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Why does my email look different in Outlook, and how can I avoid it?

Written by Emma Nilsson
Updated today

If you have noticed that your email looks different in the editor than in Outlook, it is because Outlook may render it differently. There are several reasons this happens, but here are a few possible causes:

HTML Issues


Emails sent from MarketHype (and most other mail providers) are designed using HTML code, and Outlook has specific restrictions on handling and reading this code. Therefore, it could sometimes cause the email to be displayed and rendered differently.

To use a metaphor, if HTML were a language, Outlook could not always translate the language correctly. This could then result in some words being translated incorrectly.

Outlook Version

The version of Outlook being used can also affect how an email is rendered. Newer versions of Outlook may handle HTML and CSS code differently than older versions, which can affect the email's appearance.

Image Blocking

Outlook's default setting blocks images in emails, which can affect the email's layout. If the email relies heavily on images to convey information, it may look wrong in Outlook.

User Settings

Finally, the issue might not always be in Outlook but in the user's settings. For example, if the user has customized the font size or display settings in Outlook, it may affect how the email is displayed.

What can I do to make my email display correctly in Outlook?


Here are some tips that can help you to create your email so it looks great in Outlook:

Keep Your Email Design Simple

Outlook can struggle with more complex designs, so it's best to stick to a simple layout. Avoid using too many images, complicated structures, or multiple fonts and colors. The recommendation is also to work with one-column rows.

The simpler your design is, the more likely it is that Outlook will render it correctly.

Work in the same email row/block

Creating new rows/blocks for each piece of content you add to your design, you make the email heavier and more complex for Outlook to read. If you instead try to work in the same row/block as much as possible, this will have a better effect on the email design.

Copy and paste as plain text (without formatting)

Sometimes it's easier to copy text from another tool, website, etc. But always paste it in the editor as plain text to avoid bringing unwanted formatting.

Even if the formatting looks fine in the editor or preview, it may appear incorrectly when the email is sent.

Use Web-safe Fonts

Not all fonts are supported by Outlook, so it's best to stick to web-safe fonts like Arial, Verdana, and Times New Roman. The fonts available in MarketHype are either Web-safe or Web fonts, and this article explains the differences between them.

Test Your Email

Always test your email in different Outlook versions to ensure it renders correctly. You can use tools like Litmus or Email on Acid to test your email in different email clients and devices.

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