Change your signature in DocuSign by going to your account settings, selecting Signature Preferences, and uploading a new image or drawing a fresh one

DocuSign stores your signature in your account settings, not in individual documents. Once you change it there, the new signature becomes your default for all future documents you sign. If you need to use a different signature on a document you are currently working on, you can draw or upload a one-time signature without changing your account default.

The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you are on a computer or phone. You do not need to contact DocuSign support or wait for approval — the change takes effect immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account signature lives in your settings, separate from any document you are signing, so changing it affects all future documents.
  • You can upload an image file, type your name in a signature font, or draw your signature with your mouse or touchscreen.
  • If you need a different signature for just one document, you can draw or upload a temporary one without changing your account default.
  • DocuSign keeps a history of your past signatures, so you can revert to an old one if you change your mind.

Update your signature in account settings on a computer

Log into your DocuSign account and look for your profile icon or initials in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select Settings from the menu that appears. On the left side of the Settings page, click Signature Preferences or Signature (the exact wording depends on your DocuSign plan).

You will see your current signature displayed. Below it, click the button labeled Change Signature or Edit. DocuSign will open a panel with three options: Upload Image, Draw Signature, or Type Signature. Choose the method that matches how you want your new signature to look.

If you choose Upload Image, click the upload area and select a file from your computer. DocuSign accepts PNG, JPG, GIF, and PDF files. The image should show just your signature on a plain background — crop it first if needed. If you choose Draw Signature, use your mouse or trackpad to draw directly in the box. If you choose Type Signature, enter your name and pick a font style from the list. Click Apply or Save when you are done.

Update your signature on a phone or tablet

Open the DocuSign app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left or top right corner, depending on your phone. Tap Settings, then scroll down and tap Signature Preferences. Tap Change Signature or the pencil icon next to your current signature.

You will see the same three options as on a computer: Upload Image, Draw Signature, or Type Signature. Drawing works well on a phone because you can use your finger. Tap in the box and draw your signature, then tap Save or Apply. If you upload an image, tap the upload button and select a photo from your phone's camera roll. If you type your signature, enter your name and choose a font, then save.

Use a different signature for a single document

If you are in the middle of signing a document and want to use a signature different from your account default, you do not have to change your settings. When you reach the signature field in the document, click or tap the field itself. DocuSign will show you your current account signature and offer you the option to Change or Draw New.

Click Draw New to draw a fresh signature, or click Change to upload an image or type a new one. This temporary signature applies only to that document — your account default stays the same. Once you finish signing and the document is sent, the temporary signature is not saved to your account.

Revert to a previous signature

DocuSign keeps a record of every signature you have used in your account. If you change your signature and later decide you want to go back to an older one, you can retrieve it without uploading or drawing again. Go to Settings and Signature Preferences, then click Change Signature.

Look for a section labeled Signature History, Previous Signatures, or My Signatures (the label varies by account type). You will see thumbnails of all your past signatures. Click the one you want to use, then click Apply or Save. Your account default returns to that signature immediately.

Troubleshooting common signature problems

If your uploaded image does not appear or looks cut off, the file may be too large or the wrong format. DocuSign works best with PNG or JPG files under 5 MB. If the image is a photo of a handwritten signature, make sure the background is plain and the signature itself is dark and clear. Crop the image tightly around just the signature before uploading.

If you drew your signature and it looks shaky or incomplete, try drawing more slowly or using a stylus instead of your finger on a phone. If you typed your signature and the font looks nothing like what you expected, try a different font from the list — some fonts are more formal and others more casual. If your signature does not save after you click Apply, check that you are connected to the internet and try again. If the problem persists, log out and log back in, then return to Signature Preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my signature affect documents I already signed?

No. Documents you have already signed keep the signature you used at the time. Changing your account signature only affects new documents you sign going forward. Past documents are locked and cannot be changed.

Can I have more than one signature in my account?

DocuSign stores one default signature in your account settings. However, you can draw or upload a different signature each time you sign a document without changing your default. Your signature history keeps all the ones you have used, so you can switch back to an old one anytime.

What file types can I upload for my signature?

DocuSign accepts PNG, JPG, GIF, and PDF files. PNG and JPG work best. The file should be under 5 MB and show only your signature on a plain background. Avoid files with a lot of extra space or color around the signature.

Can I use initials instead of a full signature?

Yes. You can upload an image of your initials, draw your initials in the signature box, or type your initials and choose a font. DocuSign does not require a full signature — initials work the same way legally in most cases.

What happens if I delete my signature?

You cannot delete your signature entirely — DocuSign requires you to have at least one signature on file. If you want to remove a signature from your history, contact DocuSign support. If you simply want a new default signature, follow the steps to change it, and the old one stays in your history if you need it later.