How to add a signature in Gmail

Adding a signature in Gmail takes about two minutes on desktop. The steps below cover the desktop site, the mobile app, and how to paste a formatted HTML signature (images, colors, links) so it survives intact.

Step by step

1. Open Gmail settings. In Gmail on desktop, click the gear icon in the top right, then click "See all settings".
2. Find the Signature section. Stay on the "General" tab and scroll down to "Signature".
3. Create a new signature. Click "Create new", give the signature a name (for example "Work"), and click Create.
4. Add your signature content. Type your signature, or paste a formatted one. To paste a designed HTML signature with your photo, colors and links, build it in the free signature generator and use its "Copy for Gmail" button, then paste straight into this box with Ctrl+V or Cmd+V.
5. Set your signature defaults. Below the editor, choose which signature to use "FOR NEW EMAILS" and "ON REPLY/FORWARD". Most people set the full signature for new emails and a shorter one, or none, for replies.
6. Save. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click "Save Changes". Send yourself a test email to check it.

Gmail mobile app

The Gmail app on iPhone and Android has a separate, text-only mobile signature: open the app, tap Menu, then Settings, choose your account, and tap "Mobile signature" (Android) or "Signature settings" (iOS). It cannot show images or formatting. If you leave it off, Gmail uses no signature on mobile; it does not fall back to your desktop signature.

Common problems

Formatting disappears when pasting: paste with Ctrl+V or Cmd+V, not "paste without formatting". The signature must be copied as rich text, which is what the generator's "Copy for Gmail" button does.

Image not showing: Gmail signatures need images that are either pasted in as part of rich text or hosted online. If recipients see a broken icon, use a hosted image URL in your signature instead of a file upload.

Signature not appearing on sent mail: check the "FOR NEW EMAILS" dropdown is actually set to your new signature, and that you saved at the bottom of the settings page.

Related guides

How to add a signature in Outlook  •  How to add a signature in Apple Mail