New message · technical guide
Understand why HTML signatures outperform plain text, how table-based layouts work, and how to create one without writing code.
Create your signatureRe: What it is
An HTML email signature uses structured markup — tables and inline styles — to create a formatted, branded signature that looks consistent across email clients. Unlike plain text signatures, HTML signatures support logos, brand colors, clickable links, and precise formatting. They're the standard for professional business email.
Re: How it works
Step 1
Open BrandFooter's free generator and choose a template. Enter your name, job title, contact info, and brand colors. We handle all the HTML behind the scenes — table-based layouts, inline styles, and email client compatibility.
Step 2
Once you're happy with the preview, click 'Copy HTML'. This copies your fully formatted, email-client-compatible HTML signature to your clipboard.
Step 3
Open your email client's signature settings (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, etc.) and paste the HTML. Your formatted signature is ready to use immediately — no coding or manual adjustments needed.
Re: Why it works
Key benefits of adding an HTML signature to your email signature.
Re: Doing it well
Best practices to get the most out of this feature.
Re: Common questions
Common questions about an HTML signature in email signatures.
An HTML email signature uses structured HTML markup — specifically tables with inline CSS styles — to create a formatted, branded signature. Unlike plain text, it can include logos, brand colors, clickable links, and precise layouts that look consistent across email clients.
Plain text signatures can't include logos, brand colors, clickable links with custom text, or structured layouts. HTML signatures create a professional, branded impression in every email. They're the standard for business communication.
No. Tools like BrandFooter generate all the HTML for you automatically. You just fill in your details, customize the design visually, and copy the output. No coding knowledge required.
Yes, Gmail fully supports HTML signatures. The key constraint is that Gmail strips <style> tags, so all CSS must be inline — applied directly on each HTML element. BrandFooter generates signatures this way automatically.
Outlook desktop uses Microsoft Word to render HTML email, which doesn't support modern CSS properties like flexbox, grid, or many shorthand properties. Table-based layouts with inline styles are essential for Outlook compatibility — and exactly what BrandFooter produces.
The most common issues are: div-based layouts instead of tables, CSS in <style> tags instead of inline, images using HTTP instead of HTTPS, or CSS properties not supported by Outlook's Word engine (like border-radius or background-image). BrandFooter avoids all of these pitfalls by design.
Fwd: Worth a look
what a signature generator does
An email signature generator is a tool that turns your details into ready-to-paste, email-safe HTML, sparing you from hand-coding tables.
HTML signature definition
An HTML email signature uses markup to add formatting, images, links, and brand colors to your sign-off. Learn how it differs from plain text.
CSS inlining
Inline CSS puts style rules directly in each HTML tag's style attribute. Gmail and other clients strip style blocks, so email depends on it.
multipart email format
MIME is the internet standard that lets email carry HTML, attachments, and non-ASCII text. It is why HTML signatures can exist at all.
table layout in email
Table-based HTML lays out content with table tags instead of divs and CSS grid. It remains the only reliable layout method inside email clients.
signature that survives dark mode
Design an email signature that survives dark mode. See how Gmail and Outlook shift colors, and keep your logo and text readable either way. Free tool.
Use our free generator to build a professional HTML signature — table-based, inline-styled, and tested across all major email clients. No coding required.
Create your signature