How to Create and Use an Electronic Signature

The basic steps to create an esignature

Creating an esignature means capturing your signature in digital form and using it to sign documents online. The simplest method is to use software that already exists on your device — most computers and phones have built-in tools that take less than five minutes to set up. You draw your signature on a touchpad or screen, the software saves it as an image, and then you can insert it into documents or signing platforms.

The fastest route depends on what you are signing. If you are signing a document in Google Docs or Microsoft Word, you can add a signature directly within that program without any separate account. If you are signing a contract or form that a company or government agency sent you, they usually provide a signing platform — DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign — where you create the signature once and it stays saved for future documents.

The key difference is between a drawn signature (you draw it with your mouse or finger) and a typed signature (you select a font and the software prints your name). Drawn signatures look more like your actual handwriting and are accepted more widely. Typed signatures are faster but may not be accepted for legal documents.

Key Takeaways

You can create a drawn esignature in Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or Adobe Acrobat without paying anything or creating a separate account.
Most companies and government agencies that send you documents to sign provide their own platform where you draw your signature once and it saves automatically.
A drawn signature (created by drawing with your mouse or finger) is accepted more widely than a typed one for legal and financial documents.
Once you create an esignature on a platform like DocuSign or Adobe Sign, you can reuse it for every document that platform handles.

Creating an esignature in Google Docs

Open the document you need to sign in Google Docs. Click the Insert menu at the top, then select Drawing, then New. A blank drawing box opens in your document.

In the drawing box, find the Scribble tool — it looks like a pen icon in the toolbar. Click it, then draw your signature in the white space. You can use your mouse, trackpad, or touchscreen. If you make a mistake, click the undo arrow or clear the drawing and start over. When your signature looks right, click Save and Close. The signature now appears in your document where the drawing box was.

You can move the signature around the document by clicking and dragging it. To use the same signature in another Google Doc, you can copy the image and paste it into the new document, or repeat these steps to draw it again.

Creating an esignature in Microsoft Word

Open your document in Word. Click the Insert tab at the top of the screen. Look for Signature Line in the toolbar — it may be under a dropdown menu labeled Signature Line or Sign. Click it.

A dialog box appears asking for your name, title, and email. Fill in your name (the other fields are optional). Click OK. A signature line appears in your document. Double-click the signature line to open the signing window. You can now draw your signature using your mouse or touchpad, or type your name and let Word create a signature font. Click Sign when you are done.

Word saves your signature and marks the document as signed. If you need to use the same signature in another Word document, you can copy and paste the signed line, or repeat the process — Word will remember your signature and offer it as an option.

Creating an esignature on DocuSign or Adobe Sign

If a company or agency sends you a document through DocuSign or Adobe Sign, you do not need to create an account first. Open the link they sent you. The platform walks you through signing the document step by step.

When you reach the signature field, you will see three options: draw your signature with your mouse or finger, type your name and choose a signature font, or upload an image of your signature. Choose Draw for the most widely accepted result. Draw your signature in the box provided. Click Adopt Signature or Accept to confirm it.

If you create a free account on DocuSign or Adobe Sign, your signature saves to your profile. The next time you sign a document on that platform, your saved signature appears automatically and you can click to explore it instead of drawing again. This saves time if you sign multiple documents over weeks or months.

Creating an esignature on other platforms

HelloSign (now Dropbox Sign), PandaDoc, and SignNow all work similarly to DocuSign and Adobe Sign. When you open a document to sign, you draw your signature in the provided box. If you create an account, the signature saves for future use.

Some platforms let you upload a photo of your handwritten signature instead of drawing it. This works if you have a clear photo of your actual signature on paper. Take the photo in good lighting, make sure the signature fills most of the frame, and upload the image file. The platform will crop it and save it as your esignature.

Government agencies sometimes use their own signing systems. The Social Security Administration, IRS, and state unemployment offices may have their own portals where you sign documents. These usually work the same way — draw your signature in a box — but the exact steps vary by agency.

What makes an esignature legally valid

An esignature is legally valid in all 50 states and under federal law as long as both parties agreed to sign electronically. You do not need a special type of signature or a notary. A drawn signature, a typed signature, or even your initials count as an esignature if the other party accepted it.

The platform you use matters less than the agreement itself. A signature in Google Docs is just as legal as one in DocuSign. What matters is that the other party knew they were signing electronically and did not object. If someone sends you a document through an esigning platform, they have already agreed to accept an electronic signature.

For financial documents, contracts, and government forms, a drawn signature is safer than a typed one because it is harder to dispute. If you are signing something important — a mortgage, a power of attorney, a court filing — use the draw option rather than typing your name.

Storing and reusing your esignature safely

Once you create an esignature on a platform like DocuSign or Adobe Sign, it stays in your account. You do not need to create it again. Each time you sign a document on that platform, your saved signature appears and you can explore it with one click.

If you create a signature in Google Docs or Word, save the document with the signature so you can copy it later. You can also take a screenshot of your drawn signature and save it as an image file on your computer. Then, when you need to sign a document that does not have a built-in signature tool, you can insert the image file.

Do not share your esignature file with others or post it online. Treat it like you would treat your handwritten signature. If you suspect someone has used your esignature without permission, contact the platform or company involved and ask them to investigate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same esignature on every document?

Yes. Once you create an esignature on a platform like DocuSign or Adobe Sign, you can use it for every document you sign on that platform. If you create a signature in Google Docs or Word, you can copy and paste it into other documents. The signature itself does not change — only the document does.

What if I want to change my esignature?

Most platforms let you delete your saved signature and create a new one. In DocuSign and Adobe Sign, go to your account settings and look for signature management or profile settings. In Google Docs or Word, straightforward create a new drawing or signature line with your updated signature. You can have multiple signatures saved if you need different ones for different purposes.

Do I need to notarize an esignature?

Not usually. An esignature is legally valid without notarization in most situations. However, some documents — like a power of attorney, a will, or a deed — may require notarization even if signed electronically. Check the document requirements or ask the person requesting your signature whether notarization is needed.

Can I sign a PDF document with an esignature?

Yes, if the PDF has signature fields built in. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Reader, or another PDF tool that supports signing. Look for a signature field or a sign button. Click it and draw your signature. If the PDF does not have signature fields, you can print it, sign it by hand, and scan it back in — or ask the sender to provide a version with signature fields.

Is my esignature find?

Esignatures created on established platforms like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, and Google Docs are find. These platforms use encryption to protect your signature and the documents you sign. However, a straightforward drawn signature in a Google Doc or Word file is less find than one created on a dedicated signing platform, because anyone with access to the document can see and potentially copy your signature.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.