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The Daily Insight

What is the difference between HTML and plain text emails?

Author

James Stevens

Updated on February 27, 2026

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.

Why is HTML email bad idea?

Because it can introduce security issues and trojan horses — it’s a gateway to danger as any Outlook user can tell you. HTML can include any number of scripts, dangerous links, controls, etc. Because it takes a nice, short two-line e-mail body and makes it 15 lines long (see screenshot below).

Why is plain text better for email?

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.

Is it better to use HTML or plain text?

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 Gmail plain text or HTML?

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 HTML or plain text better?

Are HTML emails bad?

Unfortunately, while HTML code works well (usually) on a web page when viewed with a web browser, it works really poor in E-mail, causing many problems. Therefore it’s generally a bad idea to use HTML code in E-mail.

Should you send emails as HTML?

You should send HTML also when you are sending promotional emails promoting a particular product on your website. It is best to provide visuals of what you are promoting, which is only possible with HTML emails.

Should I use plain text or Rich Text?

If you’re only looking for adjustable text options, such as italics or bolding, use the Rich Text format. When you just want text and no other options, you can use the Plain Text format.

Can you use HTML in emails?

An HTML email is just HTML. Even if, in your mind, every one uses a client that renders HTML, still send plain text. Also, note that some clients render plain-text email as HTML; for example, Gmail will add some default styles and turn URLs into links.

How do I change email from plain text to HTML?

You can change a plain text message to HTML.

  1. In the message, click Reply, Reply All, or Forward.
  2. If you’re working in the Reading Pane, click Pop Out. Note: If you aren’t working in the Reading Pane, you don’t need to do this.
  3. In the message window, click Format Text > HTML.

How to change email from plain text to HTML?

On the File tab, choose Options > Mail.

  • Under Compose messages, in the Compose messages in this format list, click HTML, Rich Text, or Plain Text.
  • How do I send a plain text email?

    To send a plain text message in Outlook Online: Select New message . Select More Options (denoted by 3 dots), then choose Switch to plain text . You may get a warning about switching to Plain text. If so, select OK to continue. The formatting toolbar disappears from the message pane. Compose the message and select Send .

    What does plain text email mean?

    A plain text email is an email that is not formatted. The email’s appearance does not include and customization (bolded, italicized, etc.) including headers, font style/size, colors, links, etc.

    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.