Slick Looking Gmail HTML Signature (Update 1)

Aug 2, 2008

Slick Looking Gmail HTML Signature (Update 1)

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

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!

18 Comments, Comment or Ping

Wade Lucas

hey Chris…thanks for the tips….very much appreciated….

Aug 3rd, 2008
matthew

Chris,
Do you email from your web interface entirely, or do you use a desktop email client as well? If so, does this signature get added to your emails regardless of the platform from which you create it?

Matthew

Aug 7th, 2008
cwpollock

@Matthew

This signature plugin only work while accessing gmail in the browser.

Aug 7th, 2008
Patty

I have dl blankcanvas, but sadly it doesn't appear compatible in the flock browser although flock is based on firefox. Any idea how to work around that and get it to work in flock browser for gmail?
Thanks!

Aug 18th, 2008
cwpollock

@patty

You might try posting something in the forums for the plugin:
http://blankcanvasweb.com/forums/id_1/n_bc_gmail_signatures/

Aug 18th, 2008
..Ant

Dude, thanks for the post. I'm happy now. Life is complete.

Oct 1st, 2008
Ryan Douglas

This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for.

BTW – We are on google apps, and it is working.

Jan 7th, 2009
Majolelo

Thank you very much for the info. Is there anyway to make the signature attached to every email I send? I think currently you have to manually copy and paste the signature to every email I send. Please let me know.

May 15th, 2009
Majolelo

Never mind. Please ignore my previous message. Thank you

May 15th, 2009
Anname

Hi, thanks this helps alot!!
But, I don't have a Flikr account…how do I upload or find the url for a picture on my desktop to add to the signature?
Thanks

May 18th, 2009
Daniel Sato

is there a reason you included your email address in an email signature? shouldnt they already have that since you are, in fact, emailing them?

Aug 21st, 2009
Josh

@daniel html email signatures are the new vcard dumb*ss that's why his email is included

Aug 29th, 2009
David Ho

Hey Chris,

Thanks for taking the time to write that code out – saved me some time . I've been through a couple grease monkey scripts and this new updated black canvas has hit the nail right on the head. If you have any interest in China I semi-regularly rant about my experiences on my blog . Thanks again for the info I'm actually helping out some of my employees set this up now as well!!

-Dave

Sep 4th, 2009
Christopher Chouputra

Thanks for the tip

Nov 11th, 2009
Jon Gibbins

Shame! Looks as if the Firefox Addon is no more.
"Black Canvas" shows no results. Any ideas of any alternative?

Other than that, great tip.
Thanks Chris!

Jon

Dec 5th, 2009
Samuel Lavoie

thanks for the tips, really useful with Mailplane and Gmail!

Dec 11th, 2009
Angel

Nice tip and it works well. Thank a lot!

May 28th, 2010