Word & Google Docs
Add a signature to a Word document
You can paste a signature image into Word, but it’s just a picture — no proof of who signed or when. The reliable, legally binding way is to export your document to PDF, drop a signature field, and send a link. Here’s how, in about three minutes.
How to sign a Word document in 3 steps
- 1
Export your Word doc to PDF
In Microsoft Word, choose File → Save As (or Export) and pick PDF. In Google Docs, use File → Download → PDF Document. This locks your formatting so signatures land exactly where you place them.
- 2
Upload the PDF and drop signature fields
Upload the PDF to GetItSigned and drag signature, initial, date, and text fields onto the page. Assign each field to the person who needs to sign it.
- 3
Send a link and get it back signed
Each signer gets a private magic-link and signs on any device — no account, no app. When everyone’s done, you get the signed document plus a Certificate of Completion.
Why export to PDF first?
Word documents reflow — fonts, margins, and page breaks shift between devices, so a signature placed in the editor can drift. A PDF freezes the layout, so signatures land exactly where you put them and the final document looks identical for everyone.
- Formatting stays locked across every device
- Signature fields land precisely where you place them
- Tamper-evident hash detects any change after signing
- Certificate of Completion proves who signed and when
Signing Word documents — FAQ
- How do I add a signature to a Word document?
- The most reliable way is to export the Word document to PDF first (File → Save As → PDF), then add your signature to the PDF. You can paste a signature image directly in Word, but it carries no audit trail. To get a legally binding signature with proof of who signed and when, export to PDF and send it through GetItSigned — you start with 3 free envelopes.
- Can I sign a Word document without converting it to PDF?
- You can insert a signature image in Word (Insert → Pictures), but it is just a picture — anyone can move or copy it and there is no record of consent or intent. Converting to PDF and signing through an eSignature service preserves your formatting and captures a tamper-evident audit trail.
- Is a signature added in Word legally binding?
- A pasted image on its own generally is not sufficient evidence. Under the US ESIGN Act, UETA, and EU eIDAS, what makes a signature binding is captured intent, consent, a timestamp, and an audit trail. GetItSigned records all of this automatically and issues a Certificate of Completion with each signed document.
- How do I send a Word document for someone else to sign?
- Save the Word file as a PDF, upload it to GetItSigned, drop a signature field where your recipient needs to sign, and send. They receive a private link and sign in their browser on any device — no account required.
- Does it cost anything to sign a Word document?
- Creating an account is free and includes 3 free envelopes. After that, GetItSigned is pay-as-you-go with credit bundles from $3.99 — no subscription, and credits never expire.
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