Formatting Tips

Formatting Tips

When editing a broadcast message, you have access to a powerful editor (CKEditor) that allows for rich text (HTML) editing. However, it's important to be aware of potential issues related to HTML formatting in broadcast emails to ensure they look good for all recipients.

Different Email Clients

Recipients will view your emails in various email clients like Outlook, Gmail, or Entourage. Since your emails are HTML-formatted, similar to web pages, not all email clients display them consistently (especially Outlook).

Here are some tips to consider:

1. Keep it simple: Simple formatting reduces the likelihood of formatting problems on the receiving end.

2. Use tables for arranging items in a grid or columns: Tables are more compatible with older email clients and cause fewer issues. Avoid using spaces to create columns as they may render inconsistently.

3. Avoid copying and pasting from Word: Copying and pasting often brings non-standard markup that can look strange to recipients. Instead, use the paste-as-text tool and reapply formatting within the email editor.

4. Add margin to images: Right-click on the image, select image properties, and enter 10-12 in HSpace and VSpace to create some space around the image. This prevents text from appearing too close to the image and looking crowded.

5. Set image alignment: Use image properties to set alignment. This determines how the text wraps around the image, either left or right.

6. Keep font usage simple and consistent: Stick to one font and use size or bolding only for subheadings or emphasis. Excessive bolding can make it difficult for important text to stand out.

7. Limit and simplify color usage: Avoid overusing colors as it can undermine their purpose and may trigger spam filters.

By following these tips, you can create well-formatted emails that consistently appear good across different email clients and ensure a positive experience for your recipients.