How to Sign a Google Doc With & Without Add-Ons
In today’s digital world, electronic signatures have become a crucial part of document management. Whether you’re signing contracts, agreements or official letters, the ability to sign documents electronically saves time and enhances efficiency.
Here, you will learn how to sign a Google Doc, the reasons you might do so and the legality of electronic signatures. You’ll also find step-by-step instructions to sign and insert signatures in Google Docs, including on mobile devices like iPhones and iPads.
Why You Might Need to Sign a Google Doc
Today, most businesses and individuals have documentation needs that require the use of a word processor like Google Docs. And, many types of documents might require a signature.
There are several types of Google Docs that you may need to sign, including:
- Business agreements
- Legal documents
- Employment paperwork
- Medical records
- Personal letters
- Professional correspondence
Many businesses draft agreements and contracts using Google Docs. Signing these documents electronically speeds up the approval process, allowing for quicker transactions and decision-making.
Legal documents often require signatures to be valid. Plus, electronic signatures eliminate the need for physical paperwork. This not only simplifies document handling but also makes it more environmentally friendly by reducing paper waste. And, especially with the rise of remote work, electronic signatures enable document approval from any location.
Finally, even if not strictly necessary, you might choose to sign a Google Doc simply to add a personal touch or to keep records. Overall, electronic signatures offer numerous advantages, from enhancing efficiency and convenience to supporting remote work and reducing environmental impact.
Are Signatures in Google Docs Legally Binding?
Electronic signatures can be legally binding, even in Google Docs. In the United States, there are two particular mandates that regulate the legality of eSignatures.
These mandates are:
- Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (“ESIGN Act”)
- Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (“UETA”)
These acts recognize electronic signatures as having the same legal standing as handwritten signatures. However, to be considered valid, the electronic signature process must also adhere to all applicable regulations.
For example, additional rules for e-signing may apply in certain sectors, such as legal, real estate, medical and finance. Added industry requirements may require compliance with data privacy and other particulars for an electronic signature to be legally binding.
How to Create an Electronic Signature for Google Docs
Creating an electronic signature for Google Docs can be done in a few different ways. The two most convenient options are to use eSignature software or to insert a signature in your document with Google Workspace’s built-in tools. Step by step, here’s how you can make it happen.
1. Sign Your Google Doc With an eSignature Tool
Using a dedicated eSignature tool is ideal for the following scenarios:
- When handling formal contracts and business agreements.
- For legal documents that require verification and a higher level of data protection.
- In communication within or between parties who need to sign multiple documents regularly.
- When collaborating with remote teams or clients.
jSign is a robust software platform for creating and managing electronic signatures. It ensures the authenticity and legal compliance of signatures with blockchain stamping, audit trails and other security features.
One option is to use the jSign Google Docs integration to sign documents directly in Google Drive.
Alternatively, follow these steps to sign a document from your computer using jSign:
- Open your Google Doc, click on “File” > “Download” > “PDF Document (.pdf)” to download your document as a PDF.
- Visit jSign’s website and sign up for an account or log in to your jSign account and upload the PDF document you need to sign.
- Add yourself as a signer and include any additional signers if needed.
- Place signature placeholders in the document where signatures are required.
- Edit the placeholder to create your electronic signature.
- If needed, set due dates or reminders for the signing process.
- Click “Finish” to send the document to yourself or any other recipients.
- Optionally, you can re-upload your signed document to Google Docs for easy access and sharing.
jSign works by automating many facets of the remote signing process. The platform enables you to send documents to an unlimited number of signers, making it an excellent solution for professionals seeking an efficient online signature tool. jSign supports a wide variety of document types, including PDFs, .xls, .xlsx, .txt, .ppt, .pptx and other common file formats.
2. Insert a Signature in a Google Doc With Google Drawing
Google Drawing is an in-built tool that you can use to create a simple signature for Google Docs directly — It might be suitable for simpler or less formal scenarios like:
- Personal letters and other documents where regulations are not a concern.
- Internal documents within a group where the primary goal is acknowledgment rather than legal enforcement.
- When you want to customize the look of your signature directly within Google Docs.
Keep in mind, Google Drawing is not necessarily a legally-binding option, particularly in regulated industries. However, it is a simple, convenient option that will work for some scenarios.
Here’s how to insert an eSignature in a Google Doc with Google Drawing:
- In your Google Doc, go to “Insert” > “Drawing” > “+ New” to open Google Drawing.
- Use the drawing tools to create your signature.
- After you have drawn your signature, save your drawing and insert it into your document.
Using Google Drawing is a free, straightforward process that allows you unlimited creativity with your digital signature.
3. Add a Signature in Google Docs on Mobile
Adding a signature in a Google Doc on mobile devices can be done using jSign through your mobile browser. Here’s how.
To sign a Google Doc from your iPhone, iPad or Android device:
- Install the jSign eSignature app from the Google Play Store or the iOS App Market.
- Log in to your jSign account, or sign up for one if you don’t already have an account.
- Open your Google Doc and download it onto your device as a PDF.
- Return to the jSign app and upload the PDF document.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add your signature.
- Once completed, save the signed document and share it via email or re-upload it to Google Drive if desired.
Learn more about how to scan and sign forms using your iPhone or Android phone.
Conclusion
Electronic signatures are an essential tool in today’s digital age, making document management more efficient and accessible. Whether you’re signing a business agreement, legal document or any other important file, knowing how to sign a Google Doc is crucial.
By using tools like jSign or DocuSign, you can easily create, insert and manage your electronic signatures. To streamline your Google Doc signing process, sign up for a jSign account today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insert a signature in Google Docs?
Yes, you can insert a signature in Google Docs by using tools like jSign or Google Drawing to create and place your signature.
How do you sign a PDF in Google Docs?
You cannot sign a PDF directly in Google Docs. Instead, download the Google Doc as a PDF and use a tool like jSign or DocuSign to add your signature.
How can I add a signature to a document?
To add a signature to a document, create your signature using a signature generator like jSign, save it and insert it into your document using the appropriate tools.
How do I add a signature to Google Forms?
Currently, Google Forms does not support direct signature insertion. You can, however, include a signature field using third-party add-ons or request a signed document through Google Docs.
