Add a signature to a Word document
Make the image here, then two menu clicks in Word or Docs.
Word has no real way to make a signature, so the usual routine is to sign paper, photograph it, and paste in a crooked grey rectangle. Making the image here instead gives you a clean transparent signature that can be dropped into the document, floated over the signature line and sized properly. The same steps work in Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice.
How to add a signature to a Word document
- 1
Make and download the signature
Type or draw it, then download the transparent PNG at the larger size.
- 2
Insert it as a picture
In Word, Insert then Pictures then This Device. In Google Docs, Insert then Image then Upload from computer.
- 3
Float it over the line
Set text wrapping to in front of text, then drag it onto the signature line and scale it down to the right size.
Why not photograph a paper signature
A photograph brings the paper with it: grey background, shadow, and a slight angle that never quite lines up. An image made digitally has none of that and can be reused for years.
Better: sign the PDF
Export the document to PDF and place the signature there, so nobody can move it afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my signature push the text around?+
Because it was inserted in line with the text. Change the wrapping to in front of text and it floats freely instead.
Should I send the Word file or a PDF?+
A PDF. A signed Word document can be edited by whoever receives it, and the image can be moved to another page. Export to PDF, and flatten it if it matters.
Can I sign the PDF instead?+
Yes, and it is usually tidier. Export the document to PDF and place the signature with Sign PDF, which keeps the position exactly.
Is my document uploaded?+
The document never comes here at all; only the signature image is made, in your browser.