If you have found yourself trying to embed HTML in Gmail, you probably know that it is not as easy as copying and pasting code into a new email.
GMail doesn't support the editing of HTML beyond some very basic text styles, pasting in HTML code will simply render the code as text. If you do manage to paste in some rendered HTML the GMail client will send it but only after doing some pretty heavy processing on it, a lot of your styles and layout will be lost.
All of this is because Gmail was designed as an email platform with a visual editor and not as a platform for building HTML emails.
However, it is important to note that creating HTML emails in Gmail is not impossible. It just means that the process will require the correct workflow.
With Publicate, your team can develop HTML emails visually, avoid manual HTML work and export directly into Gmail without relying on formatting, coding or work arounds.
Explain: Embedding HTML in Gmail means inserting a fully designed HTML email into Gmail’s compose window so it displays as a formatted email rather than raw code.
This is an important distinction because Gmail treats HTML very differently depending on how it is added:
With the above in mind, creating an HTML email for Gmail is usually complicated. The challenge is getting Gmail to display the email correctly while also ensuring the correct formatting, style and responsiveness.
Gmail was originally created to make email design simple and this is why it works in a visual WYSIWYG editor style rather than exposing direct HTML editing.
The result of this is that Gmail does not work like a webpage editor or development environment where raw HTML can be rendered freely.
There are a few reasons for this including:
This is why raw HTML pasted directly into Gmail appears as code instead of a designed email. To sum it up, embedding HTML in Gmail is more complicated than it should be.
There are a variety of ways to embed HTML in Gmail, but not all are equally reliable. The correct approach depends on whether you are comfortable working with code or simply want to send a well-designed email.
This is most common for manual workflow.
Steps:
As Gmail handles rendered HTML more effectively than it does with raw code, this approach produces better results.
Limitations:
As opposed to the above, this is a more technical workaround.
Steps:
Limitations:
This method is better suited to advanced and technical teams.
Out of all of these options, this is most certainly the simplest approach to avoid manual HTML embedding altogether.
Steps:
With Publicate, teams are able to create HTML emails with the powerful drag and drop editor and send them through Gmail directly with the deep Gmail integration. This is done without working with raw HTML, manual formatting or repeated testing, which makes it smooth and streamlined, while helping to maintain consistent email design.

Before embedding HTML in Gmail it is important to understand that Gmail does not support all HTML and CSS features. While Gmail is able to display designed HTML emails professionally, there are also limits regarding styling, responsiveness and advanced functionality. All of this can greatly affect how an email will appear once it has been delivered.
Take a look at the table below for more insight:
By understanding the limitations, you are able to create HTML emails that will render consistently and reduce the risk of broken formats, styles and layouts. For organisations and teams creating HTML emails regularly, using a template and email builder will remove much of the manual and time-consuming trial and error work that is involved with working in Gmail's constraints.
Coding in HTML may seem similar to building a webpage but in practice, email HTML works differently. This is because it requires additional testing in order to achieve consistent results.
Some of the most common challenges include:
This is why most teams use HTML email builders instead of coding emails manually.
Yes, you can embed HTML in Gmail using an email builder like Publicate as it removes the need to write or test HTML manually.
With Publicate, teams are able to create beautiful HTML emails, all without writing code or hosting images. You can then even send through Gmail without even leaving Publicate, using the deep Gmail integration. Features such as templates, drag-and-drop editing, Gmail export and responsive optimisation removes the manual work and helps emails render consistently across devices and inboxes.
Embedding HTML in Gmail becomes easier when emails are built around best practices.
Use the below checklist before you click send:
By following these best practices, you will reduce formatting problems, improve rendering consistency and create emails that display across devices and inboxes.
Learn more about how to create HTML emails with Publiciate.
Even when HTML email looks right during the creation, many issues can arrive once it has been added into Gmail or viewed on different screens and inboxes.
Some of the most common problems when embedding HTML emails in gmail include:
Most of these issues will happen because email HTML works and behaves differently from standard web HTML. By using a purpose built email builder and tested templates, you will dramatically reduce troubleshooting and render emails more consistently.
Manually embedding HTML in Gmail can very quickly become time-consuming and repetitive. Many teams will end up having to troubleshoot formatting problems, images and test layouts every single time an email needs to be sent.
Publicate solves all of this. We simplify the process by empowering teams to create HTML emails using a visual drag and drop editor. They are then able to send the newsletter through Gmail, without even leaving Publicate and without having to work with raw code.
With Publicate, teams are able to:
Publicate also empower teams to go beyond email creation by offering:
Rather than managing HTML manually, Publicate allows teams to create, optimise and export emails faster while ensuring brand consistency.
Learn how to send HTML emails in Gmail, with Publicate.
There are a variety of ways to create and send HTML emails. However, the experience can vary significantly depending on whether you are working directly with Gmail or using a professional HTML email builder.
Below, we take a closer look at Gmail vs Publicate to give you further insight into what will work best for your email goals.
Based on the above, Gmail may be enough for occasional emails. But for teams that are creating newsletters, recurring communication or campaigns, an HTML email builder will simplify it all. Publicate will improve consistency, simplify design and reduce manual work.
Below are some popular HTML newsletter templates for use in Gmail;
Manually embedding HTML in Gmail can work but it is not the fastest and most reliable approach, at all. With formatting breaks, unpredictable images and the need for consistent testing, manually embedding HTML in Gmail can become difficult and time consuming.
Publicate is here to remove the complexity by helping teams design HTML emails visually, optimise layouts automatically and export directly into Gmail. All of this is done without relying on manual HTML workflows.
Begin creating HTML emails today with Publicate.
Start your free trial.