Google Docs has become the word processor of choice for many businesses. It comes with a ton of features and can be used for free or as a part of Google Workspace. The most loved feature of Google Docs is its powerful real-time collaboration and editing features, which are essential for any fast-moving modern business.
Signing a document is easily one of the most important aspects of business documents, and in this guide, we will teach you how to sign your Google Doc.
How to Add Signature in Google Docs
With Google Docs, there are multiple ways to add a signature on the document. The easiest and most convenient way is to insert the image of an actual signature.
STEP 1: Go to “Drawing” from the Insert tab.
STEP 2: Choose Line Tool and draw a line. Click ‘Save and Close’. We will place the actual signature above this line.
STEP 3: Open your document and find the “Insert” dropdown.
STEP 4: Choose any option from “Image” to upload or link your signature to the doc.
STEP 5: Select the signature and click “In front of Text” and adjust it above your signature line.
Please note that an image representation of your signature might not be enough for the document to be fully legally binding. We recommend consulting your legal advisor for more information.
How to Sign a Document in Google Docs
Draw Signature on the Document
STEP 1: From the “Insert” dropdown select “Drawing”, and click on “+New”.
STEP 2: You should see the “Line” tool. From this dropdown, choose “Scribble”.
STEP 3: Now you can draw your signature. Click on ‘Save and Close’ when you’re done and the signature should show up!
Type Your Signature on the Document
To sign a document with your name, we follow the same procedure as above, but instead of the “Line” tool, we choose “Text Box”. Write your name or initials into it and click on ‘Save and Close’. Your signed name will now act as a signature!
Add Signature With an Extension
Extensions add to the already robust options Google Docs has for its users. The “Add-ons” bar has extensions ranging from helping navigate long documents, reuse text snippets, or even add SEO assistant to your documents. Some of the extensions in the store also let you add signatures with timestamps to your document. To get the signature add-on, please follow these steps.
STEP 1: Inside your document, find “Get add-ons”.
STEP 2: Search “Sign” and install any extension you wish to.
STEP 3: Sign in and find your extension on the sidebar. Then, follow the process as instructed by the extension to set it up.
STEP 6: This involves granting the read/write access of your document to the extension. Click on “REQUEST PERMISSION” and allow access to your document.
STEP 7: You can either sign your document yourself or send it to your clients for signatures. Click “Finish” to end the process.
Despite being useful, add-ons sometimes come with security risks. They have permissions to fully access your documents, add new ones, and even view, manage and delete your emails. We recommend you fully research these addons before installing them.
Signing PDFs with Forms using Google Docs
Google Docs can also edit forms and PDFs. However, signing these file types requires additional extensions. Luckily, the Google Store has a range of extensions to choose from.
Signing a PDF
Google Docs doesn’t directly deal with PDFs. But, this file type can be modified in document form by Google Docs. You could simply open the PDF as a document and later save it in PDF format from “Download”.
Signing a Business Form
Business forms are vital for the smooth running of day-to-day operations. Such business forms like daily timesheets, business statements, employee handbooks are generally written in PDFs because these file types are best kept unaltered. We’ve written the process of signing PDFs in the section above.
Creating a Name Form
As you probably already know, Google forms let you create easily shareable forms that can be filled simultaneously by people you link them to. However, Google Forms don’t have the option to insert a signature like Google Docs. If your form absolutely needs a signature, the only available alternative is to add a section where someone can write their name or initials.
STEP 1: Open your Google Form, click the little “+” sign to add a new question. Set question type to “short answer”.
STEP 2: Ask for the Name/Initials, switch the “Required” slider on. Now, anyone who fills out the form can add their name or initials as specified.
How Electronic Signatures Work
Electronic signatures confirm the identification of the person signing a document. However, they must not be confused with Digital Signatures.
What are Digital Signatures?
Digital signatures are cryptographic methods to authenticate and verify digital assets. They are composed of two “keys”. One of the keys called the private key is used to “sign” the document by computing a unique identifier of the document. The public key can then be shared with a third party to enable them to verify the authenticity of the document, without sharing the private key.
Importance of Digital Signatures
Here are some reasons why digital signatures are important for a business.
- Scanning and signing documents by hand are not necessary anymore to prove a user’s identity.
- Digitally signed documents can be transferred to your clients without physical packaging or mailing.
- Digital signatures provide mathematical guarantees on authenticating identities and detecting tampering, which is very useful in case of a dispute.
Google Docs with its versatility and ease of use has become a popular business software. Paired with electronic signatures, they make the processing of secure documents and contracts as smooth as it can be.
If you found this article to be helpful, please check out our blog for extensive guides on automating and streamlining business processes.