How to collect electronic signatures with Google Forms

If you are using Google Forms, then you may have noticed there are no built-in ways to add signature fields to your form. Luckily, a few solutions can help with collecting digital signatures via a Google Form.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll reveal the truth about Google Forms signature limitations, go over workarounds on how to add an electronic signature in Google Forms, explain the legal issues, and show you the best alternative for actually collecting electronic signatures that are legally binding, secure, and user-friendly.

Can I add a signature field to a Google Form?

The Short Answer: No, Not Really

Google Forms does not have a native signature field and cannot truly collect electronic signatures within the platform. This isn't an oversight; it's by design. Google Forms was built as a simple survey and data collection tool, not as an electronic signature or document management platform.

Luckily, you have a few workarounds and a better choice. Let’s get right into collecting signatures in Google Forms.

How to create a Google Form with an electronic signature

To create a Google Form with an electronic signature, you'll need a workaround. Luckily, you have three (Plus one Google Forms alternative for collecting signatures). Let's examine the three main workarounds for adding signatures to Google Forms.

Method 1: Collecting signatures using the file upload field

While it is a bit redundant for respondents, adding a "File Upload" question to your Google Form and asking respondents to upload an image of their signature that they've created separately simply works. It is a solid way for gathering handwritten signatures. Here are the steps:

Using a file upload field to collect signatures on Google Forms

What are the drawbacks of using file uploads for signatures?

Method 2: Google Workspace Marketplace add-ons

While this is the most commonly recommended workaround, it simply doesn’t work. We include this option only as a workaround to share accurate information.

Here’s the process: You install a third-party add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace that claims to add signature functionality to Google Forms. The add-on copies your form and creates a separate form on its own platform; you are no longer using Google Forms when you follow the link. These platforms allow as few as 10 signatures per month.

Why don’t add-ons actually allow collecting signatures on Google Forms?

“Signature” add-ons on the Workspace Marketplace

​​Method 3: Link to an external signature tool

Another workaround is to add a text or link field in your Google Form that directs users to a separate signature collection tool like DocuSign, Adobe Sign, or HelloSign. Here are the steps:

Adding external links for signatures on Google Forms

What are the drawbacks of linking to another page for signatures?

Is there a better way to collect signatures?

Several options are available for collecting signatures electronically, and which is best one for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Your best choice would be forms.app due to its easy-to-use interface and budget-friendly options, but there are also some options to consider :

Here’s a detailed comparison table:

How to get e-signatures with forms.app

Electronic signatures, or e-signatures, are a convenient and secure way to verify the identity and consent of individuals in online transactions or records. forms.app allows you to collect e-signatures through custom online forms easily. Let's walk you through the steps for getting e-signatures with forms.app.

1. First, go to the forms.app and create an account for free.

Creating a forms.app account

2. Once you have an account, you can create a new form by choosing one of the following options:

For this step-by-step guide, we’ve chosen one of users’ favorites, the Electronic signature form template.

Creating a signature form on forms.app

3. In the drag-and-drop form editor, click on the "Signature" from the list of available fields or drag in onto the form. Your form will now include a digital signature field.

Adding a signature field to a form on forms.app

4. When you're through modifying your form and adding any more fields or components that you require, you can visit the design tab for customization and the settings tab for changing the basics of your form. Lastly, you can go to the share page to customize and copy your form URL, generate a QR code for it, or get the embed code for your website.

Sharing the signature form

5. Your clients or customers can sign the form electronically by clicking on the signature field and drawing their signature. Thanks to the other built-in form fields, they can also add any additional information or documents that may be required in their form submission.

Previewing how the signature field looks on a form

What is a digital signature?

A digital signature is a method of verifying a document by using an electronic identity. This authentication depends on a trusted third party, usually referred to as a certification authority (CA). Digital signatures are used in applications requiring consent, such as collecting personal data. They provide authenticity, integrity, and trust.

Are electronic signatures legally binding?

The signed form becomes a legally binding and secure record. Electronic signatures are legally valid in several countries, provided specific conditions are met. Including a digital signature field in your forms allows you to collect legally binding signatures from your clients or customers. Using digital signatures can streamline your workflow by automating the signing process and eliminating the need for manual handling of physical documents.

Without a reliable e-signature solution, essential elements of the ESIGN and UETA may not be met, leaving room for people to potentially back out of contracts or claim they did not understand them. To ensure the legality and security of electronic signatures collected through Google Forms, it is vital to use a trusted plug-in within Google Workspace Marketplace.

When do you need a digital signature field in your forms?

If you want to create the following forms, you may need to add a signature field to your forms.

Legal Documents:

Healthcare:

Financial:

Real Estate:

Human Resources:

Education:

Frequently asked questions about collecting signatures with Google Forms

The bottom line

Google Forms cannot collect electronic signatures in any practical or legally sound way. While workarounds exist (file uploads, third-party add-ons, external signature links) they all share critical flaws. They create terrible user experiences, fragment your data across multiple systems, lack proper legal compliance, and often cost money for severely limited functionality.

The add-ons that claim to enable signatures don't actually work within Google Forms at all; they redirect users to external platforms, defeating the entire purpose of using Google Forms in the first place.

If you need to collect electronic signatures for contracts, agreements, consent forms, waivers, or any other important documents, forms.app is the solution. It provides native signature fields that work seamlessly within your forms and a mobile-optimized experience that actually works. Create your free forms.app account and start collecting legally binding signatures in minutes.