Should you underline your signature?
In handwriting analysis, a signature reveals more about the writer’s personality than any other set of letters. A signature is your public face; it represents you even in your absence. That is why it is very important for each of us to have a healthy signature.
A signature has several elements that are analysed by a handwriting analyst. Its various components such as size, shape, slant, speed, direction, pressure, height, connection, disconnection, loops, location, beginning stroke and terminating stroke are scrutinised carefully by a graphologist, especially in relation to the writer’s overall handwriting if it is available for reference.
Also Read: Types of Signatures You Must Avoid
Should you underline your signature?
Besides, there is one key element of a signature: the underscore or underline. People want to know what it means if someone uses an underscore or underline beneath a signature, and whether they should use it in their own signatures.
Should you underline your signature
Before I explain to you what an underscore means in a signature, I want to make it clear that it is good if your signature has it. But that does not mean those who do not use an underscore have an imperfect signature.
In some cases, a graphologist uses his discretion to decide whether an underscore is required in a signature or not. Sometimes, a handwriting analyst may even advise a writer to get rid of the underscore if he discovers that its direction or shape is inappropriate.
Types of signature
1. Single underline
A simple underline indicates a healthy self-confidence and reaffirmation of the self. It indicates that person has a healthy ego, confidence. So, should you underline your signature? Yes. But consult a handwriting analyst to know more about what changes you need to make in your signature.
2. More than one underline
If there are several underscores, one may feel one’s public self-worth is inadequate. One may doubt his importance in relation to others around him. He is haunted by feelings of imperfections and incompleteness.
3. Line above the signature
It shows that the writer has a feeling is self-hiding and is plagued by self-doubt. They do not want to reveal their true nature to others. In a disorganised handwriting, this could be a deceptive personality trait.
4. Line through the signature
It shows that the writer puts himself in social jeopardy and has a tendency to self-destruct. The writer often ends up undoing his achievements. We have discussed this personality trait in detail in various articles on signature analysis and suicidal tendency.
5. Underline going backwards
This shows that the writer has some unresolved issues in the past which he is unable to deal with. This shows that the writer’s mind takes a train back to those issues and feels tormented by them.
6. Signature with underline and two dots
This shows that the writer has a healthy self-confidence and he is also capable of holding his ground. Such writers feel bad if their presence is not acknowledged by others.
Final words
Does it mean that everyone can underline their signatures? A simple answer is no. Underline is not suitable for everyone. Some signatures need it, some do not. And that can be determined only after analysing the signature.
Read Next: Best Signature Style
Disclaimer: One element of handwriting may be analysed at a time, but always look at the entire handwriting sample before arriving at any conclusion.
FAQs
Underline, also referred to as underscore, is a crucial signature element. Before I jump on explaining what it means, I want to answer one question about whether you should use it or not. My answer is yes. It is good if you use it, but it does not mean you will have an imperfect signature if you do not use it.
What does it mean when you don't underline in your signature? ›
If you do not underline, you are a non-fussy person. You do not see any need or desire to feel important or noticed. You go with the flow. If you underline once and upward, you show an optimistic and creative outlook, especially in your work.
Can you put a line through your signature? ›
2) Lines that strike through the name
It's almost as though the writer has attempted to scratch out their name when they do this which can suggest that they are heavily self-critical and unconfident and prone to a temper tantrum or two…but at least they've given you a warning with their signature.
What not to do in a signature? ›
Things to Avoid
- Show your first name: ...
- Say no to full stops: ...
- Circular signatures: ...
- Extra strokes: ...
- Do not scribble: ...
- Keep underlines moving forward: ...
- Cutting own signature: ...
- Too short signature.
As long as it records the intent of the parties involved in a contractual agreement, it's a valid signature. Usually, this mark is made by a pen, but not necessarily. Anything that marks the paper can be a signature. Pencil is not favored because it can smudge and be erased.
How should be a proper signature? ›
How to write a signature
- Analyze the letters in your name. Whether you're updating your current signature or creating your first, look at the letters of your name. ...
- Determine what parts of your name you want to include. ...
- Experiment with different styles. ...
- Choose your favorite signature.
Underlining takes up white space between lines, making the lines harder to read. On some typesets, the underline obscures the letters' descenders, making the text less legible. A page with underlined text can appear heavy and cluttered rather than light and airy.
Why is it important to underline? ›
We often underline text to create a sense of urgency or importance.
What is a false signature? ›
Signature forgery refers to the act of falsely replicating another person's signature.
What does Elon Musk's signature look like? ›
The signature typically starts with an uppercase "E" that is neatly written, followed by the lowercase letters "l-o-n" which are slightly larger in size. The "M" in Musk's signature is noticeably taller than the other letters, adding a touch of grandeur.
Don't go over 3 to 4 lines of text. Include your full name and phone number. Add your photo. Include your social media profiles.
How many lines should a signature line be? ›
Capitalize the first word of your closing (Thank you) and leave four lines for a signature between the close and the sender's name. A comma should follow the closing.
How complicated should your signature be? ›
Your signature shouldn't be easy to copy, so you may want to avoid an easy JC for Jane Cook. However, these days, your identity is more likely to be verified with your passport or driver's license than with a signature, but it's still a good point to bear in mind.
How can I make my signature stand out? ›
Try exaggerating the first letter of your name, or the first letters of your first and last name. If your signature is messy or curly, you can emphasize one letter by making it sharp and clear. Likewise, make a single letter sloppy or fancy if you want it to stand out from an otherwise clean-cut signature.
Does it matter how you write your signature? ›
Does your signature have to be your name? Not necessarily. However, you'll want to do your best to make it as unique to you as possible — whether you opt to use your initials or your full designation.
Do you put name under signature? ›
If you're sending an email, you can add an electronic signature that has the same effect. Below your signature, add your name in regular print. This is standard for all business correspondence.
Does your signature have to say your name? ›
In most cases, your signature does not have to be your full name to be legally binding. As long as it's clear that you're the one who signed the document and you intended to do so, it should be valid.
Do you put your signature above or below your name? ›
If you are sending a printed letter, you should sign your name in blue or black ink above your typed name. If you are sending an electronic letter, you can either scan and insert your signature as an image, or use a digital signature tool.
Should signature be bold? ›
Color: Draw attention to your email signature by using colored fonts. Text styles: Consider using bold, italic, capitalized and different-sized text to emphasize certain information.
