Skip to main content
All CollectionsEmailHow-to articles - Create and send email
Why does my email look different in Outlook, and how can I avoid it?
Why does my email look different in Outlook, and how can I avoid it?

This article explains why Outlook sometimes renders emails differently compared to the email editor in MarketHype and how you can avoid it.

Emma Nilsson avatar
Written by Emma Nilsson
Updated over 10 months ago

If you have noticed that your email looks differently in the MarketHype email editor compared to Outlook, it is because Outlook might render the email 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 lead to the email being shown and rendered differently, as Outlook cannot generate all the HTML code.

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

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.

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.

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, increases the chances for Outlook to render it correctly.

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 their differences.

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.

Did this answer your question?