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What's the best image size for an email?

Written by Mark

Ideal image size for marketing emails

For best results, use images around 500–600px wide. A size like 500 x 300px works well in most email templates and ensures your design looks good across both desktop and mobile devices.

For file size, aim to keep each image under 1MB (ideally 100–200KB) to balance quality and speed.


Why it’s important to keep images small

  • Faster load times → Large images slow down your email, which can frustrate readers and cause them to close it before it fully loads.

  • Better deliverability → Oversized images can trigger spam filters or cause your email to be clipped by providers like Gmail.

  • Improved mobile experience → Smaller images display better on different screen sizes and won’t use up too much mobile data.

  • Higher engagement → A quick-loading, well-formatted email keeps readers engaged and increases the chances they’ll click through.


Recommended file formats

  • JPEG → Best for photos; maintains quality while keeping file size small.

  • PNG → Best for graphics, logos, or images that need transparency.

  • GIF → Great for simple animations, but keep the file size as small as possible.

  • Avoid TIFF, BMP, or RAW files → These formats are too large and not email-friendly.


Additional best practices for images in email

  • Use alt text → Always add descriptive alt text to improve accessibility and provide context if the image doesn’t load.

  • Don’t rely only on images → Some email clients block images by default, so make sure your message is still clear without them.

  • Maintain a balance → Too many images can make your email heavy; aim for a good mix of text and visuals.

  • Optimize for retina displays → Use images at 2x the intended display size (e.g., upload 1000px wide if it will display at 500px) for sharper results on high-resolution screens.

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