Plain text emails vs html

The age-old debate!

Plain text emails and HTML emails are two different formats used to send emails. Here's a breakdown of each:

Plain Text Emails

• Also known as "plain text" or "ASCII" emails
• Composed of plain text, without any formatting or images
• Sent as a simple text file with a .txt extension
• Can be read by any email client or device, regardless of its capabilities
• Limited formatting options, such as:
  • Font styles (e.g., bold, italic)
  • Font sizes
  • Line breaks
  • Alignment (left, center, right)
• Typically used for:
  • Simple, straightforward messages
  • Automated emails (e.g., transactional emails)
  • Emails that require minimal formatting

HTML Emails

• Also known as "rich text" or "formatted" emails
• Composed of HTML code, which allows for more advanced formatting and design
• Sent as an HTML file with a .html extension
• Can be read by email clients that support HTML, such as most modern email clients
• Offers more advanced formatting options, such as:
  • Images
  • Tables
  • Links
  • Colors
  • Fonts (including custom fonts)
  • Background images and colors
  • Advanced layout and design options
• Typically used for:
  • Marketing emails (e.g., newsletters, promotional emails)
  • Newsletters with complex layouts
  • Emails that require a high level of customization
  • Emails with multimedia content (e.g., videos, images)

Key differences

• Plain text emails are simpler and more accessible, while HTML emails offer more advanced formatting and design options.
• Plain text emails are more suitable for simple, straightforward messages, while HTML emails are better suited for more complex, visually-oriented content.
• HTML emails can be more prone to formatting issues or display problems in older email clients or devices.

Best practices

• Use plain text emails for simple, automated emails or messages that don't require advanced formatting.
• Use HTML emails for marketing emails, newsletters, or emails that require a high level of customization or visual appeal.
• Test your emails in different email clients and devices to ensure they display correctly.
• Keep your HTML emails simple and easy to read, avoiding overly complex designs or too many images.

Ultimately, the choice between plain text and HTML emails depends on your specific needs and goals.