Can Microsoft Forms Collect Signatures?

Can Microsoft Forms Collect Signatures? Here’s What You Need to Know

Microsoft Forms is commonly used for quizzes, surveys, and polls, but many users ask the same question: Can I use Microsoft Forms to collect signatures? The short answer is: not directly.

In this post, we’ll explore what Microsoft Forms can (and can’t) do regarding electronic signatures and how you can work around the limitations using a flexible, free alternative like Formswrite.com .

What Microsoft Forms Allows

1. You Can Ask for Typed Names While there’s no official signature field, you can ask respondents to type their name into a text field like: “Please type your full name as a form of digital acknowledgment.”

2. Use Checkboxes for Agreement Another workaround is to include a required checkbox that says: “I agree to the terms and conditions.” Together with a typed name, this creates a basic acknowledgment structure.

3. Track Response Metadata Microsoft Forms automatically logs timestamps and email (if linked to a Microsoft account), which can help support the validity of a typed confirmation.

What Microsoft Forms Can’t Do

1. No actual e-signature fields (no touch, stylus, or mouse support)

2. No file upload of signed documents unless your organization uses a premium Microsoft 365 account

3. No legal e-signature validation or compliance tracking

A Better Alternative: Formswrite.com

If you want more signature-friendly features without paying for enterprise software, use Formswrite.com . It’s a free website (not a plugin) for building powerful forms.

How to Use Formswrite to Collect Signatures

1. Visit Formswrite.com No login required to start building. It’s fast and user-friendly.

2. Create Your Form Add:

1. A short answer field for “Full name (acts as signature)”

2. A required checkbox for terms or agreement

3. A file upload field for scanned signatures or signed PDFs

3. Publish and Collect Responses Share your form via a public link. All responses are saved securely and accessible through your dashboard.

Why Use Formswrite for Signatures?

1. Custom fields and layout

2. File uploads allowed

3. No Microsoft account required

FAQs

Are typed names legally binding? For some informal agreements, yes. For contracts or legal purposes, consult your local laws or legal team.

Can I integrate Formswrite with Google Sheets or email? Yes, advanced users can connect responses with external tools.

Is Formswrite safer than Microsoft Forms? Formswrite stores your data securely and doesn’t require enterprise accounts for essential features.