If the subject line of an email is the attention getter, then the signature is the lasting impression you make on the reader.
Email signature fonts play an important role in shaping your tone as a professional and showcasing your personality. With so many other components in an email, both in terms of content and design, it can be easy to overlook the sendoff.
Fonts matter. As you take a look at this blog post on your screen, are you thinking about the font used? If this blog post were written in Papyrus, that might make for a distracting read. For email signatures, the font you choose is even more pertinent because it is your sign off. If you sign off an email using Comic Sans, the impression you leave might be childish and unprofessional.
However, you can set the optimal tone in your email by selecting the best signature font.
Why an Email Signature Matters
Your email signature is the impression you make — it is the closure of your email. People read emails on an array of devices, so it is imperative that your email signature is compatible with different devices. In addition to the font, the email signature font size should also be taken into consideration. Readability is key.
When you sign off from a professional email account, you are also representing the company or organization you work for. Choosing a professional signature font shows you and the place you work for in a positive light.
How to Choose a Signature Font
While an email signature may seem straightforward, there are many factors to consider when choosing a signature font: the size, color, and font itself. In this section, I will cover what to look for.
Size
Size matters for readability. Too small, and the reader won’t be able to see it. At the same time, you don’t want your font to be so large that it becomes obtrusive. You most certainly don’t want the font size of your signature to overpower the body text. The recommended font size for your email signature is 11 to 13.
Color
When it comes to color, aim for legibility. Colors too light like yellow or too bright like red make your email signature hard to read. Choose classic colors like black or navy blue. It also helps to make your email signature the same color as the email body for consistency. Try not to use too many colors — it is best to use 2 to 3 at most to avoid overwhelming the reader.
Font
The wrong font can leave a negative impression on the reader. Using a heavily stylized font can hinder legibility. Custom fonts may not be compatible across different platforms.
Web safe fonts, also known as “sans serif” fonts, are used for digital platforms. These fonts are readable since they aren’t complicated or ornate. Devices like Windows and Mac come pre-installed with web safe fonts.
Additionally, web safe fonts are compatible with different browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. These fonts include: Arial, Arial Black, Calibri, Courier New, Georgia, Helvetica, Lucida, Tahoma, Times New Roman, Trebuchet, and Verdana.
For a detailed guide of how to pick and choose the best fonts for marketing, including emails, check out this post.
15 Best Fonts for Email Signatures
The following fonts meet the requirements for legibility and compatibility across different platforms.
Arial
Calibri
Courier New
Garamond
Georgia
Helvetica
Lato
Lucida Sans
Open Sans
Oswald
Roboto
Poppins
Tahoma
Times New Roman
Trebuchet MS
You need to choose an ideal email signature font.
An email signature may be the last part of your email, but that doesn’t mean it should be an afterthought. Your attention to detail will pay off. Selecting the right font can help you convey your personality and professionalism, leaving a lasting impression.
Need help figuring out the right email style for you? Elevate your emails with HubSpot’s email marketing tools – including our Email Signature Generator.
