Can You Sign a PDF in Google Drive?

Can you sign a PDF in Google Drive? Yes. Users can actually sign a PDF in Google Drive using built-in features and connected apps, providing a convenient way to complete quick and simple document approvals.

However, Google Drive has limitations, including fewer signature customization options, limited editing controls, and a lack of advanced security features. For more flexibility, professional formatting, and enhanced signing capabilities, users may prefer a dedicated PDF solution like SwifDoo PDF, which offers greater control over signatures and document management.

How to Sign a PDF in Google Drive

Google Drive delivers convenient e-signing features that are suitable for basic, everyday document use. This section covers three simple techniques to sign a PDF in Google Drive quickly and easily.

1. Use eSignature (for Workspace Account)

Users can electronically sign a PDF efficiently using the tools included in Google Workspace. Simply open the PDF in Google Drive, add your signature, and place it where needed. This solution is perfect for simple, secure signing without involving third-party services.

Check out how to electronically sign a PDF in Google Drive through eSignature.

Step 1. Navigate to your drive, select Type, and narrow down by PDF. Then, select the PDF you wish to collect a e signature on.

Step 2. Navigate to the three-dot menu option in the upper right and select eSignature. In the panel, click Manage Signers to add yourself or up to 10 other signers. Once you’ve added or managed your signers, hit Save.

Step 3. Drag and drop fields such as Signature, Initials, or Date to the appropriate locations in the PDF for each signer. Then, click on the Signature field, enter your name and initials, and select Adopt and sign.

Step 4. Click Mark as complete in the top right to finalize the document. Whenever you're ready, you can hit Save changes or Request Signature. Each signer will get an email stating that their signature is being requested.

2. Use an Add-on

Google Drive also supports third-party add-ons that let users easily sign PDFs. A popular choice is DocHub, which seamlessly integrates with Google Drive and offers an easy-to-use interface for signing and editing PDF documents. While more flexible than the built-in tools, this option still has restricted advanced capabilities.

Here’s the method to sign a PDF in Google Drive by using an add-on such as DocHub with ease.

Step 1. Download and install Dochub from your desired web browser. Wait until the installation completes. And then visit the Google Drive website from your computer.

Step 2. Sign in to your Google Drive account, then navigate to the PDF you want to append your signature to. Right-click on the PDF document, then press "Open With". Some options will appear on your screen. Scroll down to where you see "Connect more apps," then click it.

A window will open up. Then type "DocHub" in the search field and tap on "CONNECT".

Step 3. Now, once you've successfully opened the PDF file in DocHub, locate the "Sign" button in the top panel. As soon as you click it, options will appear. Select "Create Signature", and then choose whether you want to upload, draw, or type your signature. Select an option and then follow the prompt to add your signature to the PDF.

Step 4. Select "Save as Default" located at the bottom-right corner of your screen. Afterward, move the signature to the right position and adjust its dimensions. This way, you can successfully add your signature.

3. Draw a Simple Signature

Users can also add a basic signature in Google Drive with the built-in PDF drawing tool. By using the drawing feature, you can draw your signature by hand and position it directly in the document. This option works best for simple, informal signing needs. documents.

Learn how to sign a PDF using the simple signature technique.

Step 1. Open your PDF document with Google Docs. Then click the spot in your document where you want your signature.

Step 2. Next, click Insert in the top menu bar and select Drawing from the dropdown menu. Then, choose +New.

Step 3. Now, a Drawing popup window will open. Click on the downward arrow next to the Line tool in the main menu bar. Then, choose the Scribble option.

Step 4. Now, sign your name using the scribble tool. Draw your signature in the drawing window, and if needed, adjust the line thickness using the options in the toolbar. When done, click on Save and Close in the top-right corner to exit the Google Drawings window.

To edit or modify your signature, double-click the image so it opens in Google Drawings.

Step 5. After adjusting, go to the File menu, choose Download, and save the file in PDF format.

Bonus: How to Easily Sign a PDF with Professional Software

For more advanced signing needs, SwifDoo PDF is an excellent choice. It can help you electronically and digitally sign a PDF. It also offers a wide array of useful features, including enhanced control, document protection, and flexibility, making it ideal for professional or high-volume PDF signing tasks. Let's learn how to add signatures to PDF digitally with SwifDoo PDF.

How to Electronically Sign a PDF:

With SwifDoo PDF, users can sign documents electronically by quickly adding handwritten or typed signatures and customizing their appearance. Signatures can be placed anywhere on the document and remain legally valid.

Step 1. Obtain SwifDoo PDF from the official website and install the program. Then launch it on your PC.

Step 2. Tap the Protect button in the main menu bar and select Signature in the secondary menu bar. Next, choose Create New Signature.

Step 3. Using SwifDoo PDF, you can insert a signature via images, text input, or handwritten input. Position your e-signature where needed. Once you have completed signing a PDF document, make any necessary edits or adjustments as required.

How to Digitally Sign a PDF:

Using SwifDoo PDF, users can digitally sign PDFs while maintaining high security and authenticity. Digital signatures are encrypted, confirming the signer’s identity and guaranteeing that the document remains unaltered. This functionality works well for contracts, legal forms, and business documents, delivering a professional and legally valid signing solution. 

Step 1. Begin by downloading and launching SwifDoo PDF on your Windows computer. Then, open the PDF you need to digitally sign.

Step 2. Next, navigate to Protect on the top menu bar, then choose Digital Signature from the secondary menu.

Step 3. Place the signature field where you want it. Choose to create a new ID or select an existing ID.

Step 4. Follow the prompts to configure settings. Then, click 'Sign' to sign the PDF document with a digital signature certificate.

A Quick Wrap Up

Signing PDFs digitally is now easier than ever. Knowing how to sign a PDF in Google Drive speeds up and simplifies document approvals. Users can use Google Workspace eSignature, third-party add-ons such as DocHub, or the built-in PDF drawing tool to add simple signatures.

For advanced document signing, tools like SwifDoo PDF provide both digital and electronic signatures with enhanced security and greater control. It can also help you make other edits. Try it now.