Step-by-Step Guide on How to Add a Signature in Google Docs

You can insert signatures in Google Docs in many ways. You can drew one directly, insert it as an image, or use Google's built-in eSignature tool if your Workspace plan includes it. This guide covers all three, plus a faster option with Kimi Docs.

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8 min read2026-07-22

Adding a signature to a Google Doc is essential for contracts, approvals, and formal agreements. Whether you need a quick handwritten mark or a professional, legally valid sign-off, Google Docs offers several ways to get it done. In this guide, we'll walk you through four simple methods, from built-in tools to smart automation, so you can choose what fits your workflow best.

How to draw a signature in Google Docs

The Drawing tool is the most accessible way to add signature to a Google Doc directly without installing anything or needing an external file. The result is inserted as an embedded image in the document, which you can resize and move like any other image.

Step 1: Open the Drawing tool

Place your cursor where you want the signature to appear, then go to Insert > Drawing > New. A drawing canvas opens in a separate dialog.

Step 2: Select the Scribble tool

Click the dropdown arrow next to the Line icon in the canvas toolbar and select "Scribble." This switches the tool from straight lines to freehand drawing.

Select the Scribble tool in Google Docs Drawing

Step 3: Draw your signature

Using your mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen, draw your signature on the canvas. Take your time, since you can undo and redo freely. Click "Save and Close" once you're satisfied with the result.

Draw a signature in Google Docs using Scribble

Step 4: Resize and position it

The signature drops into the document as an embedded image. Drag the corner handles to resize it, and drag the image itself to reposition it. If you want text to flow beside it rather than below it, click the image and change the wrapping option to "Wrap text."

Resize and position a signature in Google Docs

How to insert signature in Google Docs as an image

If you already have a signature saved as an image, you can insert it directly instead of drawing one from scratch.

Step 1: Save a signature image

Sign your name on plain white paper with a dark pen. Scan it or photograph it clearly with your phone and save it as a JPG or PNG. PNG is preferable since it supports a transparent background, which avoids a white rectangle appearing around the signature in the document.

Step 2: Insert the image into the document

Place your cursor where the signature should appear, then go to Insert > Image > Upload from computer and select your saved file.

Step 3: Adjust the size and wrapping

Drag the corner handles to resize the image so it looks proportional to the surrounding text. Use the text wrapping options if you want it to sit beside content rather than pushing it below.

Adjust the size and wrapping of a signature image in Google Docs

How to add a digital signature in Google Docs using eSignature

Google's built-in eSignature tool creates a tracked, verified signing request where each signer's action is recorded with a timestamp and identity confirmation.

Notice that the eSignature feature is only available on certain paid Google Workspace plans. If you go to Tools > eSignature and get the notice that this function is available only when you get a Google Workspace plan.

Step 1: Open the eSignature tool

With your document open, go to Tools > eSignature. A side panel opens where you can set up the signing request. This creates a Google Docs digital signature rather than just a visual mark.

Step 2: Add signature fields

Use the side panel to drag signature fields into the document at the appropriate spots. Assign each field to the correct signer. You can add fields for the date, initials, and name in addition to the signature itself.

Step 3: Sign or send the request

If you're signing your own field, click it and draw or type your signature directly. To request signatures from others, click "Request signature" and enter their email addresses. Each person receives an email with a link to sign the document, and you can track the status of each request from the eSignature panel.

Sign or send an eSignature request in Google Docs

This is how to sign a document in Google Docs in a way that holds up for formal agreements. A digital signature in Google Docs created through this tool carries more weight than a drawn image because it includes identity verification and an audit trail.

How to add a signature with Kimi Docs

Functioning as a smart AI document agent, Kimi Docs offers a different approach that suits situations where you want the placement handled automatically. Just export the Google Doc as a Word file, upload it to Kimi Docs with your signature image, describe where the signature should go, and download the finished document. Instead of resizing and positioning the signature manually each time, a single prompt description handles it consistently across every file.

Step 1: Upload your document and your signature image

Export your Google Doc as a Word file (File > Download > Microsoft Word), then upload it to Kimi Docs along with an image of your signature.

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Upload a document and signature image to Kimi Docs

Step 2: Describe where the signature should go

Tell Kimi where to place the signature and how it should be sized relative to the surrounding content.

Code block Add this signature image to the end of the document, below the closing line. Resize it so it's proportional to the surrounding text and aligned to the left margin.

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Enter a prompt to add a signature using Kimi Docs

Step 3: Review and download

Kimi places the signature as described and returns the finished document, ready to review or download.

Download a signed document from Kimi Docs

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Key features of Kimi Docs

No manual positioning: Describe where the signature should go and how it should be sized, instead of dragging and resizing it by hand. Kimi places it according to the prompt rather than requiring manual adjustment afterward.
Consistent placement across documents: The same description works each time you sign a document with the same structure. There's no need to resize and reposition the signature manually for every file.
Work with any signature format: A scanned image, a phone photo, or a PNG all work the same way once uploaded. You're not limited to one input format.
Edit alongside signing: Kimi can adjust formatting, fix spacing, or update other parts of the document in the same step as adding the signature. If the document needs minor corrections before it goes out, both can be handled in a single request.
Work across devices and platforms: Whether you're on a Windows laptop, a Mac, a tablet, or a phone, the process is the same. There's nothing to install and no separate workflow to learn for each device.

Comparison: Which method is right for you

Method	Best for	Requires paid plan	Verification included
Drawing tool (Scribble)	Quick signatures on any Google account	No
Inserting a signature image	Cleaner appearance, reusable signature	No
Google eSignature	Formal requests with tracking and multiple signers	Yes, Workspace plan	Yes
Kimi Docs	Consistent placement, batch signing, editing alongside	No for basic use	No

Conclusion

Choosing how to sign signatures in Google Docs really depends on the situation. The Drawing tool is perfect for quick, informal signatures. A saved image works best if you sign regularly and want to skip the setup. For formal contracts, Google's eSignature offers the tracking and multi-signer features you need. And if you'd rather not manually deal with resizing and positioning at all, Kimi Docs places your signature exactly where you specify.

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FAQ

How do I add a signature to a Google Doc for free?

There's more than one way how to add signature on Google Docs without paying for anything. Go to Insert > Drawing > New, select the Scribble tool, and draw your signature with your mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen. Click "Save and Close" to insert it as an image you can resize and reposition.

How do I add an electronic signature in Google Docs without a Workspace plan?

The Drawing tool and inserting a saved signature image both work on any free Google account. Google's built-in eSignature feature, which includes tracking and multiple signer requests, requires a paid Workspace plan.

Is the signature I draw in Google Docs a legally binding digital signature?

A drawn or inserted signature image is a visual mark with no verification attached. It may be sufficient for informal agreements but doesn't carry the same legal weight as a verified digital signature. For contracts that need legal protection, Google's eSignature tool or a dedicated eSignature service is more appropriate.

Can I reuse the same signature in multiple Google Docs?

Yes. Once you've saved a signature as an image file, you can insert that same file into any future document through Insert > Image > Upload from computer. Saving it to Google Drive makes it faster to access each time.

Is there a faster way to add a signature to a document?

Kimi Docs can place a signature image at a specified location in the document based on a prompt. This is useful for documents you sign repeatedly in the same location, since the placement stays consistent without manual adjustment each time.