How to Change Your Email Signature in Gmail
Step-by-step guide for desktop and mobile
Gmail lets you create rich email signatures with formatting, images, and links. Whether you are setting up your first signature or updating an existing one, this guide covers every method — desktop web, mobile app, and Google Workspace admin.
Gmail on Desktop (Web)
- Open Gmail in your browser.
- Click the gear icon (top right) → See all settings.
- Scroll down to the Signature section in the General tab.
- Click Create new to add a signature, or click the pencil icon to edit an existing one.
- Name your signature and compose it using the rich text editor.
- Under Signature defaults, choose which signature to use for new emails and replies/forwards.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Save Changes.
Adding Images to Gmail Signatures
In the signature editor, click the image icon to insert a logo or headshot. You can upload from your computer, use a URL, or select from Google Drive. Keep images small — under 200px wide and 10KB for best results (see signature size guide).
Gmail Mobile App (iPhone & Android)
- Open the Gmail app.
- Tap the hamburger menu (☰) → Settings.
- Select your email account.
- Tap Mobile Signature.
- Type your signature and tap OK or Save.
Important: Gmail mobile signatures are separate from desktop signatures. The mobile signature is plain text only — no formatting, images, or links. For a rich signature on mobile, set it up on desktop and it will appear in your sent emails.
Google Workspace Admin (Organization-Wide Signatures)
If you manage a Google Workspace, you can set organization-wide email signatures:
- Go to admin.google.com.
- Navigate to Apps → Google Workspace → Gmail → Compliance.
- Under Append footer, create a default signature template.
- Use dynamic placeholders like [user_name] and [user_title] for personalization.
- Save and apply to the desired organizational units.
Multiple Signatures in Gmail
Gmail supports multiple signatures. Create different signatures for different contexts:
- Full signature: For new emails to external contacts — includes logo, title, phone, links.
- Minimal signature: For replies and internal emails — just name and title.
- Campaign signature: Includes a promotional banner or event link. Rotate as needed.
You can also switch signatures manually when composing by clicking the pen icon at the bottom of the compose window.
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Tips for Great Gmail Signatures
- Use web-safe fonts: Gmail strips custom fonts. Stick to Arial, Verdana, or Georgia. See best signature fonts.
- Avoid pasting from Word: Copy-pasting from Word often brings hidden formatting that breaks in Gmail. Paste as plain text first, then format in Gmail.
- Host images externally: Use a URL for images rather than uploading directly. This keeps email size small and prevents broken images.
- Test your signature: Send a test email to a non-Gmail account (like Outlook) to check rendering.
- Keep it mobile-friendly: Simple, single-column layouts work best across all devices.
Common Gmail Signature Issues
Signature Appears as Attachment
This happens when images are embedded rather than linked. Use URLs for all images in your signature.
Formatting Gets Stripped
Gmail sanitizes HTML aggressively. Avoid background colors, complex tables, and custom CSS. Simple formatting with bold, links, and small images works reliably.
Signature Not Showing on Replies
Check your signature defaults in Settings → General → Signature defaults. Make sure a signature is selected for "For replies/forwards" — not just new emails.
For more signature guides, see email signature examples, Outlook signatures, iPhone signatures, and signature ideas.
Related: how to end an email, AI email tools, and email management.
Explore all guides in this series: email signature guide, Outlook signature, student signature, teacher signature, signature ideas, best fonts, iPhone signature, signature size, business owner signature, what is a signature.
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