Signatures in Thunderbird

You can specify a file to be included at the end of every message you send. Many people use this as their "signature," often including their title, address, phone number, pithy saying, etc. (Etiquette says your signature file should only be a few lines long.) You can use any text file, including HTML code if you like. And, when you are composing your message, you can edit the signature text just like any other text in your message.

Note: In its default configuration, you can only have one signature file, which gets included at the end of every message you send. There are extensions that allow you to use multiple signatures.

Step one, create a signature file. Step two, tell Thunderbird to use it.

Step One: Create a Signature File

You can use any text file for your signature. You can also include HTML code (for example, bolding, colors, font-size changes), although for some messages (such as commands sent to e-list managers) you may want to stay with plain text.

All operating systems come with simple text editors. You can also use a word processing program (like Microsoft Word) to enter your signature text, then save as a text file, not as a formatted Word document. If you use HTML code, make sure your filename ends with the ".html" extension. For example, mysignature.html One caution: If you decide to use formatting codes, make sure you've set Thunderbird to allow you to send formatted text. See our Options page for more information.

If you want to use HTML, but don't know how to create the code, we've got an HTML Signatures in Thunderbird page to help you.

Step Two: Tell Thunderbird

To set the signature option, use Thunderbird's menus to select Tools - Account Settings. Click on the name of your account, as shown in the screenshot. Make sure the box next to Attach this signature is checked. Click Choose and navigate to the file you created in step one. Click OK to close this dialog box when you're done.