Summary
The impact of non-breaking spaces ( ) and soft hyphens (­) on email inbox placement is complex. While using them for preheader padding may not be penalized, excessive or manipulative use is problematic. Key concerns include increased email size, triggering spam filters due to bloated or hidden code, and deviating from modern CSS-based layout practices. Clean, semantic HTML is crucial. Testing across clients is vital, and maintaining a good sender reputation remains paramount.
Key findings
- Preheader Padding OK: Using for preheader padding is common and not usually penalized.
- Excessive Use Bad: Overuse of and ­ increases email size and can trigger spam filters.
- Hidden Code Suspect: Using these characters to hide content raises red flags with spam filters.
- Modern CSS Preferred: Modern email development favors CSS for layout over .
- Clean Code Crucial: Clean, well-structured HTML is vital for consistent rendering and deliverability.
- Reputation Matters: Sender reputation and email content are primary factors for avoiding spam filters.
Key considerations
- Code Efficiently: Prioritize clean, semantic HTML and CSS to minimize email size.
- Use CSS for Layout: Employ modern CSS techniques for spacing and layout.
- Be Judicious: Use and ­ sparingly and only when necessary.
- Test Thoroughly: Test emails across clients to ensure proper rendering and identify issues.
- Reputation First: Focus on building and maintaining a positive sender reputation.
- Check Content Quality: Ensure email content is relevant, engaging, and avoids spam triggers.
What email marketers say
9 marketer opinions
The impact of using non-breaking spaces ( ) and soft hyphens (­) on email inbox placement is nuanced. While judicious use is unlikely to cause significant harm, excessive use or using these characters in a way that seems like an attempt to manipulate content can negatively affect deliverability. Key issues include increased email size, potentially triggering spam filters due to bloated or hidden code, and deviating from modern coding practices that favor CSS for layout. Modern coding should be considered, keeping email size minimum and semantic HTML.
Key opinions
- Excessive Use: Overusing and ­ can increase email size, potentially leading to deliverability issues.
- Spam Triggers: Unnecessary HTML, including unusual character entities, can trigger spam filters.
- Hidden Code: Using these characters for hidden preheader text or other manipulative purposes is likely to be flagged as suspicious.
- Modern Practices: Modern email development emphasizes using CSS for layout instead of relying on .
- Alternative Factors: There are likely other factors with a higher weighting, like the sender's reputation, content, and images.
Key considerations
- Code Efficiency: Prioritize clean, semantic HTML and CSS to minimize email size and improve rendering across different email clients.
- Modern Coding: Use modern CSS for spacing and layout instead of relying on non-breaking spaces.
- Judicious Use: If using or ­, do so sparingly and only when necessary.
- Test Thoroughly: Test email templates across various email clients and devices to ensure proper rendering and avoid unexpected issues.
- Sender Reputation: Ensure the sender has a good reputation by validating IP and domain using SPF, DKIM, and DMARC standards.
Marketer view
Email marketer from HubSpot responds that bloated HTML code in emails will impact deliverability, and to keep your HTML code clean and minimal to reduce the chances of emails being marked as spam.
3 Sep 2024 - HubSpot
Marketer view
Email marketer from Mailjet Blog explains that while non-breaking spaces ( ) were previously used for layout purposes, modern CSS should be used instead. Overuse of can increase email size and potentially affect deliverability.
19 Jan 2025 - Mailjet Blog
What the experts say
4 expert opinions
The consensus is nuanced. Non-breaking spaces are frequently used for preheader padding, and mailbox providers generally don't penalize this. However, excessive use of these characters or other 'character stuffing' techniques to manipulate content or bypass filters can negatively impact deliverability and sender reputation. Pre-header hiding code should be tested, as issues can arise in how it's rendered by certain providers. Keeping code clean and efficient is always recommended.
Key opinions
- Preheader Padding: Non-breaking spaces are often used for preheader padding and are generally not penalized by mailbox providers.
- Character Stuffing: Excessive use of characters, including non-breaking spaces, to manipulate content or bypass filters harms deliverability and sender reputation.
- Rendering Issues: Pre-header hiding code can sometimes render unexpectedly, such as showing as a row of boxes.
- Code Quality: Improper or unnecessary HTML coding can lead to rendering issues and trigger spam filters.
Key considerations
- Testing: Test pre-header hiding code across different email clients (e.g., Gmail, Apple Mail) to ensure proper rendering.
- Code Efficiency: Prioritize clean and efficient HTML coding to avoid triggering spam filters and ensure proper rendering.
- Judicious Use: Use non-breaking spaces and other similar characters sparingly to avoid being flagged for character stuffing.
- Content Manipulation: Avoid using techniques to manipulate email content, as this can negatively impact your sender reputation.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks explains that the code is regular padding to shove the non “preheader” content out of the way and mailbox providers won’t care.
10 Oct 2024 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks shares that it's pre-header hiding code and to test it in Gmail web and Apple Mail as sometimes some versions of the code will show up. Potentially as a row of little boxes in the preheader area, not leaking into the body.
11 Dec 2024 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
4 technical articles
The documentation suggests that while soft hyphens provide layout suggestions, the ultimate rendering depends on the browser. Clean, well-structured HTML is essential for consistent rendering and avoiding deliverability issues. Although and ­ are not specifically mentioned in most of the documentation, excessive or bad code can negatively impact deliverability and sender reputation. Sender reputation and the email content are key to avoiding junk mail folders.
Key findings
- Clean Code: Clean, well-structured HTML code is crucial for consistent email rendering across different clients.
- Code Quality Impact: Bad or excessive code can negatively affect email deliverability.
- Soft Hyphen Rendering: The rendering of soft hyphens depends on the browser's layout algorithm, affecting user experience.
- Key Deliverability Factors: Sender reputation and email content are critical factors influencing whether emails land in the junk folder.
Key considerations
- Semantic HTML: Focus on using semantic HTML to create a well-structured email template.
- Code Minimization: Avoid unnecessary code to prevent deliverability issues.
- Browser Compatibility: Consider how different browsers render soft hyphens and test accordingly.
- Reputation and Content: Maintain a good sender reputation and ensure your email content is high-quality to avoid spam filters.
Technical article
Documentation from Litmus explains that using clean, well-structured HTML code in your email templates is crucial for consistent rendering across different email clients. Avoid unnecessary code and focus on semantic HTML.
2 Dec 2024 - Litmus
Technical article
Documentation from Microsoft addresses junk email and spam filters, and although it doesn't directly mention or ­ it does provide information on factors that contribute to emails landing in the junk folder. One factor is the sender's reputation. Another factor is the content of the email.
22 Jul 2022 - Microsoft Support
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