Add an HTML signature to my Thunderbird mail account in Linux/Ubuntu
Thunderbird does support HTML – and plain text – signatures, but the way you configure and install it is a bit more tricky than with mainstream mail programs:
You need to create a signature file. A signature file may be formatted or unformatted. Mozilla states (incorrectly) that formatted signature files will only be visible to those who can view HTML files and recommend the use of an unformatted signature if possible. My experience is that if they can’t see HTML, they’ll still see your signature file, it’ll just be formatted incorrectly.
For an unformatted signature file, create a new file in Notepad or your favorite text-only editing program. For example, you could create the file in MS Word and then select File / Save As and select type Text Only.
For a formatted signature file, create a new file in MS Word. Then select File / Save as Web Page. This will create a *.htm file. Or, if you have some experience with HTML, you can create this signature file directly. Just remember that any graphics you include will have to be hosted somewhere on the Internet, and that they’ll force your recipients to access the ‘net every time they read your email.
Once you have a file containing the signature you want, you’ll need to activate the signature file, and this is the step that’s a bit tricky:
- Click on Tools –> Account Settings
- Click on the email account in the top left corner of the screen that is your active account.
- Check the box on the right side of the screen labeled Attach this signature then select the new signature file you’ve just created.
- Click OK.
That should do it, and you should be ready to go with your new Thunderbird signature on your email messages!
