How do I make a plain text email?
Matthew Wilson
Updated on February 26, 2026
Change the format of all new messages
- On the File tab, choose Options > Mail.
- Under Compose messages, in the Compose messages in this format list, click HTML, Plain Text, or Rich Text.
What is plain text email format?
A plain text email contains only text—no images, stylized fonts, or hyperlinks. Multi-part MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) bundles together a plain text version and an HTML version of the deployed email. Most email providers have tools to preview and edit the plain text format of your email.
Do plain text emails perform better?
Although people say they prefer HTML-based and image-based emails, in reality, simpler emails perform best — and plain-text emails perform best of all. In most instances, lower opens and clicks are due to several factors: Filters set up by email providers that divert commercial emails from users’ main inboxes.
What is a plain text template?
A Plain text template is a template that contains only plain text, as opposed to the rich text styling and images available within a DOCX template. Plain text templates may prove useful in situations where you need to provide a document in a plain text format.
Can Mailchimp send plain text only?
A plain-text version of your campaign is automatically generated whenever you create an HTML campaign, and sent to contacts who prefer to receive plain-text campaigns. But you can also create a plain-text-only campaign.
Can you put links in plain text emails?
Plain text emails are just that—plain text. They are the email equivalent to a letter written on a typewriter—no images, no pretty fonts, no hyperlinks. While they may not be nearly as attractive as HTML-based emails, they play a significant role in a well-rounded email marketing strategy.
What is plain text vs HTML?
As the word ‘plain’ implies, a plain text email contains only text—no images, stylized fonts, or hyperlinks. HTML, which stands for HyperText Markup Language, is a way to code a document (made out of ASCII text) that lets an HTML reader (such as a web browser) know how to render certain types of information.
Is Gmail HTML or plain text?
In Gmail, you can easily send messages using either rich HTML formatting or plain text. Plain-text formats strip formatting, as well as colors and images. Here’s how to send plain-text messages through the web version of Gmail.
Is plain text or HTML better?
HTML is generally better for marketing emails. Plain text may be better for personal contact. Give people an option to use plain text when receiving your newsletter. Always offer a plain text version for accessibility reasons.
Is HTML plain text?
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. It’s the way web pages and email templates are coded so that text is formatted and images are added. Plain Text is regular text, with no formatting options such as bold, italics, underlines, or special layout options. How does this affect your campaign?
How do you format plain text?
Formatting You CAN Use in a Plain Text Document:
- Any basic keyboard character — letter, number, symbol, or punctuation mark — in upper or lower case.
- Line breaks to create spacing (hit the Enter key two or more times).
- ALL CAPS FOR EMPHASIS.
- Rows of one character to create a “line” (===== or ~~~~~)
Why do plain text emails perform better?
Pros & Cons Of Using Plain Text Emails Pros: plain text emails are supported by all email clients which ensures consistency in delivery and better accessibility, messages are more personal, they load quickly and they’re favoured by B2B marketers.
How do I send an email in plain text?
To compose and send an email using plain text in Outlook: Go to the Home tab and select New Email . Or, press Ctrl+N . In the message window, go to the Format Text tab. In the Format group, select Plain Text . You can also choose a default format for composing new messages in Outlook .
How to only send plain text email?
For Outlook 2010 Open “Outlook contacts”. In “Email box”, “double click on email address”. Click on View more option for interaction with this person. Then click on “Outlook properties”. In list of “Internet format list” click on “Send Plain Text” only format as by default Outlook set the sending format as HTML.
Can only compose email in plain text?
You can force all mail you write to be in plain text by opening File > Options > Mail, opening the “Compose messages in this format” dropdown menu , and choosing “Plain Text.” Click “OK” to exit Options and the default format for sending new messages will now be plain text.
Can emails be set to default to plain text?
Outlook lets you configure the default format for new e-mail messages and gives you three options: HTML, rich text, or plain text. If you’ve configured Outlook to use HTML as the default, each new…