Are you done with all that extra software for signing PDFs? Or were you still using printer and pen?!
Google has fully rolled out the eSignature feature in Google Drive for Docs and PDFs, and most importantly (finally) added a draw option for adding an actual "scribble"... And honestly? It's a game changer.
Why this makes us happy
Third party digital signature tools (we're not naming names) are often expensive or cumbersome if you do all of your work in Google Drive. You have no choice but to download the document, add signing fields, and then send, receive, follow up, etc. with the other software. With the built-in eSignature feature, you keep it
- in the Google flow: No more exporting PDFs to other apps.
- professional: It looks sleek and works super fast for the recipient.
- orderly and insightful: You can see at a glance who has already signed and what is still pending.
- secure: Google automatically generates a sealed PDF with an additional page at the back containing a unique ID number as an audit trail. This is your proof that everything was done officially and according to the rules.
Yes, but does this count?
The parties identify themselves using their email address, which should require a two-step verification. Google eSignature falls under the Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) system: The signature is tied to the individual signer. Proof of access, IP address, and timestamp are recorded in the log file.
(Identifications via eID or itsme are even more secure as Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). With this, the identity is 100% verified by a recognized authority such as the government or a bank. For particularly important business or financial documents, it's better to use such a method.)
Moreover, once the signature is applied, the document is closed off. If anyone were to change even a single letter in the document afterward, the digital seal would be broken, and the signatures would be immediately invalid. This is achieved through cryptographic hashing. Google thus offers a robust suite of security measures that are more than sufficient for 95% of your business agreements!
How does it work? (Spoiler: it's simple)
The process is so intuitive that even Nancy from accounting can do it (sorry Nancy, you know we love you!). Here's how to set it up:
- Open your document: In Google Docs, click Tools > eSignature or, in a PDF, click the three dots.
- Add Signers: Determine how many people you want to invite to participate in this signing flow.
- Drag fields: A menu will appear on the right. Drag the desired fields for Signature, Initials, Name, or Date to the correct position in your text.
- Send: Click the "Signature Request" button. Enter the signer's email address, add any additional information in the message field, and you're done! Are you a party yourself? Then of course you'll invite yourself too!
- Sign: The recipient receives an email with a link. They don't need a Google account to sign. They simply click, sign (or type their name), and you'll immediately receive a notification that the deal is finalized.
- Remind: You can choose whether or not you wish for the signers to receive automatic reminders every three days, until the document is signed or until 3 reminders have been sent.
Pro tip for the digital autograph: Hopefully, you're using standard contracts or quotes? Create a template and add the correct fields there so you don't have to re-enter the eSignature fields every time!
The eSignature is one of those features that save time, money, trees and most of all a lot of hassle. Invite yourself or your colleagues to a drawing session now...
