How to send HTML email in Gmail without coding
If you’re wondering how to send HTML emails in Gmail, you’re not alone. Gmail is one of the most popular email service providers in the world. More than 1.5 billion people use Gmail to connect with their contacts. Unfortunately, only a fraction of people know how to use HTML code in Gmail.
Since Gmail was introduced in 2004, there have been various changes made to the system. One of the initial changes was to remove the HTML editor entirely. The Gmail team decided to keep only the WYSIWYG editor for email sending.
While the WYSIWYG editor is useful in a lot of cases, you rather want to use the full power of HTML email in Gmail.
In the past, users have had to experiment with complex workarounds and hacks to create HTML emails. Fortunately, there is also an easy way. Here’s everything you need to know about creating HTML emails without coding in Gmail.
The best way to send HTML email with Gmail without coding
Creating HTML email messages that look great without coding should be simple. That’s why HTML editor software exists. Tools like Beefree provide users with a flexible email editor. This makes it easy to create an HTML email and send it with Gmail.
Get started creating HTML email with Beefree
To get started, you’ll need a Beefree account. Sign up for an account then head to the “Settings” page.
Inside the settings select Connectors and click “Connect” on Gmail. Next, you can choose which Google account to connect to. Just click on the account you want to link and click Allow when asked.
1. Choose a template
Now you can export your Gmail email templates from Beefree into Gmail.
Log into your Beefree Account and go into your templates. There are lots of professional, responsive template options to choose from. Some are also free to use with Gmail.
Choose the best-looking template for your campaign, and then you can head into the editor.
2. Customize the template
Go into the HTML editor page provided by Beefree and make some changes. You can experiment as much as you like with the templates to make them stand out.
Everything is very easy to use here, so you shouldn’t have any trouble making your template look great. The system is designed to be suitable for beginners.
3. Add template to Gmail
After you’re done designing your email, click “Exit” in the top right corner. This will take you to a summary page with a preview of your email.
Click “Export” and it will bring up a popup of all the options you have for exporting emails. Select “Push to your sending system.” Then choose “Gmail”.
Follow the steps to sign in to your Gmail and you’ll find your email in your Drafts folder.
Create a free Beefree for Gmail account
4. Add contacts and send the email
Next, go into your Gmail inbox and open your drafts folder. Your Beefree email should be your most recent draft.
From here, you can customize the subject line and “To” field. Once you’re ready to carry on with the campaign, click “send” as normal.
There are various ways to add your contacts to your email. You can copy-paste the recipients into the BCC. This will give you a maximum of 2,000 people you can add for GSuite. Alternatively, you’ll be able to add 500 contacts for a personal Gmail message.
Using BCC ensures your contacts won’t see the other emails you’re sending to. But there are risks involved in this method, which we’ll come back to.
There’s also the option to use a mass email tool for Gmail, like GMass.
Another way to send newsletters from Gmail without coding
If you don’t want to keep an account with Beefree, you could use the plugin only, but that isn’t very smart. You won’t have all the templates or customization options. Without an account, you can only edit in Gmail. This means you can only replace text and images, in a limited way.
Also, importing templates from Beefree to Gmail is easier when you have an account. Create a Beefree account here before following the steps below.
Step 1: Install Beefree Templates for Gmail
Beefree Templates for Gmail is an add-on tool for your Gmail account. The service allows you to send well-designed HTML emails from your Gmail account. In your Gmail window, click on the “+” button on the right side panel. This will allow you to install a new add-on. Search for email templates and select “Beefree Templates for Gmail”.
You’ll need to go through a few steps to authorize the use of Beefree. Once you’re ready, you can choose the account you’ll be linking your templates to.
Once everything is installed, you’ll be able to open Gmail to access your templates.
Step 2: Browse and Customize Beefree templates inside Gmail
When you log into your Gmail account, you’ll see the Beefree logo on the right-side panel. Click on it and open any email in your account and then the plugin menu will appear in the sidebar.
Click on any category to browse templates. When you click on a template it will open a new draft email that you can edit.
In the Gmail compose window, you’ll only be able to do a few things with the HTML email:
- Change the body copy of the email.
- Remove and replace images.
- Change the subject line.
- Update the CTA button and links.
You’ll need to get a free Beefree account to do more with the HTML templates. In BEE, you have way more options to edit HMTL. When you’re editing basic templates in Gmail messages, you will be limited. Once you’re done editing your template, you can send your emails.
Rules for sending HTML emails with Gmail
When sending HTML emails in Gmail there are some rules to follow. If you’re using free editors like Beefree for HTML, you should be safe. The Beefree chrome extension and HTML template system creates designs specifically for Gmail. However, if you’re creating the entire content for your email in your compose box, remember:
- Images must be hosted online: If you add images to an email they need to be saved properly and hosted online. All images must be uploaded somewhere on the internet and referenced with a link. If possible, store emails on your own server. You can also use Google Drive. When using your Google Drive, make sure the link is public.
- External style sheets won’t work: You can’t access external style sheets. You are able to use inline CSS. But, Gmail doesn’t support external files. A good responsive email will usually use a lot of inline CSS. You’ll be able to simplify using inline CSS with a HTML email editor.
- Some HTML won’t be supported: Check this list. Some of the HTML you add to your Gmail messages will not be supported. You’ll need to check that everything works before sending your emails.
- Do not use web fonts: Gmail doesn’t support web fonts. You will need to use the standard fonts provided. Alternatively, you can make an image of text like logos. Then, once you have your image, link to the image in HTML. Once again, remember to use a hosted image.
- Using tables is a good idea: If you’re not using a drag and drop HTML editor, use tables. However, there are still issues to watch out for. Make sure your HTML tables work with email HTML testing tools. Here is a list of email testing tools.
- Keep it simple: Gmail isn’t always predictable with HTML support. Because the supported options can change, keeping things simple is a good idea. Writing a simple email also helps your recipient’s email clients render content properly.
- Avoid Google Docs: While there are tutorials that show you how to use Google Docs for HTML emails, this option isn’t ideal. You might find what you see in Google Docs isn’t exactly the same as the content in the email.
- Create a template: If you’re not using HTML templates from Beefree, create your own. Once you have an HTML file formatted, save it outside of Gmail. This will help you to set up HTML emails rapidly in the future.
Remember, Gmail is constantly evolving. Google consistently updates the Gmail ecosystem. It’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest changes and features.
You might need to use some specific HTML email testing tools to check if your HTML emails really do work. Consider sending a test email to yourself before sending it to the full list.
Ideally, it’s best to simplify things by using a service like Beefree. With Beefree, you don’t have to double-check the proper structure of your HTML. The content uses inline styles and designs made just for Gmail. This ensures you can send an HTML email without the stress.
Wrap up: send HTML email in Gmail
Learning how to add HTML to your email template in Gmail doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Though the email provider prefers to offer WYSIWYG editing, there are workarounds. You can create HTML emails in Gmail to suit your unique needs.
Just keep in mind if you’re going to be working on your HTML without help, there are a lot of issues to sidestep. You might struggle at first to ensure your email works with every screen size. You could also find your email templates stop working after a while.
Rather than trying to do everything in your compose window, we recommend using an HTML email editor. Free and paid email editors are ideal for creating custom HTML. You can leverage tools like Beefree to send HTML emails in Gmail instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I send an HTML email through Gmail?
Beefree HTML email for Gmail app also saves files so you can use them again later. What’s more, you can avoid making common mistakes with your templates when using custom HTML.