How to make an e-signature for your digital documents

Creating an electronic signature makes it easier to sign digital documents, such as PDFs, Google Docs, and Word documents.

If you want to learn more about how to make e-signatures, here are a few common methods.

Table of contents

1. How to make an electronic signature on a Mac
2. How to create an electronic signature with Microsoft Word
3. How to make an online signature with DocHub

How to make an electronic signature on a Mac

To sign PDF documents using Mac Preview, start by opening up the signatures menu: 

1. Use Mac Preview to open the PDF you want to sign.

2. Click the pen icon to open up Markup.

   
   
3. Click the signature icon to open up the Signature tool.
   

Trackpad

1. Select “Trackpad” then “Click here to begin.”
2. Use your finger to draw your signature on the trackpad; tap any key when you’re done.
3. Use the Description dropdown menu to choose a label or create a custom name for your signature. This step is optional.
4. Select “Done” to save the e-signature.

Camera

1. Select “Camera.”
2. Sign your name clearly on white paper.
3. Hold the paper up to your computer’s camera and align your signature on the blue line. 
4. Wait for the computer to generate an electronic signature.
5. Use the Description dropdown menu to label your signature. This step is optional.
6. Select “Done” to save the e-signature.
   

iPhone

If you have an iPhone connected to your computer, the iPhone signature option will appear. Here’s how to create an e-signature with your iPhone.

1. Select “iPhone.”
2. Unlock your phone to access the signature pad.
   
   
3. Use your finger to sign your name on your iPhone.
   
4. Check the Signature field on the computer to see if your signature has appeared.
5. Use the Description dropdown menu to label your signature. This step is optional. 
6. Select “Done” to save the e-signature.
   
   

How to create an electronic signature with Microsoft Word

To sign a signature line inside a Microsoft 365 Word or Excel document:

1. Open the document with Word or Excel and locate the signature line.
2. Right-click the signature line to open the Signature menu.
   
3. Select “Sign.”
   
   

From here, you have two options.

Type

1. Type your signature after the X. 
2. Click “Sign.”
   

Add Image

1. Click “Select Image.”
   

2. Use the “Select Signature Image” dialogue box to locate and select the image file of your signature. You will need a clear image file of a handwritten or electronic signature on your device before using this option. The image should be only of your signature (in blue or black) on a white background.

3. Click “Select.” 
   
4. Click “Sign.” 
   

How to make an online signature with DocHub

There are several online tools you can use to electronically sign Google Docs files, PDFs, or Word documents. 

Here’s how to create an online signature with DocHub:

1. Upload the file you want to sign to DocHub.
2. Open the file in DocHub.
3. Click the “Sign” option in the toolbar.
   
4. Select “Create your signature…”
   

From here, you have four options for creating a signature: phone, draw, upload image, or type.

Phone

1. Use your phone’s camera to take a picture of the QR code in the signature tool or enter your phone number to receive a text link to sign.
   
2. Sign your name using your finger, then tap “Next.”
3. Create your initials, then tap “Save and finish.” This step is optional. You can hit “Skip and Finish” if you don’t want to create initials.
   
   

Draw

1. Use your mouse or trackpad to sign in the box next to the X. 
2. Select “Save.”
   
   

Upload image

1. Select “Upload Signature.”
   
2. Find the image file of your signature and select “Open.” DocHub will automatically save your signature. You will need a clear image file of a handwritten or electronic signature on your device before using this option. The image should be only of your signature (in blue or black) on a white background.
   

Type

1. Type your full name in the box labeled “Your Name.”
2. Choose a style for your signature.
3. Select “Save.”
   
   

Creating an online or electronic signature is an efficient way to sign documents for work or personal use. The good news is that there are several tools you can use to create your e-signature, so it’s ready to go when you need it.