HTML email build guidelines
our top 10 html email build tips
| 1. |
The final file size of the html should be less than 20k. |
| 2. |
Maximum email width 600 pixels (median 550)Recommended Depth 600 (though can go deeper if need be) |
| 3. |
HTML should be produced to the HTML 4.01 Transitional specification. |
| 4. |
The Body tag should not contain any attributes as this tag is removed in Hotmail and limited in other clients. |
| 5. |
Background images should not be used in tables where the mailing list contains large numbers of Lotus Notes users, or should be included in a way that will degrade suitably. |
| 6. |
Executable file attachments should not be sent and JavaScript or client side VB Script should be avoided. |
| 7. |
Image files should be placed on a server and their path exposed in the mailing html. |
| 8. |
Style sheets should be included as a code block within the html and below the <B0DY> tag, or passed as inline parameters to HTML selectors. 8. It is best to use custom style classes, as style parameters will cascade to all selectors within the document including those added at the server. |
| 9. |
If printing is a concern the maximum width should be 468 pixels. This is equal to 6.5 inches, leaving an inch margin on each side for printing on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. |
| 10. |
Avoid designs that implement a flush left and/or top alignment. Web-based email clients such as Hotmail, Yahoo and AOL Mail put a 10-20 pixel margin on the left and top of the email message. This offsets the email from any window borders, ruining a flush design. The one pixel border technique works well as a general design container (using the pencil tool with a square one pixel brush). |
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