How to add Handwritten Signature to Word document

Adding signatures to a Microsoft Word document is not hard. In fact, it is super easy, but there is a problem. You see, it is only straightforward if you’re not adding handwritten signatures – so what are the options for those who prefer to go the handwritten route?

Add Handwritten Signature to Word

Well, one doesn’t have to go through a lot of trouble to get things moving in the right direction. For those who really want to write their signatures by hand, then worry not; we’re going to explain in great detail how to get it done in the easiest ways possible.

We use the word ways because there are two options to take. It’s up to you to decide which one is best. We will discuss how to use the Draw Tool to sign your signature and take advantage of a signature already saved on your computer. The steps involved are as follows:

1. Create a handwritten signature
2. Click on Drawing Canvas
3. Select a drawing tool
4. Add an image of your signature
5. Use the Auto Text function

Let us talk about this from a more detailed perspective.

1] Create a handwritten signature

Before we can add a handwritten signature to your Microsoft Word document, you must first create the signature if you haven’t already.

Do this by writing down your signature on a piece of white paper. Scan the paper from a personal or commercial scanner, and be sure to save it as .bmp, .gif, .jpg, or .png.

2] Click on Drawing Canvas

OK, so from within Microsoft Word, you must click on the area of the document where you want to add your signature. From there, look to the Ribbon and select Draw > Drawing Canvas.

3] Select a drawing tool

The next step right now is to choose the right Drawing Tool for the job. You see, once you’ve set your Drawing Canvas, you must look to the Ribbon section again for the Drawing Tools, which is situated to the left.

Select the right tool, for example, the Pen option, then click on the small downward arrow beside it to choose the thickness and color of the tip.

Finally, use the mouse to write your name on the inside of the Drawing Canvas you’ve created earlier. Complete the task by saving the document.

4] Add an image of your signature

If you have a saved image of your signature on your hard drive, then you have little to worry about. We can use that image to great effect, so let us discuss how to get it done.

Look to the Ribbon and be sure to select Insert > Pictures > This Device. Once that is done, locate the photo on your hard drive, then add it to your document.

After doing all of that, it is now time to crop the photo. To do this, be sure to select the image that you’ve just added, then click on Picture Format > Crop. Drag the edges to make it smaller or bigger, depending on what you need.

5] Use the Auto Text function

For those who add signatures on a regular basis, then we suggest taking an automatic route by using the Auto Text feature.

If you have any questions, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Read next: How to insert Header and Footer into Microsoft Word.