Also...I was so ticked I didn't finish...but ANY html file I use does not appear correctly when I try to use one and no pictures will ever appear regardless of anything I do...

I assume your concern is in placing an image, as HTML (e.g., bold, italics, etc.) are straightforward. An easy way to create a sig with images is to create an email with what you want the sig to look like, using TB HTML toolbar. Then, save as a draft, open in a text editor to extract the generated HTML of just the sig portion into a separate file and use it as the sig file. I just walked through the steps and it worked well.

I am using the latest version of Tbird on a windows laptop and I can't get any signature file to work properly. It also seems very rudimentary. When I search on the internet trying to solve the problem everyone has menus that are far more complex than what I have. It is impossible to even paste a picture into any email either directly or by trying to do it with a menu. No such menu options exist. Can this be correct? WTF??? I just want a proper signature file and to not have to use ffffffing outlook!!!

Are you composing plain text messages or html? The default for each account is in Tools/Account Settings, Composition & Addressing. Images can't be embedded in plain text mail.

https://support.mozillamessaging.com/en-US/kb/signatures

Let's review the basics: you say you cannot get a picture to work. The simplest way is from compose window, click the icon to insert image. That puts an image into the email that is viewable from compose window. Use that for a start and then come back when you want more specifics, as needed. This assumes you have account set to compose with HTML. Getting a sig with image takes a little work, but it goes easily once you start.

I did manage to get it to work correctly by adjusting my settings. Apparently, I couldn't manage to get all the correct things to agree at the same time. HTML was irritating me because of all the spacing issues but once I changed every setting in there I got it to work the way I want. I would never say it is intuitive however. Thanks for your help!