an alternative would allow signatures saved as images to be added to a Google Docs file.

Stage 1: Take a plain piece of paper and sign it. Alternatively, you can get an old document or letter bearing your signature.

Step 2: Scan your signature on paper to your PC.

Stage 3: Launch the picture on your PC and select the crop option to edit the unwanted white space around your signature.

Step 4: In the document, place the cursor where the signature will be inserted.

Step 5: Launch Google Docs and click Add on the Ribbon at the top of the window.

Step 6: Click Image, then select Image and Upload from PC.

Step 7: You should see a new window requiring you to navigate to the location of the scanned signature. Once you find the file, click it and click OK or hit Enter on your PC.

Step 8: The signature should appear in the document at the selected location, and you can move it around, crop it, or increase its size.

An alternative method is to launch the document, drag the signature image from your computer into the Google Docs window, and then drop it. The image will be uploaded and you can choose its location as you like.

Creating Digital Signatures

Using one of two methods to create and add signatures to Google Docs depends on the tools you have at your disposal and which works best. Besides the two methods described above, some apps allow users to create and store digital signatures for use in Google Docs.