Definition
Width tables use explicit widths for email layout, typically a fixed container around 600px with fluid inner columns. This balances desktop and mobile.
Media queries then scale the container on small screens.
Width tables give email a consistent frame that scales across devices, balancing desktop and mobile. A fixed container with fluid inner columns is the proven pattern. Media queries complete the responsive behaviour.
Setting Widths
Start with a 600px max-width container for desktop.
Use percentages for inner column widths.
Why It Matters
Width tables give email a consistent frame that scales across devices. Understanding them is fundamental to reliable layout.
Best Practices
- Start with a 600px max-width container for desktop.
- Use percentages for inner column widths so they scale fluidly.
- Align layout and add padding using cellpadding to avoid spacing surprises.
- Align layout and add padding using cellpadding.
- Add media queries for mobile.
- Test in key 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 fits most desktop preview panes without horizontal scroll. Width tables give email a consistent frame that scales across devices, balancing desktop and mobile.
A fixed wrapper with fluid columns balances Outlook and mobile. A fixed container with fluid inner columns is the proven pattern.
Fixed tables overflow narrow windows unless scaled. Media queries complete the responsive behaviour.
Padding inside table cells for spacing. Width tables give email a consistent frame that scales across devices, balancing desktop and mobile.
Yes, for most layouts. A fixed container with fluid inner columns is the proven pattern.