How to Sign a Document in Google Docs (Including Gmail and Sheets)

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TL;DR

Draw Your Signature in Google Docs: Open your document, go to Insert > Drawing > + New, click on the Line tool, select Scribble, and draw your signature using a mouse or trackpad. Then click Save and Close to insert the signature into your Google Docs document.
Insert a Wet Signature Image: If you already have a scanned or photographed version of your handwritten signature, go to Insert > Image > Upload from computer, and select the saved image to add your signature to the document.
Add an Electronic Signature in Google Docs Using an eSignature Tool: For a more automated approach, install a third-party electronic signature service from the Google Workspace Marketplace. Once installed, you can create and insert a digital signature by typing, drawing, or uploading an image.
Sign Documents in Gmail: Open an email attachment in Gmail, select Open with your eSignature app, add your signature, then save or share the signed document directly from Gmail.
Sign Files in Google Sheets and Drive: You can also add signatures to supported documents stored in Google Drive or opened through Google Sheets using integrated eSignature tools.

Google Workspace, which includes Drive, Docs, Sheets, and other software, is quickly becoming the go-to option for professional productivity.

As more individuals and businesses move toward digital document management, many users ask: Can you sign a document in Google Docs? The answer is yes. You can insert a signature in Google Docs by drawing it, uploading an image of your handwritten signature, or using an electronic signature tool. While Google Docs does not have a native advanced eSignature system, it supports digital signature workflows through integrated tools and Google Workspace add-ons.

Learning how to sign a document in Google Docs, add a digital signature, or electronically sign files in Gmail and Sheets can help streamline approvals and eliminate paper-based workflows.

How to Add an eSignature to Google Docs

There are several ways to add your digital signature to a Google Docs document. These include drawing, inserting a photo signature, and using an app extension.

Below you’ll find these methods and their corresponding steps.

Insert a signature in Google Docs by drawing

Google Docs has a built-in feature for signing documents. It’s not as comprehensive as third-party eSignature apps like Fill, but it’s a good starting point.

Follow these steps to generate a Google Docs signature.

1. Open a document and locate the Insert tab on the toolbar.

2. Hover your cursor on the drawing button, then click the New button on the right.

insert google docs signature drawing step 2

3. The drawing interface should pop up. Hover your cursor on the line icon, then select Scribble.

4. You can now draw your eSignature using a mouse, trackpad, or digital drawing pen.

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5. Once done, click Save and Close.

6. Your digital signature should now be visible. You can then resize and drag the drawing to the appropriate field. This built-in drawing tool allows you to quickly create and add a signature in Google Docs without installing additional extensions.

insert google docs signature drawing step 6

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It’s that simple. The next time you need to sign a document in a pinch, this can give you a straightforward way to get it done.

The downside? The next time you need your eSignature, you’ll have to draw it again, which can be tedious. You can automate this process by opting for a dedicated online signature service.

Insert a signature image in Google Docs

There’s another simple way to insert a signature in Google Docs by uploading a scanned or photographed image of your handwritten signature. With this option, you can take advantage of a pre-existing signature, so you won’t have to create a new one.

To use this method, do the following:

1. As with the previous process, open a document and find the Insert tab on the toolbar.

2. This time, hover your cursor on the Image tab and click on Upload from computer.

3. Then, open the saved image of your signature.

4. The eSignature should now appear inside the document. You can scale and place the image anywhere you like.

Like the previous method, uploading a wet signature comes with its share of limitations. For example, a low-quality image would look out of place within the document. Images with a non-transparent background could also have a similar effect. Both may be considered invalid if they are difficult to read.

Create and Add an Electronic Signature in Google Docs Using an eSignature Service

When you use Fill, you can electronically sign and send documents straight from Google Drive. This method is ideal if you need to create a reusable digital signature in Google Docs. The steps outlined below will show you how to do this.

Navigate to the Google Workspace Marketplace and search for Fill.

2. Install the app extension to connect the service to your Google Drive account.

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3. Once installed, you can find Fill under the Apps Launcher or as an option for opening Google Docs files.

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4. Next, go to Google Drive and right-click on a document to open it with Fill.

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5. The document will open in Fill. Locate and click the Insert Signature button on the toolbar to start creating your eSignature.

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6. Create your digital signature by typing, drawing, or uploading an image of a wet signature.

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7. Save your new eSignature and place it anywhere in the document.

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8. Then, save the document. You can now send it to anyone using a link or via their email address.

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That’s it! With your eSignature now linked to your account, you’ll be able to use it whenever you need to sign a document. You wouldn’t have to draw, type, or upload your signature each time.

Your files are also automatically saved and stored in the Fill app. It syncs across your devices, whether you’re using the web, desktop, or mobile apps.

How to Sign Documents in Gmail

With Fill, it’s now easier than ever to sign a document in Gmail without downloading and re-uploading files.

If you’re using Gmail, the built-in Google integrations allow you to electronically sign PDF, DOC, DOCX, and Google Sheets attachments directly from your inbox.

Follow the steps below to start signing documents from your email account.

1. Open an email attachment in your Gmail Inbox and select Open with Fill to start signing the document.

2. You’ll be taken to the Fill dashboard, where you’ll decide if you want to sign by yourself or add other signatories.

3. You can now edit the document and insert your signature with the designated button.

4. Create your new digital signature. You can type, draw, or upload an image of your physical signature to electronically sign the document.

5. Next, save your work and place it wherever you need the eSignature.

6. Finally, save the document and share it with anyone you want. You can also download it as a PDF file if you’re going to send it directly through Gmail.

Fill makes adding electronic signatures to documents in Gmail quick and simple.

This workflow allows you to sign a document in Gmail immediately after receiving it, helping you streamline approvals and reduce manual paperwork. You can also share signed files with the Fill app. Plus, you’ll receive a notification whenever someone else views or signs a shared document.

Elevate Your Workflow With Fill

Fill for Google Workspace only scratches the surface. You can also download the Fill for Windows app for more demanding workflows. It features a comprehensive dashboard that power users love.

With Fill, you can create and reuse an electronic signature in Google Docs, add digital signatures to documents stored in Google Drive, and sign files directly from Gmail. You can import files directly from Google Drive, Google Docs, and other cloud services. With Fill, you can seamlessly manage your documents and request digital signatures from your contacts.

The app also features virtually uncrackable 256-bit encryption, so you can be sure that it protects your data well. In addition, signer ID verification gives you an additional layer of security to ensure your documents don’t fall into the wrong hands.

Whether you need to sign a document in Google Docs, insert a signature in Gmail, or manage multiple signers across your team, Fill provides a centralized solution.

‍Get started with a 7-day free trial and experience a new way to electronically sign documents with Fill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you sign a document in Google Docs?

Yes. You can sign a document in Google Docs by using the built-in Drawing tool to draw your signature, uploading an image of your handwritten signature, or using an electronic signature app to add a digital signature.

Does Google Docs have an electronic signature feature?

Google Docs does not have a full native eSignature system, but it allows you to insert a signature using built-in tools. For advanced electronic signature workflows—such as reusable signatures, audit trails, and multi-signer requests—you can use an integrated eSignature app.

How do you insert a signature in Google Docs?

To insert a signature in Google Docs, click Insert > Drawing > + New, select the Line tool, choose Scribble, and draw your signature. You can also upload a scanned image of your signature through Insert > Image.

Can you sign a Google Doc on your phone?

Yes. You can sign a Google Doc on your phone using the Google Docs mobile app together with an electronic signature tool that supports mobile signing.

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