NOTE: If you want complex signatures like those SkullKid makes, do no read this thread. Please go to a signature shop or make your own signature.

Okay, first of all... Signatures are not hard to make yourself, unless you want complex ones like the ones mentioned before. Anyway, all signature-making takes is a few saved pictures, "paint" on the computer desktop, and a little determination.

Anyway, on with the guide...


Step 1: Get Saved Pictures

Be sure to get all the pictures you would like in your signature before you start to make it.

Here are the pictures I used to make the upcoming signature...

<img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/drsummons/blaziken.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"><img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/drsummons/typhlosion.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com"><img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/drsummons/fire2.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

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Step 2: Open Paint

Open the Paint accessory that is on the computer. Go to Start, then Accessories, then Paint.

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Step 3: Adjust the Background

Fix the size of the background so it can come to a size fit for a signature.

Here is a picture of the result...

<img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/drsummons/sigguide-pic1.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

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Step 4: Add the Characters

After you adjust the background to a normal signature, add the main characters/pictures/etc that will be part of the signature.

Here is a picture of when I added characters...

<img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/drsummons/sigguide-pic2.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

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Step 5: Fix the Characters

If you want to spice up your signature, you can add more pictures to it if you want to. Or, you can change colors...

Here is a picture of when I used the "Invert Colors" function...

<img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/drsummons/sigguide-pic3.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

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Step 6: Add a Caption (Optional)

If you would like to add text to your signature, press the "A" on the left-side panel on the Paint screen. This should let you create a box where you can type something. Usually people put their username, but do whatever pleases you...

Here is a picture of when I added text...

<img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b278/drsummons/sigguide-pic4.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

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Step 7: Save

Once you are certain that you have completed your signature, save it.

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Step 8: Load (on Website)

Bring your completed signature to a website that can hold your pictures on the internet. Prefered sites would be Photobucket and Imageshack.

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Step 9: Load (on Forums)

Once you have your signature uploaded onto the website, copy the tag and bring it to the Forums. Go to your profile and scroll down to the signature part. Paste the tag and press submit. And there you have it! .

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Tricks

Here are some things you can do to your signature...

Remove Character Background (Contributed by Goldenprince)

Some characters retain their background they had before you pasted them onto your signature. To get rid of them, go to Image on the Paint screen. Click on Draw Opaque. This should get rid of the background that was there before.

Invert Colors

To make the pictures on the signature (or the whole signature itself) have gothic-like looks, go to Image on the Paint screen. Then click on Invert Colors. This should turn the characters (or signature) into a black, shadowy-like look. Very cool indeed .


Okay, well, thats how I made my signatures... Hope it helps!

one thing u forgot..when u paste..if u use the program paint...use a white background then go to the image thingy beside the file and edit button.click it and ull see a few options.click the word draw opaque and it will have a transparent background for ur background so u could ..u get what i mean..u just put the picture on and the picture doesnt have a background.it just uses the background there is instead.so...that sig u made the pictures have their own background wich covers the background u have there..thats bad so u should just do what i told u.
oh and do u know how to make transparent backgrounds and animations?if u do i want to learn.

Kewl, I will add that to the thread... Thank u!

do u know how to make transparent gifs and animations?id be glad to learn...

Nope, sorry dude. I only know how to make very basic signatures... Try asking some of the Sig Shop owners.

Wow this a great guide I've always been wondering how to make sigs I just have one question do you know how to change the size of the text? edit: nevermind I figured it out

Nice guide, taught me a thing or 2,

i have a question. i went to imageshack, but how do i load my pic on it so i can paste it onto my signiture?

Well I couldn't work out how to use Imageshack either so I prefer Photobucket, put the wanted picture in your profile thingy then underneath it it say's [IMG] then it has a code, type in that code into your profile.

Thanks!

Thank you for the guide, really useful!

thanks now i know how to make a easy and simple banner...

Thank Dr. You created this just in time as I was going to try to make my first signature. I suppose it's good for a first try, but if you give me a few years when I'm on my own I'll get a job to by a better computer.

A nice easy-to-read guide!

I'm not sure if this has been ask but how do you center your sig. I tried the [center] thing.

It's this:

not [center]

you can use the print screen button to grab Images from other files. you know, not paint files.

WARNING: this is risky because, when abused, you can easly violate copy rights. fortunatly, some newer programs have somthing that messes up pictures taken that way.
This can also Be used To STEAL art. DO NOT STEAL ART! there should be a way to prosacute art theves.

I use this to get color blended backrounds off microsoft Power point. I aslo get Word art this way. it also works with word, but you can place word art over a sig without the white outline on Powerpoint. you can also add some transparancy to a pic, then Print screen, move to paint, and upload it!

Oh ok yeah some use that some use the other. I'd never been to a site that has used this one though.

Just like he says.

<center>Like this!</center>

To Create a Trainers card go on Search..

One thing i dun have 'paint' on my computer....

Nyargh!

You must have it, it comes with Windows... I think... Bleh.

Start > Programs > Accessories > Paint!

i have a question why does the pictures all in the first post not appraer