Here’s How to Add a Signature in Google Sheets (We Cover 3 Methods)

Quick Summary

Add signatures to Google Sheets using three practical methods: SignWell for secure, legally binding eSignatures; Google’s built-in drawing tool for simple visual signatures; and a signature add-on for quick insertions. SignWell also supports multi-signer workflows, reminders, templates, audit trails, and secure document storage for streamlined approvals.

Struggling to Figure Out How to Add a Signature in Google Sheets?

If you have ever needed someone to approve a budget, confirm a timesheet, or sign off on a project directly inside Google Sheets, you already know how confusing it can feel. Google Sheets is great for collaboration, but it is not designed for formal signatures. 

That said, there are reliable ways to add a signature to a Google Sheet, depending on your needs. In this SignWell article, we cover three practical methods, explain when to use each, and show you how to achieve a clean, secure, and professional result.

But first…

Why Listen to Us?

At SignWell, we have helped more than 65,000 businesses and supported over 10 million document signings, which gives us deep experience in eSignature workflows and document efficiency. Our work with teams of all sizes gives us clear insight into the simplest ways to add secure signatures inside Google Sheets using practical, real-world methods.

Why Add eSignatures to a Google Sheet?

• Streamline Workflows: Send documents for signature directly from your spreadsheet without downloading, printing, or scanning, making approval processes much faster.
• Ensure Legal Validity: Dedicated eSignature tools provide legally binding signatures compliant with U.S. (ESIGN) and international (eIDAS) laws, which simple images in a sheet do not.
• Enhance Security & Audit Trails: Professional platforms add encryption, identity verification, and a detailed log of who signed and when, which is crucial for compliance and dispute resolution.
• Save Time & Resources: Eliminate manual steps and paper handling to reduce costs, accelerate business cycles, and get paid faster.
• Improve User Experience: Offer a professional, mobile-friendly signing experience that is quick and easy for all parties involved.

How to Sign a Google Sheet

Method 1: Using SignWell (Recommended) 

We recommend using SignWell because it’s fast, secure, and intuitive. Our platform lets you add legally binding signatures to Google Sheets in just a few clicks, giving you full control over your document workflow.

Step 1: Prepare Your Google Sheet

Before signing, prepare the sheet you want to eSign. Go to the top menu in Google Sheets, and click File > Download > PDF. This converts your sheet into a format ready for signing while preserving its layout. 

Step 2: Open SignWell’s Free Document Signing Tool

• Visit SignWell’s Free Document Signing Tool to get started. You also don’t need to create an account. 
• Simply drag and drop your downloaded Google Sheet or click the yellow choose file(s) button. 

• You can upload up to three files at once.

While uploading, you’ll see a toggle option:

• Include Audit & Lock: Enable this if you want a tamper-proof audit trail and to lock the document after signing.

After setting your preferences, click Sign Document to begin placing your signature on the sheet.

Step 3: Add Signing Fields

After your sheet loads, it opens in a preview where you can drag and drop fields:

• Signature
• Initials
• Date
• Text Fields
• Checkboxes

Place the Signature field in the appropriate location on your sheet (e.g., near the bottom where approvals are required).

Step 4: Sign Your Sheet

You have three options to create your eSignature:

• Type your name and select a style.
• Draw your signature using a mouse, stylus, or touchpad.
• Upload an image of your handwritten signature.

Step 5: Add Other Signers (Optional)

If other people need to sign, click Add Other Signers at the top right. This feature requires a free SignWell account, which also unlocks advanced workflow tools like setting signing order, using templates, bulk sending, reminders, and secure document storage.

Step 6: Download Your Signed Sheet

Once your signature is in place, click Continue to Download at the top right. SignWell processes your document in seconds. On the download page, you’ll see options to either:

• Enter Your Email: Input your email and click Save & Get My Document to save the signed sheet to your free SignWell account and download it.
• Download Without Saving: Click this option to immediately download a fully signed, secure copy directly to your device without creating an account.

Your signed Google Sheet is now ready and fully secure.

Also see our article on How to Electronically Sign a PDF

Method 2: Using Google Sheets’ Built-in Tools

For quick approvals or informal agreements, Google Sheets lets you add a visual signature for free. This method is simple and fast, but does not provide the security, audit trail, or legal validity that SignWell offers.

Step 1: Prepare Your Google Sheet for Signature Placement

• Choose where the signature should go, usually a cell at the bottom of a section.
• Adjust the cell size by dragging its borders to create enough space.
• For a cleaner look, merge cells via Format > Merge cells.

Step 2: Create Your Signature

1. Go to Insert > Drawing in the top toolbar.
2. A blank drawing canvas will pop up.

In the canvas’ toolbar, click the down arrow next to the line icon and select Scribble.

1. Draw your signature using a mouse, trackpad, or stylus.
2. Use Undo to fix mistakes or adjust line color and weight as needed.

Step 3: Place and Adjust the Signature in Your Sheet

1. Click Save and Close in the top-right corner of the drawing canvas.
2. Your signature will appear as an image. Drag it into position within the prepared cell.

1. Resize by dragging the corners to fit the space neatly.

Tip for Repeated Use:

Save your signature as an image for future use. Click the signature and either select the three-dot menu and choose Edit or simply double-click it to reopen the drawing canvas. Then go to Actions > Download to save your signature as a PNG or JPEG.

Method 3: Using the Signature Extension/Add-on

For another free option, you can use a Google Sheets add-on to insert a signature. Like Method 2, this approach is simple but not legally binding and does not provide security, audit trails, or full compliance.

Step 1: Prepare Your Google Sheet

• Choose where the signature should go; usually, a cell at the bottom of a section.
• Adjust the cell size by dragging its borders to create enough space for the signature.
• For a cleaner look, merge cells via Format > Merge cells.

Step 2: Install the Signature Add-On

1. Click Extensions > Add-ons > Get add-ons on the Google Sheets toolbar. This opens the Google Workspace Marketplace.

1. In the search bar, type “Signature.”

Locate the add-on named exactly “Signature,” click it to read details, and then click Install.

1. A new window will prompt you to authenticate and select your Google account. Grant the necessary permissions.
2. Once installed, close the Marketplace to return to your sheet.

Step 3: Open the Add-On Interface

1. Click Extensions > Add-ons > View document add-ons. A sidebar will appear with the Signature add-on.

2. Click the Use button in the sidebar. The interface will switch to options for adding your signature:

• • Type: Type your name and select a style.
  • Draw: Use your mouse, stylus, or trackpad to draw your signature.
  • Upload: Upload an image of your handwritten signature.
  • History: Select from previously used signatures.

Step 4: Insert and Adjust Your Signature

• Once you select your preferred signature, click Insert Signature.
• If it doesn’t appear, refresh the sheet.
• Drag the signature into the prepared cell. Resize by dragging the corners to fit neatly.

Also see our article on how to easily sign Google Docs.

Why SignWell Is Our Preferred Option for Adding eSignatures to Sheets

Legally Binding Signatures You Can Rely On

A drawn signature or typed text inside Google Sheets does not meet legal standards for most agreements. SignWell signatures are legally binding under U.S. ESIGN laws and international standards. This includes bank-level encryption, identity verification options, and a secure signing ceremony. If you ever need to prove who signed and when, the documentation is already built in.

Also see our article on how to verify eSignatures

Detailed Audit Trails That Protect You

A screenshot or image pasted into a spreadsheet offers no proof of authenticity. SignWell automatically generates a complete audit trail for every document. This record includes timestamps, IP addresses, signer actions, and tamper detection.

For example, if you are collecting approvals from multiple team members, each action is documented so nothing can be disputed later.

Streamlined Workflows That Save Hours

SignWell cuts out the back-and-forth of emailing files, inserting images, or waiting for someone to sign and return a sheet manually. You simply upload your Google Sheet, place signature fields, and send it out. 

Signers receive a clean guided experience that shows them exactly where to sign. This keeps projects moving forward instead of getting stuck because someone missed a step.

We’ve broken down how eSignature can benefit businesses of all sizes.

Easy Multi-Signer Collaboration

Google Sheets add-ons provide only basic functionality and are not designed for multi-signer workflows. SignWell lets you add multiple signers, set the signing order, and assign specific fields to each person. For example, if you need a department head to sign first and a client to sign second, SignWell handles that automatically and sends notifications at every step.

Built-In Reminders and Notifications

One of the biggest time sinks in document workflows is chasing people who forget to sign. SignWell sends automatic reminders, tracks signer progress, and notifies you the moment a document is completed. This is especially useful for approvals that must happen quickly, like budget sheets, internal authorizations, or client onboarding forms.

Templates and Reusable Documents for Repeated Work

If you frequently send out similar Google Sheets, such as monthly reporting sign-offs or vendor approval forms, SignWell templates save enormous time. You set up the fields once and reuse the template whenever you need it. This eliminates repetitive layout work and ensures every document is consistent and error-free.

Secure Storage and Easy Access Later

Google Sheets signatures added through drawings or add-ons leave you with no secure record. SignWell stores your completed documents in a secure dashboard where you can quickly search, organize, and download anything you need. 

This makes audits, compliance checks, and internal reporting significantly easier. Everything is protected and accessible in one place rather than scattered across emails or shared folders.

Works With Any Document Format Without Changing Your Workflow

Google Sheets requires workarounds like drawings or add-ons to create a signature, which can be limiting. SignWell accepts almost any document format you work with, including PDFs generated from Google Sheets, Excel files, and standard forms. This means you can keep your existing workflow, convert your sheet when needed, and still get a fully compliant, professionally signed document every time.

Streamline Google Sheet Signatures Using SignWell

Adding signatures directly in Google Sheets can be frustrating, slow, and prone to errors, especially when multiple approvals are needed. Without the right tools, you risk unprofessional-looking documents, lost approvals, and compliance headaches.

SignWell makes it simple and secure. With legally binding eSignatures, automated workflows, templates, and audit trails, SignWell ensures every signature is tracked, every document is compliant, and your team can collaborate without delays. Whether it’s internal approvals or client-facing forms, our platform handles the heavy lifting for you.

Ready to save time and get documents signed securely? Sign up for SignWell today—It’s FREE.