Difference Between Plain Text And HTML E-Mail
The two major classifications of all emails are plain text and HTML (HyperText Markup Language). There are differences between the two formats most basically in terms of what sort of email they deliver: a plain block of words or a flashing, animated, rainbow-colored extravaganza. Plain text emails are the types of messages with which we're all familiar. HTML emails, on the other hand, incorporate bright colors, neat fonts, animations, and interactive features as well as video and pictures.
Which format is better largely depends on who you ask. If all you're doing is trying to communicate chances are plain text will serve you just fine. The bonanza of effects that HTML offers may only serve to distract your recipient from the actual message. However, if you're trying to market something or grab someone's attention the HTML format might just help you keep their interest.
Although more and more email programs and computers are equipped to handle HTML every day there are some important things to remember when it comes to these types of emails.
First, not everyone has the latest software that will allow an HTML email to be displayed properly or in a timely manner. They may be prompted to download certain programs just to open the email. They may then have to restart their system. In some cases their email program may simply shut down. This in itself can be very frustrating and is apt to make the recipient simply trash the correspondence. Next, HTML emails often come with malware or other programs designed to either keep tabs on or harm the recipient's computer. Many spam filters will automatically mark any and all HTML emails as likely being spam. However, this protective feature can become highly troublesome when the sender is someone you know. Plain text emails commonly do not suffer from these types of drawbacks.
As email programs become more sophisticated the average user is better able to create their own HTML emails complete with personalized fonts, backgrounds, etc. While some people may find these emails slightly repugnant because of their association with spam they do have certain things in their favor. They offer the potential for a memorable type of email that a recipient will then associate with a specific sender. They also allow the sender to incorporate several different factors (pictures, video, etc.) that can lead to an experience rather than just another mundane message. Finally, most email services allow the user to specify whether they will view incoming emails as plain text or HTML. These features can help make sure that the message gets through no matter the format.