How-To4 min read

How to Add a Signature to a Word Document

Whether you're signing a contract, a letter, or an agreement, adding your handwritten signature to a Word document is quick and straightforward. This guide covers Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer.

Step 1: Create Your Signature

First, you need a signature image. Use the Gleanso Tools Signature Generator to draw your signature and download it as a PNG file with transparent background. The transparent background is important — it ensures the signature sits cleanly on the page without a white rectangle behind it.

Create Signature →

Microsoft Word

Windows & Mac

  1. Click in your document where you want the signature
  2. Go to Insert → Pictures → This Device (or "From File" on Mac)
  3. Select your downloaded PNG signature file
  4. Click the image, then drag the corner handles to resize it to fit the signature line
  5. To fine-tune position: right-click → Wrap Text → In Front of Text, then drag freely

Tip: Set the image wrap to "In Front of Text" so you can position it precisely over the signature line without disturbing the document layout.

Google Docs

  1. Click where you want to insert the signature in your document
  2. Go to Insert → Image → Upload from computer
  3. Select your PNG signature file and click Open
  4. Click the image and use the blue handles to resize it
  5. Click In front of text in the image options bar below the image for free positioning
  6. Drag the signature to the correct position on the signature line

LibreOffice Writer

  1. Click where you want the signature
  2. Go to Insert → Image
  3. Browse and select your PNG file
  4. Right-click the image → Position and Size to set exact coordinates, or drag the handles to resize
  5. Right-click → Wrap → In Front of Object for free positioning

Tips for a Clean Result

  • Always use PNG, not JPEG. JPEG compression creates white artifacts around the signature. PNG preserves the transparent background.
  • Keep the image proportional. Drag corner handles (not edge handles) to resize without distorting the signature.
  • Aim for a signature height of about 0.5–1 inch. That's typically 36–72px at standard document resolution.
  • Save as PDF when sending. Converting to PDF locks the layout so the signature won't shift on other people's computers.

Need a signature? Create one free.

Draw, customize, download as PNG. No account needed.

Create Your Signature

Related Guides

How to Create a Digital Signature OnlineHow to Sign a PDF Online Without Uploading It