Back to Glossary
Email Design

Responsive Email

An email designed to automatically adjust its layout for different screen sizes and devices.

Definition

A responsive email is designed with code that automatically adjusts the layout, images, and text to display optimally on any screen size, from desktop monitors to smartphones. Responsive design uses CSS media queries or fluid layouts to ensure readability and usability across all devices.

Why It Matters

Over 60% of emails are opened on mobile devices. Emails that do not display well on mobile are quickly deleted or marked as spam. Responsive design ensures your message is readable and actionable regardless of how subscribers access it.

How It Works

Responsive emails use CSS media queries to apply different styles based on screen width. Elements like images scale down, multi-column layouts stack vertically, text sizes adjust, and buttons become easier to tap. Some approaches use fluid layouts that scale proportionally instead of fixed breakpoints.

Best Practices

  • 1Design mobile-first, then enhance for larger screens
  • 2Use a single-column layout for simpler mobile adaptation
  • 3Make CTAs large enough to tap easily (minimum 44x44 pixels)
  • 4Use web-safe fonts with appropriate fallbacks
  • 5Test on multiple devices and email clients before sending

Responsive Email Editor

Sequenzy's email editor creates responsive emails automatically, with built-in mobile preview.

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

Most modern email clients support responsive CSS, but some (notably older Outlook versions) have limited support. Use hybrid or fluid approaches for Outlook compatibility, and always test across major clients.

Yes, starting with a tested responsive template saves time and ensures compatibility. Most ESPs provide responsive templates, or you can use frameworks like Foundation for Emails or MJML.

600 pixels is the traditional standard for email width, fitting well in most preview panes. Some designs use up to 700 pixels. On mobile, the email should adapt to full screen width.