Single Signature vs Multiple Signatures
There are two ways to accept signatures on your Google Forms - with important differences
Summary
Single Signature
Advanced electronic signature: firmly links one individual's signature to one Form - creating a signed document
Multiple Signatures
Same as Multiple Signatures Classic, with some extra features
Multiple Signatures Classic (deprecated)
Electronic signature to capture bulk signatures for all respondents of a Form
Use case
Agreements, contracts, and other forms which are personalised and of a one-to-one nature, and require a high quality signature that both parties can be confident in
Same as Multiple Signatures Classic, with extra features. Supports camera, and many signatures per response - great for getting the whole team to sign (and soon, file uploads!)
Petitions, sign-up forms, terms and conditions, on-site waivers etc. Forms that are general and can be open to many people. Signatories should be able to be contacted in future if required to confirm their identity and signature
Legal
Read moreMeets or exceeds all requirements for signatures in most jurisdictions. Particularly strong when a copy is sent to the respondent, as it contains their signature and acts as their copy
Meets general requirements for signatures. The signature, questions and answers are combined so any change can be detected when viewed later. Still an "open" invitation like Classic, but with a high level of confidence in the content
Meets general requirements for signatures. The open nature necessitates additional steps to positively identify the signatory
Billing
One signature token is consumed when the signature request is made from the add-on sidebar
One token is consumed per Form response, regardless of the number of signatures in that response. No tokens are consumed just by commencing. Unlimited signature subscription is being developed!
One token is consumed for each signature that is completed and submitted. No tokens are consumed just by commencing Accepting Multiple Signatures
Ease of use
The signatory receives an email with a link to follow. They complete the Form like normal, but won't be able to complete it until they've drawn their signature. They can toggle back and forth between the Form and signing page
Signatory is provided a link from the Form owner - who receives it from the add-on.
This link loads both the Form and the signing page, with a button to switch between the two. After signing, they're given the answer to a "Signature" question that must be completed
The signatory completes the form as usual, then are presented a link to follow to add their signature. They may need to enter their email and name depending on how the Form was set up. On submitting the signature, they can close the window and are done
Visibility
Signature is stored within the Form. The signatory will see it in the Form after they've drawn it, and before submitting the Form itself. It can also be emailed to them if the Form's creator has chosen to (as we recommend). The Form Creator can revisit the Form to view and check the signature
Signatures are stored in the Response Sheet. If standard Response Receipts are turned on, the signatory will receive their responses including a link. This link will load their verified responses and signature, and can be printed. The Form Creator can review signatures by opening the Response Sheet
Signatures are stored in the Spreadsheet that's linked to the Form, known as the Response Sheet. This linking is a standard Google feature. The signatory won't see their signature again after drawing it. The Form Creator can review signatures by opening the Response Sheet from the Form, or from Google Drive or Sheets apps