How to insert a signature in a Word document

The statistics show that more and more businesses all over the world proceed to adopt eSignatures. They see eSignature as vital for digital evolution and business growth, rather than optional. Nearly every industry has the opportunity to adopt and adapt eSignatures into their processes. However, the financial industry has the most to gain from this type of solution. Speed matters and as financial organizations continue to implement eSignatures into their everyday business processes and workflows customer satisfaction grows.

An eSignature is a digital comparison to a handwritten one. eSignatures have the same legal commitment when they meet the following criteria:

1. The signer eSigns to show his/her agreement to the content in the document.
2. The signer agrees to work in a digital workflow.
3. The eSignature is stored for some time and can be referenced by others.
4. The signature is associated with a record.

It’s also important to differentiate between an electronic and digital signature, as they are often mixed up. A digital signature is a type of eSignature that has a unique feature or fingerprint and aims to secure the signed document. Digital signatures require both the signer and the party requesting the signature be identified. While both electronic and digital signatures are capable of identifying a signer, digital ones are more focussed on security.

Companies know that to grow, they need to focus on customer needs. If they succeed, customer loyalty and retention are inevitable. eSignature software tools are one of the steps in that direction.

Imagine your working schedule is 9 am — 6 pm. If your customers work the same hours, when are they going to be able to visit you for signatures? Quite frankly, you risk being replaced by a competitor, who’s office is closer to your customers. The only solution without helpful tools is to work outside your customers’ working hours. But please. We all know that doing that is almost impossible and if it is possible, uncomfortable for you and your staff. However, a better solution is to demonstrate care and allow customers to save their time and sign documents when and how it’s most comfortable for them. Believe us, it’s not coming to your office earlier or later.

Here is how you can benefit from using eSignature tools:

1. Streamlined and accelerated workflow.
2. Enhanced security.
3. Cost-saving.

Microsoft Office allows you to add both electronic and digital signatures to a document. However, the procedure differs for both of them.

Here’s how to add an electronic signature to a Word file:

1. Write your signature on a piece of paper.
2. Take a picture or scan your handwritten signature as a .bmp, .gif, .png, or .jpg.
3. In Word, select Insert ->Pictures.
4. Click on the image to edit it via Picture Tools Format and save it.
5. To add the signature, choose Insert ->Pictures and select your file.

Here’s how you can add a digital signature to a Word file:

1. Place your cursor where you need to sign the document.
2. Choose Insert -> Text and open signature line.
3. Click on Microsoft Office Signature Line.
4. In the Signature Set-up dialogue box, insert the requested data, and click OK.
5. Right-click the signature name and insert your name.

Although Microsoft Office is a solid solution for Word files, it still loses in comparison with other software and applications when we talk about eSigning capabilities. Other software uses multiple features that Microsoft Office doesn’t have.

Here are a few of these features:

1. Advanced security.
2. Simple signing procedure.
3. Multiple ways to send a document for signing.
4. Opportunity to send a link to the document.
5. Options to eSign.

The eSigning tools we’re talking about are usually part of workflow automation software. If you intend to eSign documents on a regular basis, consider using a software or an app.

airSlate SignNow is a robust and easy-to-use eSignature tool. Create new documents from scratch or upload existing files in different formats. airSlate SignNow even works with Word documents. It has multiple advantages, notably: secure data, signing orders, document links, editing, etc.

Follow the step-by-step instructions to sign a Word file with airSlate SignNow:

1. Open airSlate SignNow.
2. Upload your Word file.
3. Add a field with the editor.
4. Add signers.
5. Create a signing order.
6. Share the document for signing.

This eSignature tool lets you choose the way to eSign. Type in, draw or upload an image of your signature. airSlate SignNow is available on any device. eSign anywhere, including on the go.