How to Change Signature in DocuSign: A Step-by-Step Guide

LAST UPDATED
September 4, 2024
Jason Gong
apps
No items found.
TL;DR

Go to your profile settings to change your DocuSign signature.

By the way, we're Bardeen, we build a free AI Agent for doing repetitive tasks.

If you use DocuSign, you might love Bardeen's Agent for sales. It automates document workflows, saving you time and effort.

Maintaining a professional and up-to-date signature in DocuSign is crucial for conveying credibility and attention to detail when signing important documents electronically. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing your signature in DocuSign, as well as share advanced customization options and best practices for signature security. Plus, discover how AI automation tools like Bardeen can streamline the process even further. Ready to take your DocuSign signature game to the next level and impress your colleagues and clients? Let's dive in!

Reasons to Update Your DocuSign Signature

There are several situations when you may need to change your signature in DocuSign:

  • Your name or title has changed, such as after getting married or receiving a promotion
  • You want to use a more professional-looking signature image
  • Your current signature is not rendering properly for recipients
  • You simply want to refresh your signature style or design

Having an up-to-date and polished signature is important when signing legal documents and agreements electronically in DocuSign. Your signature is often the first impression you make, so it should convey credibility and attention to detail. Changing your DocuSign signature is a quick process that allows you to update your signature whenever needed to maintain a professional image. Additionally, if you are using other tools like Google Drive for file management, ensuring your signature is consistent across platforms can further enhance your professional appearance.

How to Update Your Signature in DocuSign

Updating your signature in DocuSign is a quick and straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Log into your DocuSign account and access your profile settings
  2. Locate the signature section within your account preferences
  3. Select the option to change or update your existing signature
  4. Choose your preferred signature creation method - typing, drawing, or uploading an image file
  5. Customize the appearance of your new signature as needed
  6. Save your updated signature to make it the default for future documents

The exact navigation may vary slightly depending on your account type, but the core process of accessing signature settings and choosing an update option remains the same. Changing your DocuSign signature is intuitive once you know where to look.

For the most professional results, consider uploading a high-quality image of your handwritten signature. This preserves the personal touch of your real autograph while ensuring your signed documents look crisp and official. With just a few clicks, you can change your DocuSign signature to match your current name, title, or branding. To integrate this with other apps, consider syncing with Dropbox for seamless document management.

For further efficiency, you can integrate Dropbox with other apps using Bardeen and automate your document workflows.

Accessing Your DocuSign Account Settings to Change Your Signature

To change your signature in DocuSign, you first need to get to your account settings. Here's how:

  1. Log into your DocuSign account as usual
  2. Look for your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the screen
  3. Click on your profile image/initials to open the account menu
  4. From the drop-down menu, select "Go to Admin" if you have administrative access
  5. If you don't have admin rights, choose "My Preferences" instead

This will take you to the backend of your DocuSign account where you can view and modify various settings, including your signature. The account settings area is where you go to change your DocuSign signature and customize other preferences.

Once you've accessed your account settings, you'll be able to navigate to the signature management section. This is typically located under a "Signatures" or "Signing Preferences" type of menu. From there, you can update your DocuSign signature by typing, drawing or uploading an image file. For enhancing your productivity, consider using AI to generate emails and streamline your workflow.

Finding the Signature Management Page to Change Your DocuSign Signature

Once you've accessed your DocuSign account settings, the next step is locating where to change your signature. Look for a menu option labeled something like "Signatures", "Signing Preferences" or "Signature Management".

In most cases, you'll find the signature settings under a "Signatures" section in the left sidebar navigation of the admin view. Click on that menu item to go to the page where you can view, edit, create and remove signatures associated with your DocuSign account.

On the signature management page, you'll see a list of any signatures you currently have saved. To change your existing DocuSign signature, there should be an "Edit" or "Update" button next to it. Clicking that option will allow you to modify your signature by typing, drawing or uploading a new image.

If you have multiple signatures, make sure you select the right one to edit. You can identify which signature is your default by looking for a "Default" label or indicator. Changing your default signature is how to update the signature that automatically appears when you sign DocuSign documents. For more organized documents, consider connecting Google Docs to streamline your process.

Automate your document workflow by integrating Google Docs with Bardeen. Save time and stay organized while managing your signatures.

Select a New Signature Creation Method in DocuSign

When you're ready to change your signature in DocuSign, you'll have three options for creating a new signature:

  1. Type your name and choose a font style
  2. Draw your signature with your mouse, trackpad or touchscreen
  3. Upload an image file of your handwritten signature

Each signature method has its own benefits. Typing is the fastest way to create a signature, but it may not look as official as a handwritten one. It's a good choice if you need to update your signature quickly.

Drawing your signature works well if you have steady handwriting and a device that's easy to draw on, like a touchscreen tablet. It gives your signature a personalized look without needing any extra tools.

Uploading a signature image is the way to go if you want your DocuSign signature to match your real-life one. You'll need to sign your name on paper, scan or photograph it, and save it as an image file to upload. This method takes the most work but produces the most professional result, perfect for legally binding agreements.

For a more personalized approach, explore sales demo best practices to make your DocuSign documents look their best. You can always try out each method to see which one you prefer. With your new signature chosen, the last step is saving it as your default for future agreements.

Save Your New DocuSign Signature

After choosing your preferred signature creation method in DocuSign and setting up your new signature, the final step is to save it. Look for a "Save" or "Apply" button to confirm the signature change. This will set your new signature as the default for all future documents you send out for signing through DocuSign.

To double check that your new DocuSign signature looks exactly how you want it to, send yourself a test document. Open the document, and make sure your updated signature appears correctly. If you spot any issues with the signature's appearance or formatting, go back to the DocuSign signature settings and make adjustments.

Remember, changing your signature in DocuSign only takes a minute, but it ensures your agreements always have an up-to-date, professional signature. With your new DocuSign signature locked in, you'll be ready to build a prospect list if needed.

Ready to save time on repetitive tasks like self-testing documents? Check out how Bardeen can integrate Google Sheets for seamless data automation and more productive workflows.

Advanced DocuSign Signature Customization Options

DocuSign provides several ways to customize your signature beyond the initial setup. These advanced options let you tailor signatures for different signing situations:

  • Set up multiple signatures like initials or shortened versions for mobile
  • Crop and resize uploaded signature images for optimal placement
  • Make signatures expire after a set time for sensitive documents
  • Create condensed signatures that work better on small screens

By investing a little time to configure these signature variations and defaults, you can ensure your DocuSign agreements always look polished and professional no matter the context. For example, you might use your full formal signature on contracts but just initials on NDAs.

Signature expiration is a useful feature if you need an extra security layer. Signatures can be set to expire after a certain period, requiring signers to re-confirm their identity. And don't forget about mobile optimization - a shorter signature prevents frustrating scrolling on smartphone screens.

Customizing your signature options in DocuSign is a chance to use the appropriate signature style for each agreement type. With a little forethought, you can maintain a consistent signing experience across devices while following your organization's document standards. Adjusting signature defaults like size and placement also allows pixel-perfect positioning.

Set Up Multiple Signatures for Specific Uses

Configuring several signature variations in DocuSign allows you to use the appropriate style for each agreement. This flexibility is key when your signature needs vary based on document type or signing context.

Consider setting up distinct signatures like:

  • A formal full signature for contracts and legal forms
  • Initials only for lower-stakes paperwork like NDAs
  • An optimized shortened signature for mobile signing

By having these options ready to go, it's quick and easy to apply the right signature to each document. Using AI-powered tools can help maintain a professional, consistent image across all your agreements, from fully executed contracts to casually acknowledged memos.

For example, you could change your DocuSign signature to a full name version for an employment agreement, but just use initials on a routine NDA. The ability to modify your signature style based on the situation lends credibility to your documents and ensures a polished presentation.

Need help keeping your emails organized? Try our AI email organizer to save time and stay focused.

Fine-Tune Your DocuSign Signature's Appearance and Positioning

When you change your signature in DocuSign by uploading an image file, you have control over how it looks and where it's placed. The platform provides tools to crop and resize your signature graphic, ensuring it fits well within the signing box.

This is especially useful if your original signature image had extra white space around the edges or was an odd size. By trimming and scaling it to the ideal proportions, you'll achieve a clean, professional appearance on your signed documents.

In addition to editing the signature image itself, DocuSign's account settings allow you to specify default placement for your signatures. For example, you can choose to automatically position your signature at the top or bottom of the signing box on agreements. Consider using buying signals to identify key moments to send documents for signature.

By taking a few moments to optimize these signature display settings, you'll elevate the overall look of your DocuSign agreements. Recipients will see a crisp, readable signature in a visually pleasing location, reinforcing the credibility of your documents.

These seemingly small details can make a real difference in how your signed agreements are perceived. So don't gloss over the signature customization options when you modify your DocuSign signature.

Set DocuSign Signatures to Expire for Sensitive Documents

When you change your signature in DocuSign, you can enable an added security measure for sensitive agreements. The platform allows you to set signatures to automatically expire after a specified time period, such as 6 months or 1 year.

Once a signature expires, the signer will be required to re-authenticate their identity before they can apply their signature again. This helps ensure that only authorized individuals are signing documents during the appropriate timeframe.

Signature expiration is particularly valuable for time-sensitive documents like:

  • Tax forms that should only be signed within a certain annual window
  • Contracts with a limited valid date range
  • Agreements involving information that regularly changes, like financial statements

By setting an expiration on these types of signatures, you reduce the risk of unauthorized or outdated signing. Recipients will have to verify their identity and re-apply their signature, confirming they still have the authority to sign.

When you modify your DocuSign signature settings, consider which documents in your workflow could benefit from signature expiration. It's an often-overlooked security option that can give sensitive agreements an extra layer of data enrichment and control.

Create Compact Signatures for Mobile Signing

As more contracts and agreements are signed on mobile devices, it's smart to optimize your DocuSign signatures for small screens. When you change your signature in DocuSign, consider making a shortened version that's faster to apply and fits better on smartphones and tablets.

A compact mobile signature should:

  • Contain just essential elements like initials or last name
  • Use a condensed, legible font style for text
  • Fit without scaling into typical mobile signature boxes
  • Load quickly even on slower cellular data connections

By having a signature variation designed for mobile, you can DocuSign documents on the go with less scrolling, resizing, and loading frustrations. This is especially helpful if you frequently sign time-sensitive agreements away from a computer.

To set up a mobile-optimized signature, access your DocuSign signature settings and choose to add a new signature. Select a creation method like drawing or uploading an image, keeping the dimensions compact. Save it with a mobile-friendly name like "John D. phone signature".

Then, next time you're DocuSigning on a mobile device, simply select your pre-made mobile signature version to insert into the document. The condensed size and faster loading will make for a smoother signing experience on a small touchscreen. For more tips on improving your workflow, check out our guide on automating repetitive tasks.

Safeguard Your DocuSign Signatures with These Security Best Practices

While changing your signature in DocuSign is a straightforward process, it's essential to follow security protocols to maintain the integrity of your signed agreements and prevent unauthorized use:

  • Keep your DocuSign login credentials private - never share your password, even with trusted colleagues
  • Enable two-factor authentication and use a strong, unique password for your account
  • Set up regular email alerts to notify you of any signature changes or document activity
  • If you suspect your signature has been used without authorization, contact DocuSign support immediately to investigate and lock down your account if needed
  • Train your team on proper signature security measures like strong passwords and never sharing login credentials

Taking a proactive approach to securing your DocuSign signature and educating staff reduces the risk of fraudulent document signing under your name. The legal and financial fallout from a forged signature dispute can be devastating to your business reputation.

Some key steps to safeguarding your e-signature:

  1. Use a password manager to generate and store a complex, unique password for your DocuSign login
  2. Avoid writing down passwords where they could be exposed, and never share them via email or chat
  3. Regularly review your DocuSign signing activity and signature appearance for any red flags
  4. Establish a clear process for employees to report suspicious signature activity for swift resolution

For more tips on securing your digital workflows, learn how to build a robust sales prospect list with automated tools. By treating your DocuSign signature with the same level of security as other sensitive login credentials, you can mitigate the chances of tampering or unauthorized use. Changing your signature in DocuSign is simple, but the protective measures around it make all the difference in keeping your agreements secure.

Keep Your DocuSign Login Credentials Secure to Prevent Unauthorized Signature Use

Your DocuSign login grants the ability to sign important contracts and agreements with your signature. Sharing those credentials, even with trusted colleagues, can lead to signature misuse and fraudulent document signing you didn't authorize.

To protect your DocuSign signature:

  • Use a strong, unique password for your DocuSign account - never reuse passwords from other sites
  • Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of login security
  • Store your password in an encrypted password manager instead of writing it down
  • Never share your DocuSign username and password with anyone, even if they claim to need it for legitimate business

Taking steps to safeguard your DocuSign login is crucial for maintaining control over your signature. Changing your signature in DocuSign is easy, but preventing unauthorized access to your signing capabilities is the foundation of e-signature security. Learn more about integrating LinkedIn for secure data handling.

Contact DocuSign Support Immediately if You Suspect Unauthorized Signature Use

If you see that your DocuSign signature image has been altered without your permission or believe your signature was used on a document without your consent, report it to DocuSign support right away. The sooner you alert them to potential signature misuse, the faster they can investigate and secure your account.

When contacting support about suspected signature tampering, provide as much detail as possible:

  • The names or document IDs of the agreements in question
  • Email addresses of the other signers involved
  • Date and time you believe the unauthorized signing occurred

DocuSign keeps detailed records that can help pinpoint fraudulent activity. Taking swift action to address signature security issues can minimize damage like legal disputes stemming from forged contracts. Don't hesitate to reach out if you think your DocuSign signature has been compromised. For more tips on securing your digital presence, check out how to get phone numbers from LinkedIn.

Routinely Review Your DocuSign Signature and Signed Documents

Make a point to regularly audit your DocuSign signature image and agreements signed using your account. Verifying that your signature looks correct and only appears on documents you authorized keeps you protected against potential misuse.

At least once a quarter, take these steps to check your DocuSign signature:

  1. Log into your DocuSign account and navigate to your signature settings
  2. Confirm your signature image hasn't been altered without your knowledge
  3. Review recent documents to ensure your signature was appropriately applied
  4. Inspect timestamps to verify you initiated the signing for each file

If your organization has multiple employees with DocuSign signing permissions, implement a formal audit process. Require all staff to assess their signatures and signed agreements every few months. Create a standard way for them to report any signature irregularities they find so you can swiftly address issues.

Routine signature reviews protect you and your company by catching unauthorized changes to your DocuSign signature early. It only takes a few minutes but can spare major legal headaches, so make it a consistent habit. For more tips on improving your processes, check out our AI sales automation guide.

Educate Your Team on DocuSign Signature Security Protocols

If your organization has multiple employees with permission to sign agreements through DocuSign, it's critical that everyone follows signature security best practices. Establishing clear protocols and providing thorough training protects your company from potential signature misuse.

Here are some key steps for ensuring your team uses DocuSign signatures safely:

  • Require all staff to use strong, unique passwords for their DocuSign accounts
  • Prohibit sharing of login credentials, even with trusted coworkers
  • Enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of access security
  • Create an easy process for employees to report any signature concerns
  • Educate staff on the risks of signature compromise, like legal or financial fallout

When you get your entire team on board with DocuSign signature security, you greatly reduce the chances of fraudulent signing. Taking the time to implement these safeguards company-wide is much less painful than sorting out a signature scandal after the fact.

Conclusions

Knowing how to update your signature in DocuSign is essential for maintaining a professional image on legal agreements.

In this guide, you discovered:

  • The importance of keeping your DocuSign signature current and professional
  • A simple step-by-step process for changing your signature
  • Advanced options to customize your signature for different situations
  • Crucial best practices to keep your DocuSign signature secure

With your new expertise in managing DocuSign signatures, your agreements will always look polished and credible. For more tips on improving your sales process, read about preparing for a sales call. Just don't be surprised if you become the go-to DocuSign guru in the office!

Contents

Automate Your DocuSign Workflows with Bardeen

Bardeen's AI Agent can streamline your DocuSign processes and save you time.

Get Bardeen free
Schedule a demo

Automate to supercharge productivity

No items found.
No items found.

Related frequently asked questions

How to Reach Alumni on LinkedIn: Key Scripts

Learn to connect with alumni on LinkedIn with these effective scripts. Enhance your job search by leveraging alumni networks.

Read more
How to Get Your Klaviyo API Key: Complete Guide

Learn how to get your Klaviyo API key with this step-by-step guide. Discover how to locate, create, and secure your API keys efficiently.

Read more
AI for B2C Lead Generation: Complete Guide & Strategies

Explore the practical steps for implementing AI into your B2C lead generation. Become an AI Jedi with these best practices and common challenges to overcome.

Read more
Mastering Sales Quota: 4 Essentials for 2024

Unlock the four critical keys to mastering sales quotas in 2024. Learn effective strategies to enhance team performance and meet targets.

Read more
How to Optimize LinkedIn Ads: A Detailed Guide

Master LinkedIn Ads with this comprehensive guide. Learn ad targeting, creative optimization, and refine strategies for better results.

Read more
Effective LinkedIn Message Sign-offs: 3 Key Steps

Learn how to end a LinkedIn message professionally with appropriate sign-offs, contact details, and personalization to foster strong relationships.

Read more
how does bardeen work?

Your proactive teammate — doing the busywork to save you time

Integrate your apps and websites

Use data and events in one app to automate another. Bardeen supports an increasing library of powerful integrations.

Perform tasks & actions

Bardeen completes tasks in apps and websites you use for work, so you don't have to - filling forms, sending messages, or even crafting detailed reports.

Combine it all to create workflows

Workflows are a series of actions triggered by you or a change in a connected app. They automate repetitive tasks you normally perform manually - saving you time.

get bardeen

Don't just connect your apps, automate them.

200,000+ users and counting use Bardeen to eliminate repetitive tasks

Effortless setup
AI powered workflows
Free to use
Reading time
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
By clicking “Accept”, you agree to the storing of cookies. View our Privacy Policy for more information.