Google has introduced eSignatures for Google Docs, following the positive results of the alpha testing initiated in June 2022. This feature is now entering an open beta phase for Google Workspace Individual subscribers, and it will also be available in beta for specific Google Workspace customers.
Google Docs now include a built-in eSignature feature that allows you to effortlessly request and incorporate signatures into official contracts directly within the document itself. This feature provides the following advantages:
- Users can conveniently request signatures, keep track of pending signatures, and access completed contracts—all from within Google Docs.
- The eSignature function streamlines the process of signing official contracts directly from Google Drive. This eliminates the need for users to switch between different applications or tabs.
- With the ability to generate a duplicate of the contract for each signature request, users can utilize documents as templates and initiate multiple eSignature requests.
Google’s upcoming plans include the introduction of various eSignature enhancements:
- An audit trail report will automatically accompany completed contracts, offering transparency and accountability.
- The ability to request signatures from multiple users, ideal for documents requiring multiple approvals.
- Enabling eSignature requests for non-Gmail users, broadening the scope of usability.
- Initiating eSignatures for PDF files stored in Drive, enhancing convenience.
Some Google Workspace editions will have the chance to take part in the beta testing phase for the eSignature feature. This beta includes access to new custom email layouts in Gmail as well. These layouts offer the ability to personalize existing templates, reuse layouts for multiple email campaigns, or create entirely new designs.
If you join the beta, you can expect to see the eSignature and new Gmail features rolling out in the upcoming weeks. Google plans to accept beta applications and add customers to the whitelist over the next few weeks for Workspace users.
The upcoming feature will be accessible to individual subscribers of Google Workspace, as well as available for beta testing to Google Workspace customers using plans such as Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Starter, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Essentials Plus, Education Plus, and Nonprofits.
