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Summary

The terminology surrounding email "From" addresses can be confusing due to the distinctions made by different RFCs (Request for Comments) and common usage. Understanding these various terms is crucial for proper email deliverability, authentication, and sender reputation management. This overview clarifies the different email identifiers and their functions.

What email marketers say

Email marketers often focus on the "From Name" and the visible "From" address because these elements directly impact recipient engagement and open rates. They are less concerned with the underlying technical distinctions unless they face deliverability challenges.

Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks notes that discussions about "From" addresses can become complicated due to the many names associated with both RFC 5321 FROM and RFC 5322 FROM. They aim to create a clear reference to help navigate these terms effectively.

9 Nov 2018 - Email Geeks

Marketer view

Email marketer from Email Geeks explains that they added DNS records to their overview to clarify which domains need definition, as there is often confusion around this topic. They typically align all "From" domains to minimize dealing with different "From" types.

9 Nov 2018 - Email Geeks

What the experts say

Experts emphasize the technical distinctions between the different "From" addresses, particularly those defined by RFCs, due to their critical role in email authentication, routing, and deliverability. They often use precise terminology to avoid ambiguity.

Expert view

Email expert from Email Geeks suggests that DKIM is part of the email data but is not directly related to any of the "From" fields or email addresses. It exists in its own dedicated header within the email structure.

9 Nov 2018 - Email Geeks

Expert view

Email expert from Email Geeks explains that MX records largely exist outside the strict protocol or header distinction, as their primary function is to identify which server should be contacted to initiate the SMTP protocol for mail delivery. It defines the mail exchange servers for a domain.

9 Nov 2018 - Email Geeks

What the documentation says

Official RFCs and technical documentation provide the foundational definitions for email addresses and their components. These sources detail the precise specifications that govern how email systems should handle different "From" fields, ensuring interoperability and security.

Technical article

Documentation from one.com defines the parts of an email address: the username, followed by the @ symbol (at sign), and then the domain. The at sign serves to direct the email to a specific domain.

22 Jun 2024 - one.com

Technical article

Documentation from L-Soft's glossary includes a definition for 'Merge-purge,' which refers to the process of removing duplicate email addresses from a combined list that originated from two or more existing lists. This is vital for list hygiene.

10 Apr 2023 - L-Soft

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