There are two options available when you wish to add images to a signature design - you can either add a logo/image by embedding it directly into the signature or hosting it externally and linking to it.
Most email clients display logos/images in an email signature without any significant issues. However, there are benefits to choosing one method over the other.
Here we will go over the differences between embedded images and linked images. We will also cover the pros and cons of both.
Embedded images
Embedded images are images that are physically attached to the email or signature by uploading them from a local directory. These are sent with the email, which affects the email's file size.
Pros
- Always on the initial email sent
- Can be seen by all recipients
Cons
- Can be removed by the mail client, device, or internal system
- Increases the file size of the email
- Image quality degrades over multiple responses.
Linked images
Linked images are hosted on a publicly facing web server, such as your company's web directory. The images are referenced in the email signature itself but are never added to the email as a physical element.
Pros
- Does not get removed by the mail client, device, or internal system
- Does not lose quality over time
- Does not affect the file size of the email
Cons
- Must require an internet connection to view the images
- Some mail clients require you to Click here to download pictures before viewing them.
- Requires a publicly facing web storage, such as your company's web directory, or an alternative image hosting site such as OneDrive or Google Drive.
Which option is suitable for you?
It would help if you considered how your customers view the emails you send them:
- If many of your customers use email clients like Outlook, then embedded images are probably the way to go.
- If many of your customers view your emails on mobile devices, we recommend using linked images.