In email, what is a signature?

A signature is a brief text message about yourself that you can have your mail client add to your email messages. A signature usually consists of your full name, a preferred email address, brief information about your school, company, site, or occupation, and perhaps a witty remark or quote that you want to share with the world.

For help setting up your mail client to add a signature to your messages, see:

• In Microsoft Outlook for Windows, how do I create and use a signature?
• In Outlook Web Access, how do I add or edit a signature?
• With a BlackBerry, how do I change my signature?
• In Mozilla Thunderbird, how do I create a signature?
• In Netscape Messenger 4.5 or 4.7, or Netscape 7.x Mail, how do I create and use a signature file?

If your mail program is not listed above, consult the help files for your program.

While some people use rather lengthy signatures, it's generally good manners (netiquette) to keep your signature as brief as possible. Some sites limit the length of signature files. Avoid large ASCII text pictures, empty lines, and lengthy quotations when composing your signature file.

Also see:

• In LISTSERV, what can happen if my mailer automatically adds a signature?
• What are some guidelines for email etiquette?
• What are digital signatures, and how can I use them to sign my email messages?