Google Docs & Workspace
eSignature for Google Docs
Google Docs can insert a drawing of your signature, but it won't capture consent, timestamp, or a tamper-evident audit trail — and it's useless when someone else needs to sign. Export your Doc to PDF, send it through GetItSigned, and get a legally binding signed copy back in minutes.
To eSign a Google Doc properly, use File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf), upload the PDF to GetItSigned, place signature fields, and send a private link. Signers complete on any phone or laptop without a Google account. You get a signed PDF plus a Certificate of Completion under ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS — 3 free sends on signup, no subscription.
Sign a Google Doc in 3 steps
- 1
Download your Google Doc as PDF
In Google Docs, open File → Download → PDF Document (.pdf). This locks layout and fonts so signature fields stay exactly where you place them — unlike inserting a drawing inside the Doc.
- 2
Upload & drop signature fields
Upload the PDF to GetItSigned. Drag signature, initial, date, and text fields onto the page. Assign each field to the signer who needs to complete it.
- 3
Email a link — get it back signed
Each signer receives a private magic-link. They sign in their browser — no Google account, no Workspace add-on. When the last signer finishes, you download the signed PDF and audit certificate.
Google Docs built-in vs. GetItSigned
Google Docs is great for drafting. When a document needs a defensible signature — especially from someone else — export and use a dedicated eSignature flow.
| Google Docs | GetItSigned | |
|---|---|---|
| Insert → Drawing signature | Image only — no audit trail, easy to move or copy | Full consent + timestamp + Certificate of Completion |
| Send to another person to sign | Share edit access or email a copy — no signing workflow | Private magic-link per signer, no account required |
| Legal evidence (ESIGN / eIDAS) | Not designed for binding eSignatures | IP, user-agent, hashes, signing method recorded |
| Pricing | Free to edit; Workspace add-ons vary | 3 free documents, then pay-as-you-go — no subscription |
Why not sign inside Google Docs?
Drawings and pasted images in Google Docs are just graphics on the page. They don't prove the signer read the document, agreed to use electronic records, or signed at a specific time. Courts and counterparties expect an audit trail — especially when two parties sign a contract. PDF export + GetItSigned gives you that without leaving your Google workflow: draft in Docs, download, send.
- Draft stays in Google Drive — only the final PDF is signed
- Layout locked so signatures don't shift on mobile
- Multi-signer routing (sequential or parallel)
- Signed archive in your GetItSigned account
Google Docs eSignature FAQ
- Can you sign a Google Doc electronically?
- Yes — export the Doc as PDF, then sign or send it through an eSignature service. GetItSigned captures legally sufficient evidence under ESIGN, UETA, and eIDAS SES for ordinary contracts.
- Does Google Docs have a built-in eSignature?
- Google Docs lets you insert a drawing or image of a signature, but that is not a compliant eSignature workflow for contracts. Google Workspace Marketplace add-ons exist, but most require subscriptions. Exporting to PDF and using GetItSigned avoids add-on lock-in.
- How do I send a Google Doc to someone else for signature?
- Download as PDF, upload to GetItSigned, place a signature field for your recipient, and send. They sign via magic-link on any device without creating an account.
- Do signers need Google Workspace?
- No. Signers only need the private link GetItSigned emails them. They don't need Google, GetItSigned, or any app.
- Is it free to eSign Google Docs with GetItSigned?
- You get 3 free signature requests when you sign up — no credit card. After that, pay-as-you-go credit bundles with no monthly fee.
Related guides: Word document signing · Free eSignature · Send PDF for signature
Not ready to sign up yet?
I'll email when we ship templates, Zapier, and bulk send. One email a month, no fluff.
No spam. Unsubscribe any time.