Google’s email services, GMail, is great. It offers so many great features, but lacks one that many find essential to a great email program – a HTML signature.
Gmail is more than 5 years old and finally out of Beta, but for some reason the Googlers still don’t see the necessity of an HTML signature.
There are many hacks available on the Internet, but many of them are browser specific and for that matter computer specific. This means that your HTML signature resides in a specific browser on a computer. Though you can duplicate the install on multiple computers it’s not that streamlined, to say the least.
There is an easier way that is cross browser and multiple computer friendly.
What’s Needed
- A GMail Account (duh)
- An HTML Text Editor or a WYSIWYG Editor
- Web Browser
- Canned Responses (GMail Lab Feature)
Let’s Get Started
First, you’re going to need to code up your signature in HTML. You have to use some deprecated code, because email systems don’t support external stylesheets and other newer coding standards.
Tables are a must (and this is the only time you’ll ever hear me say it) if you wan’t any layout to your signature.
Okay, I have my HTML Signature coded now what?
Well, first you have to save it as a .html or .htm file. Then open it up in your favorite flavor of browser. I suggest Firefox (that’s where this worked the best).
Once it’s previewed in the browser window, open another tab and open up your GMail. Now go to to your GMail Labs area and enable Canned Responses.
Now click on compose. Go back to the other tab with your previewed HTML signature. Highlight the HTML signature and copy it (command+C or ctrl+C). Go back to your GMail and paste it into your email.
Now go up to your Canned Responses tab and click “Save Canned Response.” Title it what you want.
Now I always suggest giving that email a subject and save it as a draft for safe keeping in case your signature gets screwed up.
