With a strict legal binding policy, Google Forms doesn’t facilitate any default settings for collecting signatures, which means you can’t utilize it to implement this feature and have to figure it out yourself. But worry no more as we have already listed down some hassle-free alternatives to help you get your own Google Forms signature!
1. Text box for initials
The first and also the simplest way to electronically get a Google Forms signature is to add a field requiring entering initials right in your chosen form. However, this seems like a way to circumvent the law and you are responsible for resolving all of the related legally binding issues for each form submitted!
Pros:
- Operate easily right on your form interface
- Signers don’t even have to leave their forms
- Save money on installing any other softwares or plugins
Cons:
- Less effective
- Not legally binding
- Cannot use for serious purposes
2. Signature image box
Another way is to use a field requiring users to take a photo of their signature and upload the image as an alternative. This is not so hard but not exactly straightforward as you have to solve image-related issues, not just signatures.
Pros:
- Easy to do
- Allow anyone to sign documents intuitively
- Save money on installing any other softwares or plugins
Cons:
- Not legally binding and secure to verify
- Multiple signers are impossible at the same time
- Requirements for image size and capacity
- Slow down your application and form filling process
3. Online signature software
Using online signature software is one of the most go-to reliable options when it comes to getting a Google Forms signature. By enlisting the help of these software, you can collect legally binding signatures on any document and take advantage of its comprehensive instructions to make it easy for your customers to understand, even those who have never used e-signature software.
Pros:
- Can be used for multiple types of documents: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, scanned documents,…
- Track a large number of signatures.
- Integrate into your software tools.
Cons:
- Have to upload the Google Forms document into a different tool
- Risk information security, especially those including private data.
- Most advanced options are rarely free with your trial.
4. Addon Google Workspace Marketplace
If those tips fall between two tools, you can try out installing the signature add-on from the Google Workspace Marketplace. There are many potential add-ons out there these days, some of which even ensure the legal binding issues involved, helping you add signatures to Google Forms and download them in a flash!
Pros:
- Effortless and secure for form makers and respondents alike
- No signing links or clunky applications
- Without leaving the page
- Can customize the appearance
- Easily track the signing process on the dashboard
- Export as PDFs and Word documents
- Multiple signers are accepted
- Specify the order for multiple parties
Cons:
- Testing them all is time-consuming and daunting.
- Advanced features cost a little
But if you’re still wondering, let’s give our PerformFlow a shot! With a user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, you can get the full experience to streamline your approval workflow and e-sign any requests as expected! It is now available on Google Workspace Marketplace and all you need to do is install the PerformFlow add-on using the search bar or clicking the following button.
Sign up for PerformFlow today and make the most of it to start customizing your own Google Forms signature!