Step-by-Step Guide to Signing a PDF Document in Google Drive

Step 1: Use Google Docs for Signature Integration

Begin by navigating to Google Drive and signing into your Google account. Locate the PDF you wish to sign and open it to view its preview. From the document preview, select the Open with dropdown menu and choose Google Docs. This action will launch the PDF in a new Google Docs tab.

Pro Tip: Ensure that your PDF’s formatting is compatible with Google Docs for optimal signature placement.

In Google Docs, go to the Insert menu, then hover over Drawing and select + New. A drawing canvas will open. Here, utilize the Line tool and choose Scribble from the dropdown. With the scribble tool, create your signature using your mouse or touchpad. Once satisfied, click Save and Close.

The signature will now appear on your PDF in Google Docs. Adjust its size and position as you see fit. Any changes you make are automatically saved back to your original PDF document in Google Drive.

Step 2: Leveraging Third-Party Add-ons for eSigning

For those looking for more versatile options, numerous third-party add-ons exist to facilitate the signing process directly within Google Drive, such as DocHub and Adobe Acrobat Add-on. Each of these tools provides various signing capabilities that can enhance your workflow. Below, we will explore signing with both DocHub and Adobe Acrobat.

Step 2A: Signing with DocHub – PDF Sign and Edit

To start, return to Google Drive and select the PDF document you wish to sign. Click the Open with dropdown, followed by Connected more apps. In the pop-up window, search for DocHub – PDF Sign and Edit, and install the add-on.

Once installed, go back to your document, select Open with > DocHub, and wait for it to load. Click the Sign button located in the toolbar and choose Create your signature. From here, you can either draw, type, or upload your signature to place it on your document.

After positioning your signature, click on Download/Export in the top-right corner, select Drive and choose Save As > Update existing with revision, followed by clicking Export to Drive.

Pro Tip: DocHub allows users to sign a limited number of documents for free each month, so plan accordingly.

Step 2B: Signing with Adobe Acrobat Add-on

To use the Adobe Acrobat Add-on, begin by installing it via the Google Workspace Marketplace. After installation, return to your PDF in Google Drive and select Open with > Adobe Acrobat for Google Drive to access the document in Adobe’s editor.

On the left side of Adobe’s interface, find the toolbar and click the nib icon for signature options. You can choose Add signature or Add initials. You will then have the option to draw, type, or upload your signature image.

Once your signature is placed, click Apply, then click inside the document where you would like your signature to appear. Adjust the final position and size as necessary. Changes will sync automatically back to your Google Drive.

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