Definition
Gmail clips CSS from the style tag as it rewrites email markup, so some classes and properties are ignored. Inline styles are the safest approach.
Testing each Gmail surface (web, iOS, Android) matters because support differs.
Gmail is the most common client, so its CSS limits shape every email you build. Inline styles work reliably while the style tag is clipped. Testing across web, iOS, and Android surfaces prevents breakage at scale.
What Gmail Supports
Inline styles work reliably; the style tag is clipped and limited.
Media queries have selective support in the apps.
Why It Matters
Gmail is the most common client, so its CSS limits shape every email you build. Understanding them prevents layout breakage at scale.
Best Practices
- Inline styles whenever possible for Gmail fidelity.
- Avoid relying on CSS classes for critical layout in Gmail.
- Test each Gmail surface: web, iOS and Android apps.
- Test each Gmail surface: web, iOS, and Android apps.
- Keep critical layout in tables.
- Review supported properties before designing.
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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 rewrites and clips the style tag, dropping what it does not support. Gmail is the most common client, so its CSS limits shape every email you build.
Yes, in the apps, with selective support. Inline styles work reliably while the style tag is clipped.
Inline styles for the critical layout, classes only as enhancement. Testing across web, iOS, and Android surfaces prevents breakage at scale.
It rewrites the markup for security and consistency. Gmail is the most common client, so its CSS limits shape every email you build.
No, web and apps differ, so test all. Inline styles work reliably while the style tag is clipped.