Please note: These rendering differences are often due to limitations within Outlook's email client and are not directly related to Nexl Engage.
Common Rendering Issues in Outlook
Email Forwarding: Formatting breaks:
When a recipient forwards your email, the recipient's email client is responsible for rendering the HTML. Outlook often encounters issues during this process, leading to design discrepancies.
Affected Device: Windows PC, Mac
Outlook Version: 2016 and earlier versions
Recommendations:
Keep designs simple: Opt for simpler layouts, such as single-column designs, which tend to hold up better when forwarded.
Here are additional resources that may assist you in understanding forwarded email behavior effectively:
Rendering background image:
Outlook can sometimes have trouble rendering background images in emails, either displaying them incorrectly or not at all.
Affected Device: Windows PC, Mac
Outlook Version: 2016 and earlier versions
Recommendations
Use a fallback background color instead of a background image, as Outlook may not display the image properly.
Use image content for banner or cover photo instead and provide alt text to give recipients context if the image doesn't display.
Gaps between rows/sections.
The presence of unwanted horizontal lines which are gaps between rows is a known issue in Outlook 2016 and earlier versions.
Affected Device: Windows PC, Mac
Outlook Version: 2016 and earlier versions
Recommendations:
Tweak the text size: Experiment with different font sizes to see if it resolves the issue.
Adjust the line height: Changing the line height can sometimes fix the problem.
Horizontal lines in different sections.
Another common issue is the appearance of unwanted horizontal lines.
Affected Device: Windows, Mac
Outlook Version: 2016, Microsoft® Outlook® for Microsoft 365 MSO (Version 2408)
Recommendations:
To ensure consistency in your email’s appearance, match the background color to the body color.
Adjust the font size and line height to even numbers.
Below are related articles that may provide valuable insights into this issue:
Alignment and hyphenation issues:
Text in your email appears justified or hyphenated when viewed in Outlook, even though your design intended left alignment and no hyphenation.
Affected Device: Mac, MS 365 desktop Windows 11 Version 2408
Outlook Version: 2016 and earlier versions
Recommendations:
In Outlook: Turn off "Use Advanced Typography" and "Disable Advanced Typography for outgoing mail.
Below are several helpful resources that may further assist you:
Outlook can present unique rendering challenges, especially in 2016 and earlier versions. By exploring the recommendations provided, you may find strategies that may help improve your email outcomes; however, please remember that these suggestions do not guarantee positive results.
It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and the effectiveness of these approaches may vary depending on the specific email design and content.