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How to add a signature field to your forms

Learn how to collect fast, secure digital signatures in any Formaloo form with draw or type options on any device.

Updated over a week ago

A signature is often the final confirmation that transforms a form submission into a real agreement, approval, or authorization. In Formaloo, you can collect secure, high-quality digital signatures directly inside your form without forcing users to download files, print documents, scan pages, or jump between tools. Everything happens inside the form, on any device, in seconds.

This guide explains in full detail what the signature field is, how users sign, how to add it, where signatures appear, how to customize it, and how businesses across industries use it to streamline legal, HR, and operational workflows.

What the signature field is and why it matters

The signature field is a powerful block in Formaloo that lets you capture legally relevant e-signatures directly inside your forms. Each signature is saved securely as an image and attached to the user’s submission, allowing you to review, verify, download, export, and embed it into PDFs instantly.

This matters because:

  • Users no longer need PDF editors, printers, or scanners

  • All signatures stay inside your Formaloo dashboard

  • Mobile signing becomes effortless and fast

  • You create real, binding agreements directly inside your workflow

  • Compliance-heavy teams (legal, HR, finance) avoid manual paperwork

  • Approvals across departments become significantly faster

💡 Pro Tip: Want to turn signed submissions into automated approval workflows? Learn how with this guide: How to create an approval form

How users sign your form (draw vs type)

When users open your form in Form View, they see a signature box that allows one or both of the following methods:

1. Draw signature

The respondent draws their signature using:

  • Finger (mobile or tablet)

  • Stylus (tablets)

  • Trackpad or mouse

This mode feels natural, like signing a paper document.

2. Type signature

The respondent types their name and Formaloo generates a clean typed signature style. This is ideal for users who prefer a consistent, readable signature or have difficulty drawing on mobile.

💡 Pro Tip: Want your form to remember past signatures for returning users? Great for clients or employees who sign repeatedly. Read more: What are memory forms

How to add a signature field (step-by-step)

Follow these steps to place a signature field into any form:

  1. Open your form and go to the Edit tab.

  2. Click the + button to add a new field.

  3. Scroll down to Signature and select it.

That’s it. The signature field is now ready for your users to sign.

💡 Pro Tip: Want to automatically email users a signed PDF after submission Use this guide: How to email a signed form or contract as a PDF

Where signatures appear after submission

Once a form with a signature is submitted, the signature becomes part of the response record. You can access it in several places:

  • Responses tab: View the signature inside the full response.

  • Table view: The signature image appears in the row as a preview.

  • Response detail view: See the signature as part of the response summary.

  • Exports: The signature is included in CSV, XLSX, or PDF exports.

  • PDF output: If enabled, the signature is embedded directly into the final contract or document.

All signatures remain secure and downloadable at any time.

💡 Pro Tip: Want to produce a clean, printable version of each signed form?
Check this guide: How to print or save a signed form or contract as a PDF

Use cases

Below are real-world examples based on Formaloo templates. Each scenario explains how the signature field adds value, followed by a unique, engaging CTA with a subtle emoji.

Printable NDA and agreement PDF generator form

This template is perfect for fast NDA signing. Clients enter their details, sign the document digitally, and immediately receive a ready-to-download PDF. No email back-and-forth, no printing, no friction.

👉 Try this NDA generator and get your agreements signed in under 60 seconds ✨ ​Open template

Business partner contract form

Collaborating with a supplier or partner? This contract form lets both parties enter required information and sign directly online. The workflow eliminates version chaos and ensures both sides finalize the agreement quickly and professionally.

👉 Launch your next partnership with a clean, ready-to-sign contract 🤝
Open template

Employee contract form

Onboarding becomes dramatically faster when new hires can sign employment documents online. This template helps HR teams gather essential data, capture the employee’s signature, and generate a finished PDF instantly.

👉 Onboard new employees smoothly with a digital, signed contract 📄
Open template

Consent and acknowledgment forms

Industries like education, healthcare, training, and events often need quick, trackable consent. This form lets users review terms, sign digitally, and generate a downloadable confirmation for records.

👉 Collect clear, secure consent from any device in seconds 📱
Open template

Customization options

The signature field offers several customization options to align with your process:

  • Signature modes: Allow draw, type, or both.

  • Field label: Rename the signature field for clarity (e.g., Client Signature, Employee Signature, Parent/Guardian Signature).

  • Helper text: Add short instructions to guide users.

  • Required toggle: Force users to sign before submitting.

  • Multiple signatures: Add more than one signature field if multiple people must sign (client + manager + witness).

  • Place in workflow: Position the field at the end for confirmation or earlier for multi-step approvals.

  • Combine with identity fields: Add name, email, job title, or date next to signatures for clarity in PDFs.

FAQ

  1. Do users need a special app or software to sign the form?
    No. Users can sign directly in their browser on any device, including mobile, tablet, and desktop.

  2. Can users redo or clear their signature before submitting?
    Yes. The signature box includes a clear/reset option so users can redraw or retype their signature as many times as they want.

  3. Can I collect multiple signatures in one form?
    Yes. You can add multiple signature fields for scenarios like client + manager, employee + HR, or parent + student.

  4. Are the signatures legally binding?
    In most regions, yes. Signatures collected through Formaloo typically meet digital signature standards. Always verify based on your local laws and compliance needs.

  5. Where are signatures stored after submission?
    Signatures are saved securely as images inside the response record and appear in Responses, Table View, PDF exports, and detailed response pages.

  6. Can I include the signature inside a generated PDF?
    Yes. If PDF generation is enabled, the signature image is embedded automatically into the final document.

  7. Can signed PDFs be emailed automatically?
    Yes. You can set up email automations to send the signed PDF directly to the user or your team after submission.

  8. Can the user choose between draw and type signature modes?
    Yes. You decide whether to enable draw, type, or both. Users will see whichever options you allow.

  9. Does the signature field work well on mobile devices?
    Yes. It is optimized for touch screens, making mobile signing simple and natural.

  10. Can I require a signature before the form can be submitted?
    Yes. Turning on the Required toggle ensures the form cannot be submitted without a completed signature.

Wrap-up

The signature field turns your Formaloo form into a fully digital signing experience. With both draw and type signatures, mobile-friendly interactions, built-in PDF generation, and powerful approval automation, you can replace outdated manual processes with a fast, modern, legally reliable workflow.

Whether you’re handling NDAs, client agreements, HR contracts, partner forms, or consent documents, adding a signature field ensures secure, accurate, and professional signing every time.

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