Adding a Digital Signature in an MS Word Document: Complete Guide
Adding a digital signature to an MS Word document is a crucial task in today's digital age, ensuring authenticity and integrity. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to add a digital signature using popular digital signature tools such as SutiSign and DocuSign. We will also cover the process using digital certificates and the Preview application on a Mac. Follow these steps and learn how to create and apply digital signatures effectively.
Method 1: Using DocuSign (Windows and Mac)
To add a digital signature using DocuSign, follow the steps below:
Double-click the Word document you want to sign digitally.
Create a DocuSign account if you don't have one. DocuSign allows you to create and use a digital ID at no cost for personal use.
Install the DocuSign add-in:
Click the File tab. Click on the Office toolbar. Click the search bar in the upper-left side of the window. Search for docusign and click Install.Sign the document:
Click Sign Document. Click CREATE ACCOUNT if you do not have one. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a DocuSign account. Verify your email address by clicking the link sent from DocuSign. Log into DocuSign in Microsoft Word. Click Signature on the left side of the page to select your signature. Click the spot into which you want to insert your signature. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign your document.Download the signed document:
Click Download document in the right panel to redownload the signed Word document as a PDF file.Method 2: Using a Digital Certificate (Windows)
Create a digital certificate if you don't already have one:
Right-click the Windows Start menu and select Program Files.
Navigate to C:Program FilesMicrosoft OfficerootOffice16.
Double-click the appropriate Office application.
Enter a name for your certificate such as your full name.
Click Create to confirm.
Open the Word document to add a signature line if needed.
Click the Insert tab and select Signature Line.
Add signature details and click OK.
Right-click the signature line and select Sign.
Sign the document with your digital certificate.
Download the signed document to reuse or share.
Method 3: Using a Scanned Image (Windows and Mac)
Add a scanned image of your signature to your Word document:
If you don't have a signature, create one and scan it into your computer.
Open the Word document and click the Insert tab.
Select Pictures and choose This Device PC or Picture from File.
Select your scanned signature image and click Insert.
Crop the image if necessary and move it to the desired location
Click Save to save the file with your signature included.
Method 4: Adding a Signature in Preview (Mac)
Follow these steps if you're working on a Mac and want to add a digital signature:
Export the Word document as a PDF file using File > Export.
Open the PDF file in Preview and click the marker icon to show the Markup toolbar.
Select Signature option to create a signature.
Choose an option for signing the document:
Click Create with the trackpad (use finger). Click Take a photo (capture your signature). Click Sign on iPhone/iPad (use Apple Pencil or finger).Click and drag your signature to reposition it.
Save the file with the signature applied using File > Save.
By following these methods, you can effectively add digital signatures to your MS Word documents, ensuring legal and professional authenticity. Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and environment.