When it comes to email signatures, the right size can make all the difference. Not only can a large signature take up valuable space in your email, but it can also slow down the loading time of your messages. Using a large email signature may further cause some providers to reject your message, while a smaller one may go unnoticed or, worse, leave a bad impression.
So, what is the best email signature size? Should you keep your email signature logo size to a minimum? How small is too small? We've put together a few guidelines to help you determine the best signature size for your needs.
Email Signature Sizes, Dimensions, and Other Components
Selecting the best image format for email signature is a bit complex as there are no rules, but there are still a few key factors you'll need to consider. So, in determining which signature size will successfully promote you and your brand, the two most important elements you need to keep in mind are size and dimensions.
Image Size for Email Signature
The size of the file that will be placed under "Kind Regards" in all your outgoing messages matters for two reasons — first, because a large file will take longer to download, and second, some devices have an automatic image resizing feature turned on by default. A couple of extra seconds may not sound like much, but when you're dealing with hundreds or even thousands of emails a day, it can really add up.
In addition, “heavyweight” emails could get automatically blocked by spam filtering services. So, as a general rule of thumb, we recommend keeping your email signature file size "light" — somewhere under 1MB (1,000KB). Naturally, to achieve this and maintain an attractive banner and logo size for email signature, you may need to try out different file formats. For instance, a compressed JPG file might be better fitted than, say, a lossless PGN that is more lightweight.
In reality, there's no one-size-fits-all solution here, so keep experimenting by using various types/resolution levels of attachments. Do this until you are certain that your email signature image size will not be causing any performance glitches.
Email Signature Dimensions
The second most important aspect of your email signature is its dimensions. Basically, dimensions are important because they determine how much space your signature will take up in your message. You don't want your signature to be so large that it takes up half the screen, but you also don't want it to be so small that it's barely noticeable.
Practice shows that for optimal email signature dimensions, you should keep it between 300-600 pixels wide and 70-100 pixels high. This will give you enough space to showcase your logo, especially if you choose to use a dedicated logo design agency and still provide a link to your website without being too intrusive. Of course, depending on the type of business you're in, you may want to adjust these dimensions accordingly. For example, if you're a graphic designer or photographer, you may want to increase the size of your signature so that it's more visually appealing.
Keep in mind that while you can manipulate the height of your email signature more freely, if you do so with width, it will either get cut off or push the text of your message to the side. If you absolutely must have a wider signature for readability across all devices, we recommend using CSS or PSD to HTML conversion services to scale it. Also, it is a good idea to use a more complex email signature template for new emails but use a different, simpler one for replies and forwards to avoid cluttering the mailbox.
Email Signature Logo Size
Given that 75% of people recognize a brand by its logo, using your email signature to display your company logo is a great way to increase brand awareness and create a more professional image. But as with everything else, there's a right way and a wrong way to go about it. The most common mistake is using an image that's too large. Remember, you want your email signature to be noticeable but not intrusive, and a big, bulky logo will definitely fall into the latter category.
As far as the best size for an email signature logo goes, although there is no right answer, we recommend using an image that's no larger than 200x200 pixels, preferably in PGN format. This way, your logo will be visible without taking up too much space or slowing down your message. If you're worried that a 200x200 pixels image will be too small, remember that you can always use a hyperlink to your website where people can view a larger version of your logo.
Email Signature Banner Size
Facts about branding show that another way to boost your company's popularity is to use an email signature banner. A banner is a horizontal image that spans the width of your signature and typically contains important information like your company's contact details or tagline. It can also display new content or special offers and can be used to divert the recipients' attention to key details about your brand, such as your company's website and the products or services it offers.
But banners are also a visual feature, and when it comes to email banner dimensions, it is advisable to adhere to some standards so that it is easily viewable on any device. To ensure that your banner is not overwhelming and looks good in any preview pane, we recommend using images that are between 600 and 700 pixels wide and 100 and 200 pixels high. This way, your banner will be visible without taking up too much space in the message.
Signing Off
As with everything else, there is no perfect email signature size, and the dimensions that work for one company may not be ideal for another. However, by following the guidelines set out in this article, you can create an email signature that's both professional and visually appealing. And if you're still not sure what size is right for you, remember that you can always experiment until you find a look that best describes you and your brand.
Email Signature Size FAQs
What size should an email signature be?
Ideally, your email signature should be 650 pixels wide, but since there is no specific rule, anything between 300-600 pixels wide and up to 100 pixels high is satisfactory. If you are using both email signature and banner, it is good to keep both images the same size.
What is the email signature size for Outlook?
Like most popular email providers, Outlook does not limit its users to using a particular size for an email signature though there are some recommendations for it to range between 170 pixels high and 200 pixels wide. In regards to image size, Outlook suggests keeping it around 650 pixels.
What is the email signature size for Gmail?
Gmail does not have any specific rules for email signature size but if you want to get the best results, try keeping it between 70 to 100 pixels high and 300-400 pixels wide. According to Google, the maximum email signature image size is 1,000 pixels wide and 100 pixels high.
