How to Add an Email Signature in Apple Mail

Fast Path: Quick Setup

If you already have your HTML signature code ready, follow these quick steps:

1. Open Mail app → Mail menu → Preferences (⌘,)
2. Click "Signatures" tab
3. Select your email account
4. Click "+" to create new signature
5. Paste your HTML code
6. Set as default
7. Close Preferences

Full Step-by-Step Instructions

For Apple Mail on Mac

1. Open Mail App: Launch the Mail application on your Mac. You can find it in Applications or use Spotlight (⌘ + Space) to search for it.
2. Open Preferences: Click "Mail" in the menu bar at the top of your screen, then select "Preferences" (or press Command + Comma).
3. Navigate to Signatures: In the Preferences window, click the "Signatures" tab. You'll see a list of your email accounts on the left side.
4. Select Your Account: Click on the email account you want to add a signature to from the left sidebar. If you have multiple email accounts, you can create different signatures for each one.
5. Create New Signature:
   • Click the "+" button below the signatures list
   • Give your signature a name (e.g., "Business Signature")
   • The new signature will appear in the list
6. Edit Your Signature: In the signature editor on the right side, paste your HTML signature code. Apple Mail supports rich HTML formatting, including:
   • Text formatting (bold, italic, colors, fonts)
   • Images and logos
   • Links and hyperlinks
   • Tables for layout
7. Set as Default: Make sure your signature is selected and set as the default for this account. You can choose different signatures for different accounts.
8. Save: Close the Preferences window. Your signature will now automatically appear in new emails from this account.

Troubleshooting

Signature Disappears or Doesn't Show

• Not Set as Default: Make sure you've selected the signature as the default for the correct email account in the Signatures preferences.
• Wrong Account: If you have multiple email accounts, make sure you've assigned the signature to the correct account.
• Didn't Save: Make sure you closed the Preferences window to save your changes. Simply editing isn't enough - you need to close Preferences.
• Account Not Selected: When composing a new email, make sure you're using the correct email account that has the signature assigned.

Images Not Displaying

• Use Reliable Hosting: Host images on a reliable server. Apple Mail may have issues with images from untrusted sources.
• Check Image URLs: Make sure image URLs are accessible and use HTTPS when possible.
• File Size: Keep images under 100KB for faster loading.
• Embed vs URL: Apple Mail supports embedded images, but using URLs is more reliable when recipients view your emails in other clients.

Formatting Broken

• Use Inline Styles: Apple Mail prefers inline CSS styles over external stylesheets.
• Simple HTML: Stick to basic HTML tags and inline styles for best compatibility.
• Test Before Using: Always send yourself a test email to see how the signature looks before using it professionally.

Best Practices for Apple Mail Signatures

• Keep It Simple: Apple Mail works best with simple, clean HTML. Avoid overly complex designs.
• Multiple Signatures: Create different signatures for different purposes (business, personal, etc.) and switch between them as needed.
• Regular Updates: Keep your contact information and social links up to date.
• Professional Content: Include only essential information: name, title, company, phone, email, and relevant social links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

Now that you've set up your Apple Mail signature, you might want to:

• Create a professional signature with BrandaSign
• Set up signature for iPhone and iPad
• Learn about optimal image sizes for signatures