Where to find the signature setting in Gmail

Open Gmail in your web browser and go to the settings menu. Click the gear icon in the top right corner, then select "See all settings" from the dropdown. Click the "Signatures" tab — it appears between "Labels" and "Forwarding and POP/IMAP" in the settings menu.

You'll see a section that says "Signature" with a dropdown showing your email address. If you have multiple Gmail accounts, you can create a different signature for each one by selecting the account from that dropdown first.

Key Takeaways

  • Signatures are created in Gmail settings under the "Signatures" tab, not in the compose window.
  • You can write plain text or use the formatting toolbar to add bold, italics, links, and images to your signature.
  • If you have multiple Gmail accounts, each one can have its own signature by selecting the account before you create it.
  • Once you save your signature, it will automatically appear at the bottom of every new email you send unless you delete it from that specific message.
  • Gmail does not add a signature to replies or forwarded messages unless you turn on that option in settings.

Creating your first signature

In the signature box, type whatever text you want to appear at the bottom of your emails. This might be your name, job title, phone number, website, or any closing phrase you prefer. There's no character limit, but most people keep signatures between one and five lines.

Use the formatting toolbar above the text box to make parts of your signature bold, italic, or underlined. You can also change the font, add a link, or insert an image by clicking the image icon. If you want to add a line break between sections of your signature, press Enter.

When you're finished, scroll down and click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the settings page. Your signature is now active and will appear on all new emails you compose.

Adding signatures to replies and forwarded messages

By default, Gmail only adds your signature to brand-new emails you write. If you want your signature to also appear when you reply to someone or forward a message, you need to turn on that setting.

In the Signatures tab, look for the checkbox that says "Insert signature before quoted text in replies and forwarded messages." Check that box and click "Save Changes." Now your signature will appear above the original message in replies and forwards, which is the standard placement.

Managing multiple signatures

If you have more than one Gmail account, you can create a separate signature for each. In the Signatures tab, use the dropdown at the top to select the first email address, then type that signature in the box below. Click "Save Changes," then repeat the process for your other accounts.

When you're composing an email, Gmail will automatically use the signature that matches the account you're sending from. You can also manually change which signature appears by clicking the three-dot menu in the compose window and selecting a different signature from the list.

Removing or editing a signature

To delete a signature, go back to the Signatures tab in settings, clear all the text from the signature box, and click "Save Changes." The signature will no longer appear on new emails.

To edit an existing signature, click in the text box, make your changes, and click "Save Changes." Your new signature will take effect when ready on all future emails. If you want to remove the signature from just one email before sending it, open the compose window, click the three-dot menu, and select "Remove signature."

Signature formatting tips

Keep your signature professional and concise. Most people include their name, title, and one way to contact them — either a phone number, email address, or website. If you add an image, use a small logo or headshot rather than a large graphic, since it will appear on every email you send.

Avoid using special characters or symbols that might not display correctly on all devices. If you want to add a line or divider, use a series of hyphens or dashes instead of trying to insert a graphic line. Test your signature by sending yourself an email and checking how it looks on your phone and computer, since formatting can appear differently depending on the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different signatures for different types of emails?

Gmail doesn't have a built-in way to automatically choose different signatures based on the recipient or subject. However, you can manually select a different signature from the three-dot menu in the compose window before you send, or you can create multiple accounts with different signatures and send from the appropriate account.

Why isn't my signature showing up on my emails?

Check that you saved your changes in the Signatures tab. Also verify that you're composing a new email, not a reply — signatures don't appear on replies unless you turned on that setting. If you're using the Gmail mobile app, signatures may not display in the compose window but will still appear when the recipient receives the email.

Can I add an image or logo to my signature?

Yes. In the signature text box, click the image icon in the formatting toolbar, then upload an image from your computer or paste a link to an image online. Keep the image small so it doesn't make your signature too large. The image will appear wherever you place it in the signature text.

What happens to my signature if I delete my Gmail account?

When you delete a Gmail account, all settings including signatures are deleted along with it. If you're switching to a different email provider, you'll need to set up a signature in that new service separately.

Can I use HTML code in my signature?

Gmail's signature editor doesn't support raw HTML code. Use the formatting toolbar instead to style your text. If you need more advanced formatting, you can copy and paste formatted text from a document, though Gmail may not preserve all the formatting depending on the source.