The importance of including a plain text version in emails is a complex issue with differing perspectives. While some experts and documentation sources emphasize its role in enhancing accessibility (especially for users with screen readers or older devices), improving deliverability (by avoiding spam filters and catering to users who block HTML), and ensuring compatibility across diverse email clients, others argue that it's becoming less critical due to widespread HTML support. Some even point out that outdated or poorly formatted plain text versions can negatively impact deliverability. Ultimately, the decision hinges on the target audience, technical capabilities, deliverability concerns, and how well-formatted the HTML version is.
13 marketer opinions
Including a plain text version in emails is a debated practice with various perspectives. Some marketers find it crucial for accessibility, catering to users with screen readers, older devices, or those who prefer a simplified format. It can improve deliverability by reducing spam scores and ensuring messages reach recipients even if HTML is blocked. However, some argue that plain text versions are unnecessary since most email clients support HTML, and outdated text versions can trigger spam filters. The decision often depends on the target audience, technical capabilities, and deliverability concerns.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailjet notes that although plain text may seem outdated, it is important for increasing accessibility, improving deliverability, and ensuring message readability if the email client is set to not display HTML.
31 Oct 2022 - Mailjet
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit explains that plain text emails provide a more accessible option for users with disabilities or older devices. It ensures that all subscribers can engage with the email content.
17 Sep 2024 - Reddit
5 expert opinions
Experts offer varying perspectives on plain text emails. Some find them beneficial, citing that auto-generated text versions can lower SpamAssassin scores (though mainly for simplistic tool checks), and they might help with deliverability in some cases. Others note well-formatted HTML is preferable for screen readers. Having a valid, readable text part supports spam filters in assessing legitimacy. However, a malformed text part can negatively impact deliverability, while a neutral or good one might not significantly improve it.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that even semi-decent HTML is better than typical plain text for screen readers because of proper semantics.
6 Aug 2022 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from SpamResource explains that a properly formatted HTML email with a valid, readable text part is important. It helps spam filters that analyze both parts to determine legitimacy.
8 Sep 2024 - SpamResource
4 technical articles
Email marketing documentation generally recommends including a plain text version in emails. This is because it ensures accessibility for all users, renders correctly across diverse email clients, caters to those who prefer or require text-only emails, helps improve deliverability by avoiding spam filters, and meets accessibility guidelines. It also supports older email clients that lack HTML support, ensuring the message is still conveyed.
Technical article
Documentation from Litmus explains that providing a plain text version is vital for accessibility, ensuring people with visual impairments can access content. It also caters to older email clients and those with limited HTML support, improving overall deliverability.
3 May 2023 - Litmus
Technical article
Documentation from Campaign Monitor shares that including a plain text version alongside HTML ensures deliverability. ISPs often see HTML-only emails as suspicious. Additionally, some users prefer plain text or use email clients that can't display HTML.
28 Mar 2025 - Campaign Monitor
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