How does RGE Studio handle Outlook-compatible HTML and rendering?
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This article applies to the Email builder in all plans.
Overview
RGE Studio generates Outlook-compatible HTML by default. This article explains how RGE Studio handles common Outlook rendering challenges.
Why Outlook rendering is challenging
Outlook is widely used in enterprise environments, especially among Microsoft 365 customers. Older desktop versions render HTML using Microsoft Word's rendering engine, not a modern browser. This means emails often render differently in Outlook than in other clients.
Microsoft has also released a new Outlook for Windows. It uses a browser-based engine instead of Word, so it renders HTML more like a modern browser. The rollout is still ongoing, and many still use the classic, Word-based version. This article applies to rendering issues that are specific to classic Outlook.
One common workaround is to limit designs to single-column layouts. RGE Studio takes a different approach. The HTML it generates handles Outlook from the start, including multi-column layouts. You can keep your layouts as complex as your design requires.
Outlook compatibility
When you export from RGE Studio, the HTML includes Outlook-compatible code automatically. Your exported email works across most Outlook versions without additional adjustments.
VML fallbacks
Earlier versions of Outlook require VML (Vector Markup Language) to render certain design elements. RGE Studio adds this code automatically. This helps preserve rounded corners on buttons and multi-column layout structure.
Table-based layout
RGE Studio generates table-based HTML, which is the structure Outlook understands best. This keeps multi-column layouts and spacing consistent across Outlook versions.
Explicit image dimensions
Outlook can ignore CSS width and height on images. Without those dimensions set in the HTML, images may render at their native size.
RGE Studio sets image dimensions directly in the exported HTML. This keeps your images at the size you designed, regardless of which Outlook version opens the email.
Conditional comments are used precisely
Older Outlook compatibility approaches often used conditional comments heavily. This made HTML files large enough to clip in Gmail. RGE Studio uses conditional comments only where necessary. This keeps file sizes manageable while maintaining Outlook support.
FAQ
Q: Will my email render correctly in Outlook if I use RGE Studio?
A: RGE Studio generates Outlook-friendly HTML by default. It includes compatibility techniques like table-based layouts and Outlook-specific fallbacks. Your design is preserved across Outlook and other major email clients.
We recommend testing important campaigns before sending. Pay extra attention to emails with custom code, dynamic content, or post-export changes.
Q: Is classic Outlook going away soon?
Not right away. Classic Outlook is still active in many enterprise inboxes. Outlook-specific compatibility remains relevant for now.
Q: Do I need a separate tool like Litmus, Email on Acid, or Inbox Monster to test Outlook rendering?
RGE Studio generates HTML that works across major email clients, including Outlook. You can create Outlook-friendly code without a separate testing tool.
Q: What if I send HTML emails from Outlook?
This information applies to email senders who use a professional ESP. In this context, Outlook is the receiving email client.
If you send email directly from Outlook, rendering works differently. These articles can help:
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
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