How to Add Animated Clip Art to Microsoft Outlook
By Jesse Adams
Adding an image or animation to an email or an email signature can add spice and pizazz to your message. Images can add deeper understanding of a topic; share events, like a birthday party; or express ideas, such as a funny political cartoon. As most professionals use Microsoft Outlook for email purposes, it is beneficial to understand how to insert images and animations into an email or create an email signature with these features.
Insert an Animated Image into an Email
Step 1
Create a new message in Outlook by clicking "File" and navigating to "New" and clicking on "Message."
Step 2
Type your email as you normally would, leaving room to add the picture later.
Step 3
Insert the animation you wish to send by moving your cursor to the area of the email you want to put the animation in. Click the "Insert" menu at the top of the screen and navigate to "Picture."
Step 4
Choose the animation you wish to send. You can choose from a file stored locally on your computer or select a preexisting animation from Outlook's clip art gallery.
Step 5
Send the message with its animation to the recipient by clicking the "Send" button in the corner of the window.
Insert an Animated Image into a Signature
Step 1
Create a new message in Outlook and type your signature.
Step 2
Insert the image or animation you wish to add to the signature in the appropriate place by moving the cursor to the desired location. Click the "Insert" menu at the top of the screen, navigate to "Picture" and select the appropriate picture.
Step 3
Highlight the text and image and click "Edit" and select "Copy."
Step 4
Open the "Tools" menu at the top of the screen in the main Outlook window and selection the "Options" button.
Step 5
Click the "Mail Format" tab.
Step 6
Click the "Signatures" button under the "Signatures" section.
Step 7
Click "New" in the "Create Signature" box.
Step 8
Name the signature and click "Next."
Step 9
Paste the signature you created by placing the cursor in the white text box and pressing "Ctrl+V" on your keyboard.
Step 10
Click "Finish."
Step 11
Click "OK" in the "Create Signature" box.
Step 12
Click "OK" in the "Mail Format" menu.
References
Tips
- You can repeat the signature steps to create additional signatures to use in different scenarios, such as one for business purposes and one for personal emails.
Warnings
- Excessive use of animation in email can be seen as unprofessional. It is best to use animations sparingly.
Writer Bio
Jesse Adams has written professionally since 2008. He writes tutorials for technology products and websites. His work has been featured by the "International Business Times," GeekBeat.tv and other publications. Adams holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Indiana University, and is currently working on his PhD in Literature.