Gmail HTML signature showing as plain text

Amy Lockwood
Amy Lockwood
Co-Founder & Head of App and Web Design (15+ Years Experience)
Updated On: Feb 11, 2025
Gmail

If you paste your HTML signature into Gmail and it shows it as plain text, here is how to fix it, so that it shows as HTML or Rich Text instead.

Gmail HTML signature showing as plain text

If you paste your HTML signature into Gmail and it shows it as plain text, here is how to fix it, so that it shows as HTML or Rich Text instead.

gmail plain text on

Step 1: Compose a new email

When composing a new email in Gmail, click on the down arrow icon, next to the trash can icon in the right bottom hand corner of the compose window, see image.

You should see a tick next to the option "Plain Text". You need to uncheck the option "Plain Text" by clicking on it.

gmail rich text on

Step 2: Re-Install your Gmail Signature

Now you need to re-install your signature into Gmail. Open your HTML signature in a browser or if you are using Email Signature Rescue, open your signature in full screen preview while in edit mode.

  • Use Ctrl + A (PC) or Command + A (Mac) to highlight all of the signature.
  • Use Ctrl + C (PC) or Command + C (Mac) to copy all of the signature.
  • Use Ctrl + V (PC) or Command + V (Mac) to paste the HTML signature into Gmail's signature settings. Press save.

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When you paste your email signature into the signature box in Gmail's settings, you should now see your signature as Rich Text (HTML), rather than plain text. You should also see your signature as HTML when composing an email too.

Using Browser Extension

If you're using our Free Browser Extension to install and automatically update your your Gmail signature, please uninstall and reinstall the signature to see the changes.

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Amy Lockwood is the Co-Founder of Email Signature Rescue with over a decade of experience in HTML email signatures for 60+ email clients, apps and CRM software including Outlook, Gmail, Apple Mail. She is the Head Designer of the Email Signature Rescue apps and website.

📩 Need help with your HTML email signatures? Contact Amy at emailsignaturerescue.com.

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