We’re living in a digital utopia. The world is so advanced and dynamic that, in many ways, it extends beyond the imagination of previous generations. Sure we don’t have flying cars yet and space travel has not become a means of transportation for the average person, but we do have the internet.
The internet has essentially shrunk the world, making it easy to reach someone anywhere on the planet with the touch of a button. Our lives are steadily moving online, with our leisure and work activities all becoming digitized.
In our modern world, where convenience and ease of access have become the norm, small inconveniences start to stand out. If you work from home, one common annoyance is having to sign important documents. When you worked in an office, it was easy to give your signature. But working online makes it harder to sign a document and provide proof that you’ve read and understood what the document contains.
Luckily, Google has come up with a solution to this problem using their product Google Docs. For those who don’t know, Google Docs is a browser-based word processor that allows you to write and edit documents, automatically sync them and work collaboratively with other members of your team. Another feature they offer is the ability to sign documents digitally.
Follow our guide below to find out how.
How to Sign a Document with Google Docs
Before getting started, you need to have a Google account. Once you’ve created one, log in and then complete the following steps to digitally sign your document:
- Open Google Docs and then start a new blank document.
Open Google Docs and start a blank document
2. Once the blank document has opened, import the file you want to sign. You can do that by following these steps:
a. Go to the File menu on the top left side and select Open.
Open file for Import
b. In the Open a file window, select the Upload option if you want to upload the document from your PC. Select the option Shared with me if someone has shared that file with you on Google Docs. If you choose the Upload option, you can simply drag the file to the window or click the Select a file from your device button.
Upload the file
3. Once your file is imported and opened, navigate to the area of the document where you need to put your signature.
4. Click on Insert at the top of the page and then click Drawing.
a. Select New from the Drawing menu.
Insert a new drawing
5. When the Drawingwindow opens, click on the down arrowhead right beside the Line tool button. Select the Scribble tool.
Choose the Scribble tool
6. If you have a stylus, this is a great time to use it. If you don’t, use your mouse to sign your name in the Drawing window.
7. Once you’re satisfied with your signature, click the Save and close button in the top right corner.
Save and close the drawing
8. Your newly created signature will be available as a scalable, moveable image in your document. Move it to the right place and you’re all done.
Finishing touches: Scale and adjust the signature image
Now download the document and email it to the person who needs it or simply share it with them through Google Docs.
The signature quality might be less than perfect, but it does allow you to sign documents without leaving your PC. You don’t have to print or scan anything and the document is now easily shareable with whoever needs a copy.
