Guides
Gmail signature image not showing
Usually the picture's address isn't public, so it can't load for the reader: a Google Drive image that isn't shared publicly, or a picture that only lives on your computer or behind a sign-in. If the address is public, check plain text mode, the reader's image setting, and whether the signature is hidden behind “Show trimmed content” in a reply.
The usual causes
1. A Google Drive image that isn't shared publicly
Google says a Drive image in a signature needs its sharing set to public, and that it stops showing if the image file, or a Google Doc holding it, is deleted.
2. An image address that isn't public
Google says an image added by web address must be publicly available on the web. A picture on your computer, or a link that needs you to be signed in, has no public address the reader can load.
3. Plain text mode
If “Plain Text” shows above the signature box, Google says to turn off plain text mode before you edit the signature.
4. The reader's image setting
Gmail shows external images unless the reader chose “Ask before displaying external images”. Google also says Gmail may ask first for a message it thinks is suspicious.
5. The signature is hidden in a reply
Google says a signature can sit below the message, after two dashes, behind “Show trimmed content”. The picture is there, just folded away.
If you're the sender
- 1.In Gmail on the web, open Settings > See all settings, and find the Signature section.
- 2.If “Plain Text” shows above the signature box, turn off plain text mode.
- 3.Replace the picture with one from a public HTTPS address. For a Drive image, set its sharing to public first.
- 4.Click “Save Changes”, then send yourself a test.
If you're the reader
- 1.Use the option in the message to show its images.
- 2.To show them by default, open Settings > See all settings, and under Images choose “Always display external images”, then save.
How Email Signature Gen handles this
The photo and logo in a signature from Email Signature Gen are linked from a public HTTPS address on your host, so Drive sharing and files on your computer don't come into it. You paste the Gmail version and there's nothing else to upload.
A reader who has Gmail set to ask before showing external images still has to allow them. We can't change that setting.
Questions
Why does my logo show for me but not for others?
The picture may come from a place only you can open: a file on your computer, a private Drive file, or a link that needs your sign-in. Readers need a public address.
Can I host my signature logo on Google Drive?
Google says the image's sharing must be set to public, and that it stops showing if the file is deleted. A host made for signature images avoids both.
Why is my signature missing from a reply?
Gmail may have folded it behind “Show trimmed content” at the bottom of the message. Click it to see the signature.