Embedded image in html email base64 outlook
A classic challenge!
To embed an image in an HTML email that works in Outlook, you'll need to use a combination of techniques. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Convert the image to Base64
Use a tool like Online-Convert.com or a programming language like Python to convert your image to Base64. You can also use an online Base64 encoder like Base64.io.
Step 2: Create the HTML code
Create an HTML email template with the following structure:
<html>
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
</head>
<body>
<!-- Your email content here -->
<img src="data:image/jpeg;base64,[Base64 encoded image]" alt="Image">
</body>
</html>
Replace [Base64 encoded image]
with the actual Base64 encoded image.
Step 3: Use a fallback for Outlook
Outlook doesn't support the data:
protocol, so you'll need to provide a fallback. Add a cid
attribute to the img
tag:
<img src="cid:image" alt="Image">
Step 4: Add the image as an attachment
Add the image as an attachment to your email. This will allow Outlook to display the image correctly.
Step 5: Use a content ID (CID) in the email
In the email's multipart/mixed
section, add a Content-ID
header that matches the cid
attribute in the img
tag:
<META http-equiv="Content-Type" content="multipart/mixed; boundary="multipart-mixed">
--multipart-mixed
Content-Type: image/jpeg; name="image.jpg"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64
Content-ID: <image>
[Base64 encoded image]
--multipart-mixed--
Putting it all together
Here's the complete HTML email template:
<html>
<head>
<meta charset="UTF-8">
</head>
<body>
<!-- Your email content here -->
<img src="cid:image" alt="Image">
</body>
</html>
<META http-equiv="Content-Type" content="multipart/mixed; boundary="multipart-mixed">
--multipart-mixed
Content-Type: image/jpeg; name="image.jpg"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64
Content-ID: <image>
[Base64 encoded image]
--multipart-mixed--
Tips and Variations
- Make sure to use the correct MIME type (
image/jpeg
) and encoding (base64
) for the image attachment. - If you're using a programming language to generate the email, you can use libraries like
email
in Python ornodemailer
in Node.js to help with the encoding and attachment process. - Some email clients may not support Base64 encoded images. You can provide a fallback image or use a different encoding method, like inline images.
By following these steps, you should be able to embed an image in an HTML email that works in Outlook.