Definition
A center-aligned email places a fixed-width content column in the middle of the canvas, with background on each side. It is the classic email shape and works well in desktop preview panes.
Pairing it with media queries lets the column scale on mobile.
The centred column is the classic email shape, working well in desktop preview panes and scaling with media queries on mobile. A full-width outer table and consistent padding create the reliable frame. It remains a dependable default layout.
Building the Layout
Wrap the content in a full-width outer table that centres the inner column.
Match left and right padding or use CSS centring carefully.
Why It Matters
The centred column is the classic email shape, and understanding it helps you build reliable layouts that work in preview panes and mobile.
Best Practices
- Wrap the content in a full-width outer table that centres the inner one.
- Match left and right padding or use CSS centring carefully.
- Pair with media queries so it scales on mobile.
- Keep the column width standard (around 600px).
- Test in desktop and mobile clients.
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Related Glossary Terms
Above the Fold in Email
Above the fold in email refers to the content visible to a recipient before they scroll, a critical area for first impressions and primary calls to action.
Accessible CTA (Email)
An accessible CTA is a button or link coded with sufficient colour contrast, visible focus states, descriptive screen-reader text, and a minimum touch target of 44×44 pixels.
Adaptive Design
Adaptive design in email uses predefined layouts that adjust to specific device or client widths, rather than fluidly resizing to every possible screen.
AI-Generated Content in Email
AI-generated content in email is copy, images, code or subject lines produced by artificial intelligence tools to speed up campaign production and testing.
Alt Text
Alt text is the written alternative to an image in an email, displayed when images are blocked, slow to load, or consumed by screen readers.
Autoplay Video in Email
Autoplay video in email refers to the limited ability to play video content automatically when an email is opened, using specific client-supported techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
It looks clean in wide desktop preview panes. The centred column is the classic email shape, working well in desktop preview panes and scaling with media queries on mobile.
Use margin auto or a wrapper table with alignment. A full-width outer table and consistent padding create the reliable frame.
Only if the fixed width exceeds small screens without adjusting. It remains a dependable default layout.
Around 600px is standard. The centred column is the classic email shape, working well in desktop preview panes and scaling with media queries on mobile.
Not necessarily; it depends on your brand and audience. A full-width outer table and consistent padding create the reliable frame.