A common question when sending professional or marketing emails is: Should I use Text or HTML email format? The answer depends on your goal. Plain text emails are simple, fast, and compatible with all devices. HTML emails offer design, branding, and tracking advantages. In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between email format text and HTML, as well as when to use each, and provide easy-to-follow templates to help you choose the right one for your audience.
What’s the Difference Between Text and HTML Email Format?
Feature
Plain Text Email
HTML Email
Appearance
Just Text
Text + images + design + layout
File Size
Lightweight
Heavier
Deliverability
Very high
Slightly lower
Design Flexibility
None
Full design control
Sample Plain Text Email Format (Basic Template)
Subject: Welcome to GreenLeaf Weekly!
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for subscribing to our GreenLeaf Weekly Newsletter. We’re excited to share plant care tips, seasonal gardening hacks, and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.
Stay tuned for your first email coming this Friday!
Happy growing,
– The GreenLeaf Team
www.greenleafgardens.com
Sample HTML Email Format (Basic Marketing Template)
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<body style=”font-family: Arial, sans-serif; background-color: #f4f4f4; padding: 20px;”>
<div style=”max-width: 600px; margin: auto; background: #fff; padding: 30px; border-radius: 8px;”>
<h2 style=”color: #4CAF50;”>Welcome to GreenLeaf Weekly!</h2>
<p>Hi Sarah,</p>
<p>Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter! Expect expert plant care advice, seasonal gardening hacks, and more every week.</p>
<a href=”https://www.greenleafgardens.com” style=”background-color: #4CAF50; color: white; padding: 10px 15px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 4px;”>Visit Website</a>
<p style= “font-size: 12px; color: #777;”>You received this email because you signed up on our website.</p>
</div>
</body>
</html>
When to Use Text Format vs HTML Format?
Scenario
Recommended Format
Delivering short alerts
Text
Sending personalized outreach
Text
Branding & product promotion
HTML
Tracking email opens/clicks
HTML
Tips for Writing Both Text and HTML Emails
- Use Both Formats Together: Most email platforms (Mailchimp, Klaviyo, Braze) send multipart emails with both formats, letting the email client choose the best version.
- Avoid Overstyling HTML: Keep HTML clean to avoid rendering issues.
- Always Add Alt Text to images in HTML emails.
- Use Mobile-Responsive Design in HTML emails.
- Test Across Devices & Clients before sending.
Sample Combined (Multipart) Email Format (for Developers)
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: multipart/alternative; boundary= “boundary123”
–boundary123
Content-Type: text/plain; charset= “UTF-8”
Hi Sarah,
Thanks for subscribing! Your first newsletter will arrive on Friday.
– GreenLeaf Team
–boundary123
Content-Type: text/html; charset= “UTF-8”
<html>
<body>
<h2>Welcome to GreenLeaf Weekly!</h2>
<p>Hi Sarah,</p>
<p>Your first newsletter arrives Friday.</p>
</body>
</html>
–boundary123–
Final Thoughts
Choosing between email format text or HTML doesn’t have to be complicated. If you aim for simplicity, high deliverability, or a personal tone, go with plain Text. HTML format is your best bet if your email needs structure, visuals, or engagement tracking. And when in doubt? Use multipart emails to send both!