- Published on
How to eSign on Google Docs (With or Without a Google Workspace Account)
- Authors
- Name
- Ayush Garg
- @01ayushgarg
Need to sign a Google Doc, but not sure how?
You're not alone. Google doesn't make it super obvious, and depending on the type of account you have, you might not even see the eSignature option.
So here's the quick version:
- If you're on Google Workspace Individual, you do have access to Google's built-in eSignature feature.
- If you're not on that plan, Google Docs won't let you sign in natively. But don't worry, we've got a dead-simple workaround for that SignWith (free and works for everyone).
Let's break it down.

Use Google's Built-in eSignature (Only for Workspace Individual Accounts)
Google quietly rolled out an official eSignature feature inside Docs and Drive. It's clean, easy, and built for simple workflows.
But before you try...
You'll only see the feature if you're on the Workspace Individual plan (that's $9.99/month). If you're on a free Gmail account or part of a team workspace, this won't show up.
Still with me? Cool - here's how to use it:
How to eSign in Google Docs (if eligible):
- Open the doc you want to sign.
- Click Insert → eSignature from the top menu.
- Add your signature and place it wherever needed.
- You can now send it for signature or save it.
It's great for small, internal docs or simple agreements.
Here's a quick video demo showing how it works.
However, if you're not on a Workspace plan or want something that works across any PDF, even those outside of Google Drive, check the next part.
Use SignWith (No Workspace Required)
If Google's option is locked for you, SignWith is the fastest workaround.
You don't need to install anything. You don't even need an account to sign up. Just upload your doc, drop in the signature block, and send it off.
Here's how it works:
How to eSign a Doc with SignWith (Free)
Step 1: Download your Google Doc as a PDF and Upload it on SignWith
Log into SignWith and upload your PDF.
Step 2: Add a Signature Block
Drag and drop the signature field exactly where you want it.
Step 3: Enter the Recipient's Email and Send
Type in their email, add a message if you like, and hit send.
That's it.
The signer gets a link in their inbox. No signup, no confusion.
📹 Watch this 30-second video to see how easy it really is:
🥊 Google Docs vs SignWith: What's Better?
Feature | Google Docs eSign | SignWith |
---|---|---|
Available To | Workspace Individual only | Anyone |
Requires Workspace Plan | Yes ($9.99/mo) | No |
Supported File Type | Google Docs only | Any PDF |
Signer Needs Account? | No | No |
Use Case | Internal Google Docs | Contracts, offers, NDAs, etc. |
TL;DR
If you're on Google Workspace Individual, great; use the built-in eSignature.
But if you're not? Use SignWith.
It's free, works with any doc, and doesn't make the other person jump through hoops to sign. Perfect for contracts, proposals, NDAs, or even one-off docs that need a signature fast.
👉 Try SignWith now and send your first signed doc in under a minute.
FAQs
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Can I sign a Google Doc without a Workspace account? | Google's built-in eSignature feature only works for Workspace Individual users. If you don't have that, you can download the doc as a PDF and use a tool like SignWith to sign it digitally. |
How do I insert a signature in Google Docs for free? | You can use the "Drawing → Scribble" feature under the Insert menu to draw a basic signature manually. It might not be legally binding, but it works for informal docs. |
Is SignWith free to use? | Yes! You can upload any PDF and send it for signature without paying or asking the other person to create an account. |
Do recipients need to sign up to use SignWith? | Nope. They just get a link, click it, and sign instantly. No login, no fuss. |
How do I send the PDF with the signature block to someone else for signing? | Once you've added the signature block, just enter the recipient's email and hit Send. SignWith will handle the rest, the signer gets a secure link on their email with clear steps to complete the process. |