Using HTML in your signature is not as straight forward as setting up a plain text signature, however. It is not even as easy as using HTML formatting in the rest of your message.
This is because HTML signatures in Windows Mail and Outlook Express are outsourced and offshored to external files. But fret not, here's how to do it. All you need is some basic HTML knowledge, though you'll do fine even without that.
Use Rich HTML Formatting in Your Windows Mail or Outlook Express Signature
To use rich formatting in your email signature in Windows Mail or Outlook Express:
- ›› Step by Step Screenshot Walkthrough (using Outlook Express)
- Create the signature's HTML code in your favorite text editor.
- Make sure you use only the code you would also use inside the <body> of an HTML document.
- See the screenshot walkthrough for an example.
- See below for an easy way to generate the HTML.
- Save it to an .html file in your My Documents folder.
- Select Tools | Options... from the menu in Windows Mail or Outlook Express.
- Go to the Signatures tab.
- Highlight the desired signature.
- Make sure File is selected under Edit Signature.
- Use the Browse... button to select the signature HTML file you have just created.
- Click OK.
- Test your new signature.
Leverage the Windows Mail or Outlook Express Message Editor
If you don't want to type the HTML by hand (or use an HTML editor) you can do it in Windows Mail or Outlook Express easily and comfortably:
- ›› Step by Step Screenshot Walkthrough (using Outlook Express)
- Create a new message in Windows Mail or Outlook Express.
- Type and design your signature using the formatting tools.
- Go to the Source tab.
- Select the content between <body> and </body>.
- Press Ctrl-C.
- Create a new file in your favorite text editor.
- Press Ctrl-V.
- Continue as above.
