Guide · Updated September 2026
How to Sign a Document in Gmail
Gmail itself cannot sign attachments. To sign a document someone emailed you, download it, sign it with another tool and reply with the signed copy. If you meant your email signature, that is covered below too.
Step by step
- Download the attachment. Open the email, hover over the attachment and click the download icon. On mobile, tap the attachment and use the download or share option.
- Sign the document. Open the PDF in Preview (Mac), the Files app (iPhone), Acrobat Reader, or a browser-based tool, and add your signature.
- Save the signed copy. Save the file with a clear name, such as adding "signed" to the file name.
- Reply with the signed file. Reply to the email and attach the signed document with the paperclip icon, then send.
Setting up your Gmail email signature
If you want a signature at the bottom of your emails, open Gmail on the web, click Settings (the gear icon), choose See all settings, and find the Signature section. Create a signature, choose when it is used, and click Save Changes at the bottom of the page.
This email signature is just text or an image in your messages. It is not a way to sign contracts or other documents.
Signing without leaving the browser
If you would rather not install anything, eSignSimple's free Sign PDF tool (/tools/sign-pdf) runs in your browser: the file is processed on your device and is not uploaded. You can draw or type a signature, add the date, and download the signed PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign a PDF inside Gmail?
No. Gmail can preview attachments but not sign them. Download the file and sign it with another tool.
Is my Gmail signature a legal signature?
An email signature is mainly a sign-off. Whether an email can form a binding agreement depends on the law and context, so use a proper signed document for contracts.
How do I request signatures by email?
Use an e-signature service that emails signers a link and records an audit trail. eSignSimple's sending feature is in early access.
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