Skip to content

Outlook signature image not showing

Most of the time the image is fine, and the reader's Outlook is blocking pictures from the internet: classic Outlook does that by default, and they can select Download Pictures to see it. If nobody can see it, the image link isn't public, isn't https, or the picture was added in a way Outlook turns into an attachment.

Email signature generatorUpdated 3 min read

Work through the causes below, starting with the most common.

1. The reader's Outlook blocks pictures

Microsoft says classic Outlook is set by default to block automatic picture downloads from the internet, to protect against harmful content and tracking pixels. A linked signature image counts as one of those pictures.

The reader can show them:

  • For one email: select the InfoBar at the top of the message, then Download Pictures.
  • For everything from you: right-click the blocked image and choose Add Sender to Safe Senders List.
  • For all emails: in classic Outlook, File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings, then clear Don't download pictures automatically in HTML e-mail messages or RSS items.

In Outlook for iOS and Android, images download automatically unless the reader or their IT admin has turned on Block external images; then they tap the banner at the top of the email. Outlook.com loads outside images through an image proxy and may show "Connection not secure" if the proxy is turned off in Privacy and data settings.

You can't change any of this from your side. Make sure your signature still reads well without the picture: your name and details as text, not inside an image.

2. The image link isn't public

If your signature links to an image online, the link has to open for anyone, without signing in. Paste it into a private browser window to check. Links to files in your own cloud storage often only work for you. Use an image on your website instead.

The link should also start with https://. The generator below only accepts https image links for this reason.

3. The picture became an attachment

Microsoft warns that VML tags in a signature can make some parts arrive as attachments instead of inline images. That can happen when you paste a signature made in another program. Insert pictures with Outlook's Image button instead, or use a signature that links to its image.

4. You're on your phone

Mail on iPhone only takes text in its signature, Apple says, so an image signature set up there won't work. Send from your computer, or keep your mobile signature as text.

Rebuild the signature with a linked image

If your signature keeps breaking, start again with a clean one. Fill in your details, add your logo's https link under Photo or logo URL, press Copy signature and paste it into Outlook's signature settings.

Email signature generator

Open the full tool

It's a plain table with the image linked by its https address, its size set and no VML. The tool doesn't host your image, so upload it to your website first.

For the full steps to add a picture, see Outlook signature with image. If the whole signature is missing, see why your Outlook signature disappeared.

Sources

Questions

Why isn't my image showing up in my Outlook signature?

Most often the reader's Outlook blocks pictures from the internet, which classic Outlook does by default. They can select Download Pictures in the bar at the top of the email. Otherwise, check the image link is public and starts with https://.

How do I get an image in my signature on Outlook?

In classic Outlook, open a new email, select Signature > Signatures and use the Image button. In Outlook for Mac, use See more items (...) in the Signature editor. Or paste a signature that already includes the image.

Why are images not being copied into my Outlook signature?

If you copy a signature from a web page and the picture is missing, insert it with Outlook's Image button instead, or paste a signature whose image is an https link to a public picture. Microsoft also warns that VML tags can turn signature pictures into attachments.