Google unveils eSignature tool for Docs and Drive

Google Docs eSignature tool
(Image credit: Google)

Google is now letting select Workspace customers try out its up-and-coming eSignature tool for Docs and Drive as the office software provider looks to take on the likes of DocuSign.

With the tool, customers will be able to set up signature fields directly in Google Docs to complete and request digital signatures for important documents such as contracts.

The company says Google Workspace users will even be able to request signatures from non-Google users, giving the feature more impetus as it seeks to eliminate the need for other eSign software.

Google debuts eSignature tool

At least in its early days, Google appears to be targeting SMBs rather than larger enterprises, possibly because the eSignature tool may be lacking some more premium features that could arrive at a later date.

“For solopreneurs and small businesses, keeping track of contracts, customer agreements, and other binding documents can be challenging," the company said in an announcement. "To help streamline this workflow, we’re natively integrating eSignature in Google Docs, allowing you to request and add Signatures to official contracts, directly in Google Docs.”

Support for non-Google users, more than one signature, and signatures on PDFs stored in Drive are all set to arrive “later this year,” as is an audit trail feature to help users keep track of outstanding signatures.

Google Workspace Individual subscribers are eligible to use the open beta now, though it may take until later in August for some accounts to have had the changes made.

Google says that Workspace Business Standard/Plus, Enterprise Starter/Standard/Plus/Essentials/Essentials Plus, Education Plus, and Nonprofits customers may begin applying to access the beta “over the next several weeks.”

TOPICS
Craig Hale

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

Read more
Person signing a document
Best eSign software solution of 2025
Google Gemini AI
Google now lets anyone use Gemini to analyze their work docs, adds Deep Research to Workspace
Google Gemini AI
Gmail is adding a new Gemini AI tool to help smarten up your work emails
Gemini AI for all Workspace plans
Google Workspace opens up Gemini for all - but you'll have to pay more
The logo of Google Cloud
Google Cloud introduces quantum-safe digital signatures
Google Meet create custom backgrounds
More AI features are coming to Google Workspace
Latest in Pro
An image of network security icons for a network encircling a digital blue earth.
Why multi-CDNs are going to shake up 2025
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
URL phishing
HaveIBeenPwned owner suffers phishing attack that stole his Mailchimp mailing list
Ransomware
Cl0p resurgence drives ransomware attacks to new highs in 2025
Millwall FC The Den
The UK's first football club mobile network is here - but you probably won't guess which team has launched it
Google Chrome
Google Chrome security flaw could have let hackers spy on all your online habits
Latest in News
A young woman is working on a laptop in a relaxed office space.
I’ll admit, Microsoft’s new Windows 11 update surprised me with its usefulness, providing accessibility fixes, a gamepad keyboard layout, and PC spec cards
inZOI promotional material.
inZOI has become the most wishlisted game on Steam, but I wouldn't get too caught up in the hype
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Nespresso Vertuo Pop machine in Candy Pink with coffee drinks and capsules
My favorite Nespresso coffee maker just got a fresh new makeover, and now I love it even more
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC