sim.plified.com

With a little bit of HTML and a Mozilla Firefox plugin you can make a pretty slick looking HTML signature for Gmail.

Here is what mine looks like

		Chris Pollock cwpollock@gmail.com my blog | LinkedIn | flickr | del.icio.us

1. Firefox is Required. If you haven't made the switch.. go for it.

2. Download a Firefox Plugin called: Black Canvas Gmail Signatures. You may need to login the the Firefox plugin site to download and install the plugin.  Install and restart your browser.

3. Prepare the HTML. It helps to know a bit about HTML, but if you don't feel free to use my snippet below, inserting your own information where appropriate.

 <table><tbody><tr><td>
<img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2363/2237613114_5ff587490a_o.jpg" />
</td><td></td><td>
<div style="padding-right: 5px; padding-left: 5px;
font-size: 11px; padding-bottom: 5px; color: #666666;
padding-top: 5px"><strong>Chris Pollock</strong>
 <br />

<a href="mailto:cwpollock@gmail.com">cwpollock@gmail.com</a>
<div style="font-size: 10px">
<a href="http://sim.plified.com">my blog</a> |
<a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispollock">LinkedIn</a> |
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pollocks">flickr</a> |
 <a href="http://del.icio.us/cwpollock">del.icio.us</a>
</div></div></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table>

I created a thumbnail avatar (50 by 50 pixels) and uploaded it to Flickr. You'll want to replace the image with your own image. To get the picture URL, click on "All Sizes" on your photo page and get the URL in the text box at the bottom of the page. You can also replace your own list of links below your name and email.

When creating this code you might want to assemble it in a text editor. Notepad will do.

4. After you've installed the plugin , you will see a "create signature" button next to your email address when you go to compose a message. The first time you compose, click that link and add the HTML code that you prepared. Click "Save Signature" and you should be set to go.  If you need more assistance using the plugin, check out the author’s web site.

The new plugin also allows for multiple signatures for the same account, this is a great feature.  I am sure that it could be used to make “templated response” emails.  Great addition!