How to Add an email Signature to Outlook? One of the most widely used email platforms is Microsoft Outlook, which continues to be a cornerstone of professional correspondence.
Did you ever receive an email whose signature impressed you, because it was sleek and informative?
It’s more than a closing note, it’s a digital business card containing your name, title, and contact information.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to create an email signature that leaves a lasting impression on your recipients.
If you’re wondering how to add an email signature to Outlook, you’re in the right place. # How to Add an email Signature to Outlook?
How to Add an Email Signature to Outlook?
A professional and visually appealing email signature can leave a lasting impression on your recipients, whether you’re writing personal emails or business emails.
In addition to serving as a signature, an email signature provides you with an opportunity to showcase your brand, contact info, and identity.
Follow these simple steps to create an impactful email signature that elevates your emails if you’re wondering how to add one to Outlook. # How to Add an email Signature to Outlook?
Step 1: Open Outlook
You need to be logged into the account for which the email signature is being created in Microsoft Outlook.
Step 2: Access Signature Settings
- Select “File” in the top left corner of Outlook.
- “Options” can be selected from the dropdown menu.
Step 3: Navigate to Email Signature Settings
- A sidebar will appear on the left in the Outlook Options window. Click on “Mail” to access settings related to mail.
- Click on “Compose messages” at the bottom of the page.
- Open the Email Signature window by clicking on the “Signatures” button.
Step 4: Create a New Signature
- Choose an email account from the dropdown menu to create the signature for in the Email Signature window.
- A new signature can be created by clicking on the “New” button. # How to Add an email Signature to Outlook?
Step 5: Customize Your Signature
- Make a note of what your signature’s name is. This helps you differentiate between multiple signatures, if you have more than one.
- You can edit your email signature by typing your name, title, company, contact information, and anything else you want.
- If needed, use the formatting toolbar to add hyperlinks, change fonts, sizes, and colors to your signature.
- Click “Insert Picture” and select the image file from your computer to include company logos or personal images.
Step 6: Set Signature Options
- Select the appropriate signature from the dropdown menus under the “Choose default signature” section.
- Leaving the dropdown menu filled with “None” for “Replies/forwards” will make sure your signature is only displayed in new emails, not replies or forwards.
Step 7: Save and Apply
- You can close the Email Signature window once you’re finished designing your email signature by clicking the “OK” button.
- After creating your signature, you can start composing emails with it. Your signature will automatically appear at the bottom.
This step-by-step guide will guide you through the process of creating a professional email signature for Outlook that will reflect your identity and convey confidence and professionalism to your recipients.
Why is Outlook not using my email signature?
This issue could be caused by a number of reasons, as you’ll see below.
Let’s explore some of the most common causes and solutions.
1. Signature Not Set as Default:
For each email account in Outlook, make sure you have set the default signature to your desired signature.
If you have multiple accounts, you can set a different signature for each.
The solution is to go to Outlook Options > Mail > Signatures and ensure that both the new message and reply/forward signature are set correctly.
2. Signature Not Included in Replies/Forwards:
Depending on your Outlook settings, your signature may only appear when you reply or forward an email.
If you have your signature set to only appear in new emails, it will not appear in replies or forwards.
To fix this, make sure to select the correct signature in the Signature settings for both new messages and replies/forwards.
3. Multiple Signatures Created:
Outlook might use another signature than the one you intended if you have created multiple signatures with similar names.
The solution is to make sure the name and signature you use are correct in your Signatures and Stationery window.

4. Plain Text Format:
You might not see some formatting elements in your signature (such as images or hyperlinks) if you are composing emails in plain text format.
If you want to display your entire signature, including images and formatting, compose emails in HTML format.
5. Corrupted Signature Files:
Occasionally, signature files might become corrupted, leading to issues with their display.
A new signature should be created from scratch after deleting the existing one.
6. Microsoft 365 Web Version:
Set up a signature in the web version of Outlook (Microsoft 365 or Outlook on the web) may differ from the desktop version.
In Outlook’s web version, you can create a signature by following the specific instructions.
7. Outlook Version Compatibility:
Signatures might be managed differently in different Outlook versions.
The solution is to make sure you follow the correct steps according to your Outlook version.
8. Third-Party Applications:
Email synchronization tools, such as Outlook’s signature display, may interfere with some third-party applications.
Trying temporarily disabling third-party applications and seeing if the signature appears.
Your IT support or Microsoft’s official support may be able to provide further assistance if none of these solutions work.
Technical glitches occasionally occur, so their support team can provide tailored guidance. # Why is Outlook not using my email signature
How do I make my signature automatic in Outlook 365?
The process of setting up an automatic signature in Outlook 365 (also known as Microsoft 365) is relatively straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Step 1: Access Outlook Settings
- Make sure you’re logged into your Outlook account in Outlook 365.
- To adjust Outlook settings, click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner.
Step 2: Access View All Outlook Settings
- You can access the Outlook settings page by clicking on the “View all Outlook settings” link in the drop-down menu that appears when you click the gear icon.
Step 3: Navigate to Email Signature Settings
- Right-click the “Compose and reply” link in the settings page.
- Creating and customizing your email signature can be found under the “Email signature” section.
Step 4: Create and Customize Your Signature
- There is a rich text editor for creating email signatures in the “Email signature” section.
- Your signature should include your name, job title, contact information, and any other information you would like to include.
- Formatting the signature is easy with the toolbar’s formatting options. You can choose from a variety of fonts, colors, and sizes, as well as add hyperlinks and images.
- You can insert an image by clicking on the image icon in the formatting toolbar and selecting the image from your computer.
Step 5: Save Your Signature
- Once you have customized your signature, click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page to save your changes.
Step 6: Configure Default Signature Settings
- New messages, replies, and forwards can all be customized using the same “Email signature” section.
- If you have created a signature for both cases, you can select the appropriate one from the drop-down menus.
Step 7: Test Your Signature
- Make sure your signature appears automatically at the end of your message by creating a new email or replying to one.
Now that you have configured Outlook 365, composing an email or replying to an email will automatically include your signature.
This will save you time and ensure consistency in your communication. # make my signature automatic in Outlook 365
Conclusion
You can use your email signature to convey both your personal branding and your professionalism in modern communication.
This guide will walk you through adding an email signature to Outlook in the simplest way possible.
Remember, your email signature is more than just a sign-off; it represents your expertise, identity, and contact information.
You can establish your credibility and set yourself apart from the crowd by having an impressive email signature, whether you’re a business professional, an entrepreneur, or a freelancer.