How to Insert a Signature in a Microsoft Word Document

Here’s a common scenario: You’ve received a Word document via email that you’re required to sign and send back. You could print, sign, scan, and return the document, but there’s an easier, better and faster way to insert a signature in Word.

This guide explains how to quickly insert your signature into any Microsoft Word document regardless of the device or platform you use.

How to Insert a Signature in Word

You can add your handwritten signature to a Word document to give it a personal touch.

However, suppose you need to send a digital copy of the document via email or other electronic means. In that case, you can scan your signature, save it as an image and then insert the signature in the document. Here’s how.

Use Quick Parts and AutoText to Insert a Signature in Word

Word provides built-in tools like Quick Parts and AutoText to help create a complete signature, which could include your handwritten signature, email address, job title, phone number, etc.

Here’s how to use these tools to insert a signature in Word.

Insert a Digital Signature in Word

There’s a difference between an electronic and digital signature:

You can insert a digital signature in Word toauthenticate your identity. If the document already has a signature line, you don’t have to add one, but if there’s no signature line, you can add one quickly using these steps.

Doing this allows you to provide a purpose for signing and add the date the document was signed.

Note: SelectYesto save the file in a supported format, and selectEdit Anywayif the file opens in Protected view. If you’re opening a file you received, make sure you trust the document is from a reliable source.

Remove a Digital Signature from Word

If you accidentally added the wrong signature and want to remove it, open the document that contains the signature and right-click the signature line.

SelectRemove Signature>Yes. Alternatively, select the arrow next to the signature in theSignature Paneand then selectRemove Signature.

Note: A signed Word document will have theSignaturesbutton at the bottom of the document, and the file will become Read-only to prevent further modifications.

Insert an Invisible Digital Signature in Word

An invisible digital signature works just like a visible digital signature and protects the authenticity of your document’s content. You can add an invisible digital signature using the following steps.

Use a Third-Party App to Insert a Signature in Word

If the functionality in Word doesn’t offer enough options for you to insert a signature, you can use a third-party app likeDocuSignto quickly sign and send your documents. Here’s how to use DocuSign to sign a Word document.

Sign Word Documents Faster

Electronic signatures have made it convenient to sign documents like contracts or sale agreements. This saves time and resources that would otherwise have been spent trying to print, scan and send back the signed paperwork.

If you’re using a Mac, check out our guide on howto sign a PDF on Mac.

Leave a comment and let us know if this guide helped you insert a signature in Microsoft Word.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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How to Insert a Signature in a Microsoft Word Document#

How to Insert a Signature in Word#

Use Quick Parts and AutoText to Insert a Signature in Word#

Insert a Digital Signature in Word#

Remove a Digital Signature from Word#

Insert an Invisible Digital Signature in Word#

Use a Third-Party App to Insert a Signature in Word#

Sign Word Documents Faster#

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