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HelloSign’s electronic signature service allows you to electronically sign Word documents and documents other popular Microsoft formats including Powerpoint, Excel, and PDF. Using HelloSign, you will be able to: File upload is easy, simply Drag & Drop.
- 1 Append a Digital Signature in Word
- 2 Record and Insert a Signature Into Office 2007
- 3 Format Signatures on Email Attachments
- 4 Create a Signature in Microsoft Entourage
![How to make an electronic signature using word How to make an electronic signature using word](/uploads/1/2/5/8/125853271/832500442.jpg)
New technologies have created changes in almost every business. Cloud-based systems make it easier to do business with anyone in the world, and contracts can be sent in seconds for other parties to read and review. Because waiting “for the ink to dry” and receiving the original signed paperwork can slow down the sale process, more companies are opting for digital signatures. While some third-party programs do this exclusively, business owners can use the Microsoft Office Suite, namely Word 2016, to sign a Word document with a digital signature.
Create a Signature Line
Use Word to create the document as you would prepare it for any signature. Remember to include any legal disclosures pertinent to the document. The signature is a means to time-stamp and validate the person who “signs” it. The digital signature stands in lieu of the wet signature, but it’s still designed to bind the person to the terms of the document or contract. Don’t make the mistake of relaxing your standards and language of self-protection simply because it’s in a digital format.
When you’re ready to insert the signature line, place the cursor at the place in which you want to collect the signature. Then, go to the top menu bar and select “Insert.” The drop-down menu will list many types of items that you can insert. Select “Signature Line” and then “Add Signature Services.” The signature line will appear.
Some versions of Word have no option for a signature line. Create a workaround by following these steps:
- Insert a table. Choose a 1x1 table, which means it’s a one-cell table.
- When the cell is inserted, adjust the width to make it the desired length and height.
- Choose a bottom border to create a line for the signature.
- Select “Apply” and click “OK.”
The signer will open the document and navigate to “Insert” followed by “Shapes” to choose “Lines.” In this menu, an option exists for “Scribble,” which allows a mouse or pen pad signature.
Signature Methods
To keep all records in a digital format to expedite processing and reduce paper waste and storage issues, some companies use digital signatures even when clients are physically sitting in front of them. In situations like this, the business might have a signature pad that is connected to the computer via a USB port. The person signing will have a stylus pen to sign his name on the pad in the spot indicated by the cursor. If no signature pad is available, the signator can sign the Word document using the mouse to add his name.
Digital Certificates for Validation
A digital certificate is like a digital notarization that confirms the date and time of the signature with a digital key. This isn’t available in Word but through Internet Explorer. Open Explorer and select “Internet Options”; then locate the “Content” tab and select it. Choose “Certificates” and “Personal.” You will be prompted to complete the information and attach the digital certificate to the document. Digital certificates are normally good for one year from the time of signing.
References (3)
![Creating an electronic signature in word Creating an electronic signature in word](https://pdfimages.wondershare.com/word/insert-signature-mac-01.jpg)
About the Author
With more than 15 years of small business ownership including owning a State Farm agency in Southern California, Kimberlee understands the needs of business owners first hand. When not writing, Kimberlee enjoys chasing waterfalls with her son in Hawaii.
Cite this Article Choose Citation Style
Leonard, Kimberlee. 'How to Add a Signature Line in Microsoft Office.' Small Business - Chron.com, http://smallbusiness.chron.com/add-signature-line-microsoft-office-63373.html. 19 August 2018.
Leonard, Kimberlee. (2018, August 19). How to Add a Signature Line in Microsoft Office. Small Business - Chron.com. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/add-signature-line-microsoft-office-63373.html
Leonard, Kimberlee. 'How to Add a Signature Line in Microsoft Office' last modified August 19, 2018. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/add-signature-line-microsoft-office-63373.html
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