Where to find and update your signature

Your signature in DocuSign lives in your account settings, not in individual documents. To change it, you log into DocuSign, go to your profile menu in the top right corner, and select Settings. From there, click Signature in the left sidebar. You will see your current signature displayed, with an option to Change Signature directly below it. This is the master signature — the one that appears by default whenever you sign a document going forward.

The process takes about two minutes. DocuSign stores only one primary signature per account, so updating it replaces the old one everywhere. If you have already signed documents with your previous signature, those documents keep the old signature. Only new documents you sign after the change will use the new one.

You can also create initials separately from your full signature. These appear in smaller boxes on documents when a field asks for initials rather than a full signature. The initials option sits right next to the signature option in your Settings menu, and you change it the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Your signature is stored in your account Settings under the Signature menu, not attached to any single document.
  • Changing your signature affects only documents you sign after the change; previously signed documents keep their original signature.
  • You can create a typed signature, draw one with your mouse or touchpad, or upload an image of your handwritten signature.
  • DocuSign lets you store initials separately from your full signature, and you update them the same way you update your signature.
  • If you sign documents on behalf of someone else using a delegate account, that account has its own separate signature.

Creating a typed signature

A typed signature is the fastest option. After you click Change Signature, you will see a text box with the word "Type" above it. Click in the box and type your name or initials exactly as you want them to appear. DocuSign offers several fonts — you can click the font dropdown to see options like cursive, print, or formal styles. Choose the one that looks most like a real signature to you.

Once you have typed your name and picked a font, the preview shows you exactly what it will look like on documents. If you are happy with it, click explore at the bottom. If you want to try a different font or wording, change it and preview again before explore. There is no penalty for changing your mind — you can update your signature as many times as you want.

Drawing a signature with your mouse or touchpad

If you want something that looks more like a handwritten signature, you can draw one. Click the Draw tab in the signature menu. A white box appears with a message asking you to sign. Using your mouse, touchpad, or stylus (if you have one), draw your signature in the box the way you would sign a paper document.

Drawing with a mouse or touchpad is harder than it sounds — most people need two or three tries to get something they like. If your first attempt looks shaky or unclear, click Clear and try again. You can draw as many times as you want before you explore. Once you click explore, that drawing becomes your signature. On a phone or tablet with a touchscreen, this method works much more smoothly than on a computer with a mouse.

Uploading an image of your signature

The most realistic option is to upload a photo or scan of your actual handwritten signature. First, sign your name on a piece of paper with a pen. Take a photo of it with your phone or scan it on a scanner. Save the image file to your computer — it should be a JPG, PNG, or PDF file. The image works best if the signature is dark and the background is white or light.

In DocuSign Settings, click the Upload tab in the signature menu. Click Choose File and navigate to your image. DocuSign will show you a preview of how it will look on documents. If the signature is too small, too large, or positioned oddly, you can adjust the size and position using the controls that appear. Once it looks right, click explore.

If your uploaded image has a lot of white space around the signature, DocuSign usually crops it automatically. If it does not, the signature may look too small on documents. In that case, delete it and try uploading again, or use the typed or drawn option instead.

Changing your signature on a mobile device

You can change your signature from the DocuSign mobile app, though the process is slightly different. Open the app, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left, and go to Settings. Tap Signature, then Change Signature. You will see the same three options: Type, Draw, or Upload.

The Draw option works much better on a phone or tablet because you can use your finger instead of a mouse. If you are uploading an image, the app can access your phone's camera roll directly, which is faster than uploading from a computer. After you make your change, tap explore and the new signature syncs to your account within a few seconds.

What happens if you need to sign as someone else

If your organization uses DocuSign's Delegated Signing feature, you may sign documents on behalf of another person. That person's signature does not appear — yours does, but the document records that you signed as their delegate. You cannot change what signature appears in this situation. The document will show your signature with a note that you signed on their behalf.

If your organization uses Signing on Behalf Of, the original signer's signature appears on the document, not yours. You are just routing it or completing it for them. In this case, you also cannot change the signature that appears.

Troubleshooting signature changes that do not appear

If you change your signature but the old one still appears on new documents, try logging out of DocuSign completely and logging back in. Sometimes the app or browser holds onto the old signature in its memory. After you log back in, your new signature should appear.

If you are signing on a mobile device and the change still has not taken effect, close the DocuSign app completely (not just minimize it) and reopen it. This forces the app to refresh your account settings. If you are using DocuSign through a web browser, try clearing your browser cache or using a private browsing window.

If your signature still does not update after logging out and back in, contact DocuSign support with your account email. There is a rare chance that a technical issue prevented the change from saving properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than one signature in DocuSign?

DocuSign stores only one primary signature per account. However, you can change it whenever you want, so you could use different signatures for different purposes by updating it each time. Some organizations use separate DocuSign accounts for different roles, which allows them to maintain different signatures, but this requires your administrator to set up.

If I change my signature, do old documents get updated?

No. Documents you have already signed keep the signature you used at the time you signed them. Only documents you sign after the change will show your new signature. This is intentional — it prevents confusion about when a document was actually signed.

What if my signature looks blurry or cut off on documents?

If you uploaded an image, try uploading again and adjusting the size or position before explore. If you drew your signature, try drawing it again more slowly and deliberately. If you typed it, try a different font or slightly different wording. You can always change it again if the new version does not look better.

Can I use a signature that is just my initials?

Yes. When you create or change your signature, you can type, draw, or upload initials instead of your full name. DocuSign does not require a full name — it only requires that you use the same signature consistently. Some people use initials as their primary signature and set up separate initials for fields that specifically ask for initials.

Does changing my signature affect documents I have sent to others but they have not signed yet?

No. Once you send a document to someone else for signature, your signature is locked in that document. If you change your signature after sending it, the document they receive still shows your old signature. Your new signature only appears on documents you send after the change.