How do you sign digital documents with Docusign?

Article summary: Learn how to insert electronic signatures in some of the most common types of documents online, including Word docs, Google docs, PDFs, and Excel sheets.

In the modern era of agreements, the real challenge isn’t deciding if you should sign documents electronically. It’s figuring out how. Word documents, PDF files, Google Docs, and Excel sheets all look and act differently. 

Here's the good news: with Docusign, the process is simple and consistent across formats. Whether you’re finalizing a contract, approving a budget, signing a lease, or collaborating with a partner, it's easy to add a legally binding signature in just a few clicks.

Learn how Docusign works across different electronic documents and where to find detailed instructions for each. This is your hub for learning how to insert a secure, legally binding signature into the documents you use daily.

Key takeaways

• Docusign is compatible with the most commonly used file types, including Word, PDF, Excel, or Google Docs.

• The signing process is consistent, no matter the platform: upload your file, place signature fields, adopt your signature, and finish.

• Electronically signed documents are secure, legally binding, and backed by a full audit trail.

• Get deeper insights into signing each document type through the linked guides included in this article.

Introduction to electronic signatures

An electronic signature is more than just a messy scribble on a screen. It’s a secure, legally recognized way to verify identity, confirm intent, and protect the integrity of a document. Unlike scanned signatures or simple “typed names,” electronic signatures use encryption technology to ensure that every agreement is authentic and tamper-proof.

They’re also widely recognized by law. The ESIGN Act and UETA make digital signatures legally binding in the United States, while the eIDAS regulation provides the same assurance across the European Union. That means contracts, approvals, and agreements signed digitally hold the same legal weight as those signed with pen and paper.

With Docusign, businesses and individuals can insert electronic signatures into Word files, PDFs, Google Docs, Excel sheets, and many other formats. Every signature comes with a secure audit trail, identity verification options, and compliance with global standards — so you can sign confidently wherever business takes you.

Learn more about the in the United States

What file types does Docusign support?

Docusign is built for flexibility, supporting a wide range of commonly used file formats. This means less time worrying about whether or not your file type is compatible, and more time finalizing agreements.

Here is the full list of supported file types:

• Documents: .doc, .docm, .docx, .dot, .dotm, .dotx, .htm, .html, .msg, .pdf, .rtf, .txt, .wpd, .xhtml, .xps

• Images: .bmp, .gif, .heic, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff

• Presentations: .pot, .potx, .pps, .ppt, .pptm, .pptx

• Spreadsheets: .csv, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx

This broad compatibility means you can rely on Docusign to handle everything from employment contracts and spreadsheets to slide decks and images.

How to insert an electronic signature in Word documents

Word documents remain one of the most common formats for business agreements. They’re used for contracts, proposals, onboarding paperwork, and a lot more. With Docusign, you don’t need to print, scan, or email Word files back and forth. You can add an electronic signature directly within Microsoft Word in just a few steps.

Here’s how it works at a glance:

1. Install the free Docusign add-in directly in Word — you’ll see Docusign appear in the menu bar.

2. Log in to your account (or start a free trial)

3. Drag and drop signature fields into your document.

4. Use Adopt and Sign to place your signature, then select Finish.

When you’re done, your signed Word file is legally binding, backed by a complete audit trail, and ready to send. Docusign even supports multiple signers, roles, and tags (like dates or initials), so you can set up the document exactly how you need it.

For step-by-step instructions, product screenshots, and other electronic signature tips, see our full guide:

How to insert an electronic signature in Google Docs

Google Docs is built for collaboration, but when it comes to finalizing an agreement, you still need a secure way to collect signatures. With the Docusign eSignature add-on for Google Workspace, you can send and sign documents online without ever leaving Google Docs.

Here’s a high-level view of how it works:

1. Install the free Docusign eSignature add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace.

2. Open your document and launch Docusign from the right-hand menu.

3. Log in to your Docusign account or create a free account (good for up to three documents).

4. Add recipients, place signature fields, and send the document for signing.

When the process is complete, a signed copy is automatically saved in a “Docusign – Completed” folder in your Google Drive, as well as in your Docusign account. That means your agreements stay organized and accessible in the same place you created them.

Check out our full guide on

How to insert an electronic signature in a PDF document

Many people prefer working with PDFs over files like Google Docs or Word documents because they’re more consistent, secure, and widely accepted. PDFs preserve formatting across devices, are harder to edit without authorization, and are often the standard format for official contracts, leases, and application forms.

Here’s how to sign documents electronically in a PDF:

1. Upload your PDF into Docusign.

2. Docusign will automatically detect fields, but you can drag and drop signature and date fields where needed.

3. Adopt your signature by choosing a pre-set style, drawing your own, or uploading an image of your handwritten signature.

4. Click Finish to finalize and save the document.

Signed PDFs are backed by Docusign’s trusted security standards, including encryption, audit trails, and global compliance frameworks. Share your agreements with confidence, knowing they’re legally valid and tamper-proof.

Check out this article for deeper instructions on .

How to insert an electronic signature in an Excel spreadsheet

Spreadsheets often contain sensitive financial, operational, or customer data, making secure signing just as important as it is for contracts or PDFs. With Docusign, you can send Excel files (.csv, .xls, .xlsm, .xlsx) for signature just like any other document.

Here’s how it works at a glance:

1. Upload your Excel file to Docusign.

2. Add a signature field (and any other required fields).

3. Send the document to recipients for signing.

To maintain integrity, Docusign automatically converts Excel files into a PDF during the signing process. You’ll always retain the original Excel file, and once completed, you’ll also have a signed PDF copy with a secure audit trail.

This conversion ensures that the data and formatting in your spreadsheet remain consistent, so signatures can’t be altered or misplaced.

Why choose Docusign for signing agreements?

Handwritten signatures once served their purpose, but in today’s digital-first world, they are increasingly outdated. Printing, scanning, and mailing documents slow down business. Even worse, it introduces risk when sensitive information has to change hands.

Why risk confidential information getting lost in transit, just because you need to get a signature? As security and identity protection become more critical than ever, agreements must evolve beyond ink on paper.

Electronic signatures are the natural next step. They let you complete agreements securely, from anywhere, without the delays or hassles of in-person meetings. Need to finalize a contract with a partner in another state? Approve a budget while traveling? With Docusign, you can do it in minutes, not days.

Here's a taste of what you get with Docusign:

• Innovation beyond signatures: Products like Docusign CLM, Navigator, Iris AI, and Maestro help businesses automate workflows, surface insights, and reduce risk at scale.

• Proven global trust: With more than 1.7 million customers and over a billion users across 180+ countries, Docusign is the most widely adopted platform for secure, legally binding agreements.

• Measurable impact: Organizations save time and money while improving compliance and customer experience. Many Docusign customers close deals faster, reclaim staff hours, and scale operations without adding overhead.

• A platform built for the future: As AI, identity verification, and compliance requirements evolve, Docusign continues to lead — ensuring your agreements are always secure, modern, and enforceable.

Ready to start signing digital documents with Docusign? Try the free trial and streamline your signing process today!

FAQs

How do you digitally sign any document?

Upload the file into Docusign, place signature fields, adopt your signature, and click finish. You’re done!

The process works the same across formats like Word, PDF, Excel, and Google Docs, but these programs typically offer in-product integrations as well.

Are electronic signatures legally valid?

Yes. Electronic signatures created with Docusign are legally binding under the ESIGN Act, and eIDAS (EU). Each signed document comes with a secure audit trail for added assurance.

Do signed documents stay in their original format?

Generally, yes. Docusign automatically converts documents like Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, and Google Docs to a PDF format for signing. This process is essential for creating a legally enforceable, tamper-evident record. After signing, you'll have the signed PDF and the original document will remain unchanged in its original format.

What’s the difference between an electronic signature and a digital signature?

An electronic signature can be as simple as typing your name or clicking “I agree.” A digital signature is a specific type of e-signature that uses encryption to verify identity and protect against tampering. Docusign supports both, depending on your security and compliance needs.

Can multiple people sign the same document with Docusign?

Absolutely. Docusign lets you add multiple signers, assign roles, and route documents in the correct order. You can also tag additional fields like dates, checkboxes, or initials.