What is the ideal image size for email?

The ideal image file size for email is under 200KB per image, with under 100KB recommended for hero images and headers. Total email size should stay under 102KB to avoid Gmail clipping. For dimensions, use max 600px width for standard displays, or 1200px width at 50% scale for Retina displays. Keep height under 1200px to prevent extremely tall images.

Why does Gmail clip my emails?

Gmail clips messages larger than 102KB by adding a "View entire message" link, which hides email content and tracking pixels. To avoid clipping: (1) Optimize all images to keep each under 50KB. (2) Minimize HTML by removing whitespace and comments. (3) Use fewer images (2-3 optimized images maximum). (4) Host images externally - image src URLs do not count toward the limit. (5) Inline only critical CSS.

What image format should I use for email?

Use JPG for photos and photographic images (best compression). Use PNG for logos, icons, and images requiring transparency. WebP offers 25-35% better compression than JPG/PNG but requires fallbacks as not all email clients support it. Avoid GIF for static images (use only for animations). Never use BMP or TIFF as they are uncompressed formats not suitable for email.

How can I reduce image file size without losing quality?

To reduce file size without visible quality loss: (1) Compress JPG images at 80-85% quality (best balance). (2) Resize images to actual display dimensions (max 600-1200px wide). (3) Use lossless compression for PNG with tools like pngquant. (4) Convert PNG to JPG if transparency is not needed (50-70% savings). (5) Remove EXIF metadata to reduce file size. (6) Use modern formats like WebP for 30% additional savings.

What are the best practices for mobile email images?

For mobile email optimization (70% of emails are opened on mobile): (1) Use responsive images with srcset for different screen sizes. (2) Optimize for small screens - mobile users see smaller images. (3) Test on 3G/4G connections - assume slower mobile networks. (4) Provide descriptive alt text - many mobile clients block images by default. (5) Use single column layout - stack images vertically on mobile. (6) Ensure touch-friendly sizing for images and CTAs.

Should I use Retina images for email?

Yes, use Retina (2x) images for crisp display on high-DPI screens. Create images at 1200px width, then display them at 600px width (50% scale) in your email HTML. This provides sharp images on Retina displays while appearing normal-sized. However, file size becomes more critical - compress aggressively at 80-85% quality to keep under 200KB. Test on both regular and Retina displays to ensure quality.

Email Image Optimizer

Optimize your email images for better deliverability and loading speed. Compress images, check file sizes, analyze dimensions, and get instant recommendations to improve performance and avoid Gmail clipping.

Image Optimization for Email

Analyze and optimize your images for email deliverability. Get instant feedback on file size, dimensions, format, and loading speed.

Click to upload imageJPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, BMP, TIFF (max 10MB)

Understanding Email Image Optimization

Why Image Optimization Matters for Email

Optimized images are crucial for email deliverability and user experience:

Faster loading: Small images load quickly even on slow connections
Better deliverability: Emails under 102KB avoid Gmail clipping
Lower bandwidth costs: Smaller images reduce hosting and CDN costs
Improved inbox placement: Large emails may trigger spam filters
Mobile optimization: 70% of emails are opened on mobile devices
Accessibility: Faster loads benefit users with disabilities

Email Image Best Practices

1. File Size Limits

Under 200KB per image: Optimal for email deliverability
Under 100KB recommended: For hero images and headers
Total email under 102KB: Avoid Gmail message clipping
Compress to 80-85% quality: Minimal visual quality loss

2. Image Dimensions

Max width: 600px: Standard email template width
Max height: 1200px: Prevents extremely tall images
Use 2x resolution for Retina: 1200px wide @ 50% scale = 600px crisp display
Maintain aspect ratios: Prevent image distortion

3. Format Selection

JPG for photos: Best compression for photographic images
PNG for graphics: Logos, icons, images with transparency
WebP with fallbacks: 25-35% better compression (not all clients support)
Avoid GIF for static images: Use only for animations
Never use BMP or TIFF: Uncompressed formats not suitable for email

4. Loading Performance

Optimize for 3G connections: Many users still on slower networks
Use lazy loading: Load images as user scrolls (if supported)
Provide alt text: Show text when images are blocked
Host on CDN: Faster delivery from edge servers

Common Email Image Issues

Oversized Images

❌ Problem: 5MB hero image straight from camera

✓ Solution: Resize to 600px width and compress to 85% quality (~80KB)

Wrong Format

❌ Problem: PNG file for product photo (1.2MB)

✓ Solution: Convert to JPG format (reduces to ~150KB)

Excessive Dimensions

❌ Problem: 3000px wide image for 600px email

✓ Solution: Resize to max 1200px (for Retina displays)

No Compression

❌ Problem: Uncompressed PNG (800KB) with no transparency

✓ Solution: Convert to JPG and compress to 85% (~120KB)

Image Optimization Techniques

Compression

Lossy compression: JPG quality 80-85% (best balance)
Lossless compression: PNG with pngquant or similar
MozJPEG: Advanced JPG compression algorithm
WebP format: 25-35% better compression than JPG/PNG

Resizing

Max email width: Resize to 600-1200px wide
Maintain aspect ratio: Prevent distortion
Bicubic resampling: Better quality when downsizing
Remove EXIF data: Strip metadata to reduce file size

Format Conversion

PNG → JPG: If no transparency needed (50-70% savings)
JPG → WebP: For modern email clients (30% savings)
GIF → PNG/JPG: For static images only
BMP/TIFF → JPG/PNG: Always convert these formats

Avoid Gmail Message Clipping

Gmail clips messages larger than 102KB. This adds a "View entire message" link and hides your email content and tracking pixels.

How to Stay Under 102KB:

Optimize all images: Keep each under 50KB if possible
Minimize HTML: Remove whitespace and comments
Inline critical CSS only: Link to external stylesheets when possible
Use fewer images: 2-3 optimized images maximum
Host images externally: Image src URLs do not count toward limit
Test before sending: Check total email size with our tool

Mobile Image Optimization

Over 70% of emails are opened on mobile devices. Optimize images for mobile users:

Responsive images: Use srcset for different screen sizes
Optimize for small screens: Mobile users see smaller images
Test on 3G/4G: Assume slower mobile connections
Provide alt text: Many mobile clients block images by default
Single column layout: Stack images vertically on mobile
Touch-friendly sizing: Ensure images and CTAs are tappable

Related Tools

Use these complementary tools to further improve your email accessibility and deliverability:

Alt Text Quality Analyzer - Evaluate the quality and descriptiveness of your image alt text
WCAG 2.1 Compliance Checker - Comprehensive accessibility validation for email HTML
Email Header Validator - Check email headers for proper structure and authentication