Google Docs can be a useful tool when you need to share documents with other people. And it has a built-in feature you can use to add your signature to documents. But you'll find more security if you use an add-on that has encryption and authentication measures. Show With that in mind, here's what you need to know to add your signature to Google Docs using either the built-in feature or an add-on. Electronic signature vs. digital signatureAlthough they sound similar, there is a significant difference between an electronic signature, or e-signature, and a digital one. Digital signatures are required to use certain algorithms to generate signatures and can be used as evidence for third parties. So they're secure, due to encryption and authentication standards, and legally enforceable. Electronic signatures, on the other hand, don't look like actual signatures but are still used to signify an intent to sign. They can be anything that is supposed to represent the person signing, including a symbol or an electronic sound. Electronic signatures are legally binding, but because they lack the encryption required for digital signatures, they are less secure and can be more easily forged. How to add electronic signature in Google Docs using drawing toolBe aware that this method creates an electronic signature, not a digital one. 1. Open the Google Doc and place the cursor in the area that requires a signature. 2. Click Insert in the top toolbar. Choose "Insert." Devon Delfino3. Choose Drawing and then + New. The drawing tool will then pop up over the Google Doc. Open the drawing tool to draw your signature. Devon Delfino4. Click the down-caret next to the line tool, which looks like a line with two points at each end. 5. Choose Scribble. The Scribble feature lets you draw the signature to be inserted onto the page. Devon Delfino6. Create your signature by clicking into the draw box and dragging the cursor. 7. Click Save and Close to add your signature to the Google Doc. How to add digital signature in Google Docs using third-party add-onsYou can also add a digital signature to your Google Doc with a third-party add-on, like:
Here's how to install an add-on and insert a signature from it: 1. Go into your Google Doc's top toolbar and select Add-ons, followed by Get Add-ons. You can search for add-ons via the Add-ons menu in Google Docs. Devon Delfino2. Use the search bar in the pop-up to find your desired add-on and click to select it. Search for your desired add-on. Devon Delfino3. Select Install. Install the add-on to start using it. Devon Delfino4. You may be asked to link your Google account, and give permission to the add-on to access your Google account — if so, connect it and give the add-on permission to access your account. You have to connect your Google account to the add-on for it to work. Devon Delfino5. Once installed, you'll see a confirmation message. Hit Done and close out the add-on pop-up window. 6. The add-on should appear in the right sidebar. If not, refresh the page. Then click to open the signature add-on in the sidebar. Click to open the sidebar and start using the add-on. Devon Delfino7. Sign into your account associated with your add-on of choice, or create one, as directed. You'll need to sign in, or create an account, with most — if not all — signature add-ons for Google Docs. Devon Delfino8. Follow the prompts to sign your document and add other signer or recipient information. Follow the directions provided by the add-on to add or create your signature. Devon Delfino
Devon Delfino is a Brooklyn-based freelance journalist specializing in personal finance, culture, politics, and identity. Her work has been featured in publications such as The Los Angeles Times, Teen Vogue, Business Insider, and CNBC. Follow her on Twitter at @devondelfino. Read more Read less How do I create a digital signature in Google Docs?Digital signatures made easy in Google Docs. Docs menu bar > Insert.. Drawing > + New.. Click > > choose Scribble.. Write your signature just how you normally would.. Adjust the size, colour, line weight and more if necessary.. Once you're happy > Save and close.. Move your signature to the right location.. How do I turn my signature into an electronic signature?Here's how to easily convert your signature into a digital signature:. Step 1: Open Signaturely.com and Create a Free Account. ... . Step 2: Type, Draw or Upload Your Signature. ... . Step 3: Add a Signature Line to Your Documents. ... . Step 4: Help Your Signers Create an Electronic Signature.. |