Definition
Spacer tables create predictable gaps in email layouts where CSS margin and padding are unreliable, such as in Outlook.
They give deterministic spacing across clients.
Spacer tables give reliable spacing where CSS margins fail, especially in Outlook. Keeping them minimal and borderless maintains lean, predictable layouts. They are a foundational technique for consistent email design.
Using Spacers
Give spacer tables a set height or width and no borders.
Avoid image spacers where a table works.
Why It Matters
Spacer tables give reliable spacing where CSS fails. Understanding them prevents layout drift across clients.
Best Practices
- Give spacer tables a set height or width and no borders.
- Avoid using image spacers where a table works.
- Keep spacer tables to a handful so the email stays lean.
- Use them for critical spacing.
- Test in Outlook and modern clients.
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Related Glossary Terms
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Accessible CTA (Email)
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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
Outlook and Gmail clip or ignore margins in several places, so spacers are safer. Spacer tables give reliable spacing where CSS margins fail, especially in Outlook.
No, if they are empty table cells with no content. Keeping them minimal and borderless maintains lean, predictable layouts.
Enough for the intended gap, typically 8-32px increments. They are a foundational technique for consistent email design.
No, if kept reasonable. Spacer tables give reliable spacing where CSS margins fail, especially in Outlook.
Yes, for reliable spacing across clients. Keeping them minimal and borderless maintains lean, predictable layouts.