How does RGE Studio handle Outlook-compatible HTML and rendering?

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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. Its 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.

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.

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

Will my email render correctly in Outlook if I use RGE Studio?

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.

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.

What if I send 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:

• Exporting to Outlook App
• Exporting to Outlook.com