How to make a transparent signature
A transparent PNG lets the page underneath show around your signature. It is useful when you want handwriting on a document without a white rectangle covering the background.
In the signature maker, draw or type your signature, choose PNG (Transparent), and select Download transparent PNG.
Create your signature PNG
- Choose Draw signature or Type signature. Draw with your mouse, finger, or stylus. If you prefer typing, enter your name and pick one of the 24 handwriting styles.
- Choose an ink color. Dark ink is easy to see on a light document. Use the pen thickness slider in Draw mode if you want a finer or bolder line.
- Select PNG (Transparent). PNG supports transparency. JPG always has a solid background in this tool. PNG (White Background) and JPG (White Background) both include a solid white background.
- Check the selected download format. PNG (Transparent) is the default option. The dots and guide line shown on the canvas are visual aids; they are not included in the downloaded file.
- Download the image. The signature maker crops the image around your signature with a small margin. Save it before refreshing or closing the tab.
PNG or JPG: which should you download?
| You need | Choose | Background |
|---|---|---|
| A signature that blends into the page | PNG, transparency on | Transparent |
| A PNG with a solid background | PNG, transparency off | White |
| A JPG for an app that requires it | JPG | White |
Why does my signature still look white?
Some image viewers show transparent areas on a white or dark surface. That display alone does not tell you whether the file is transparent. Insert the PNG into a document with a colored area behind it to check. If you see a solid white rectangle, download it again with PNG selected and transparency enabled.
Keep the file as PNG when moving it between apps. Converting it to JPG removes transparency. Copying an image through another application can also change its format, so inserting the downloaded file directly is a useful first step.
Keep your signature clear when resizing
The download is a raster image, so enlarging it far beyond its original size can make its edges look soft. Start with a larger signature on the canvas and scale the image down in your document. Drag a corner handle when resizing so the handwriting keeps its proportions.
Use it in a document
Once you have saved your PNG, follow the guide to adding a signature to Word. For other editors, look for an Insert image or Add image command and choose your downloaded file.
This guide covers making a new signature. The tool does not upload images or remove the background from an existing scan. Read how your signature stays on your device.