How to add a signature to Word

You can add your handwritten-style signature to a Word document as an image. First create a signature PNG, then insert the downloaded file where you need it.

1. Create and download your signature

Open the free signature maker. Draw your signature with a mouse, finger, or stylus, or use Type signature and choose a handwriting style. Select a dark ink color for a light page.

Choose PNG (Transparent) in the download format picker before downloading. This prevents a white box from covering the document behind your handwriting. The transparent signature guide explains these settings in more detail.

2. Insert the image in Word

1. Open your document and place the cursor near the signature area.
2. Choose Insert → Pictures, then select the option for an image saved on your device.
3. Find the PNG you downloaded, usually named my-signature.png, and insert it.

Menu labels can vary between Word versions and devices. Microsoft documents inserting a saved signature image through Insert → Pictures in its signature image instructions.

3. Resize and position the signature

Select the image and drag a corner sizing handle until it fits the signature area. Keep the proportions unchanged so your signature does not look stretched.

If the image moves with a paragraph, it may be placed in line with text. Use the picture layout or text wrapping options available in your Word version if you need a different placement. Review the surrounding text after adjusting it, especially on a form with fixed lines.

4. Save and check the final document

Save your document, reopen it, and confirm that the signature is still in the right place. If you export a PDF from Word, open that PDF too and inspect the signature before sharing it. Keep an unsigned original so you can make a fresh copy when needed.

Fix common signature image problems

A white rectangle appears behind the handwriting

Download the signature as PNG with transparency enabled. A JPG from this tool always has a white background.

The signature looks stretched

Undo the resize and use a corner handle with the image proportions locked.

The signature looks blurry

Create a larger signature image and scale it down in Word rather than enlarging a small image.

I cannot find the downloaded file

Check your browser’s downloads list and your device’s downloads folder. The tool does not keep an online copy.

Only add a signature you are authorized to use. See the privacy and security page for what the tool processes and what happens after you download an image.