Troubleshooting Spacing and Formatting in Email Templates
If spacing, line breaks, or paragraph formatting in an email looks different after it is sent than it does in the template editor, the issue may be related to formatting carried over from another source.
Why email spacing can look different
The email template editor uses its own formatting structure to control elements such as:
Font size and style
Line spacing
Paragraph spacing
Alignment
Bullet points
Padding around content
When text is copied and pasted from another source, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, a website, or another email, additional formatting can sometimes be carried into the template behind the scenes.
Even if the text looks correct while you are editing the template, that hidden formatting can affect how the email is displayed after it is sent.
Different email providers, such as Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail, may interpret that formatting differently. This can result in extra spacing, inconsistent line breaks, or paragraphs appearing differently depending on where the recipient opens the email.
Remove formatting when pasting text
When pasting text from another source into an email template, we recommend removing the original formatting before applying your desired formatting within the template editor.
When the Remove Formatting prompt appears after pasting content, select that option to clear formatting carried over from the original source.
You can then use the formatting tools within the template editor to apply:
Bold or italic text
Bullet points
Font styles and sizes
Text alignment
Links
Other formatting
Applying these settings directly in the template helps ensure that the email's formatting is being controlled by the email editor rather than by formatting from the original document.
Use separate text elements for greater spacing control
For longer sections of text, another option is to divide your content into multiple text elements instead of placing all paragraphs into one large text block.
For example, instead of placing five paragraphs into a single text element, you could create a separate text element for each paragraph or section.
This gives you more control over the spacing between sections because each content element has its own padding settings.
You can adjust the padding above, below, or around an individual text element without affecting the rest of the email.
This can be especially useful for:
Creating consistent spacing between paragraphs
Separating headings from body text
Adding additional space before or after important sections
Controlling the layout of longer emails
Creating more predictable spacing across different email providers
Recommended best practices
For the most consistent email formatting:
Use the Remove Formatting option when pasting content from another program.
Apply fonts, bullets, bolding, alignment, and other formatting directly within the email template editor.
Avoid relying on spacing or formatting that was created in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or another external source.
Consider using separate text elements for different paragraphs or sections when you need more control over spacing.
Use the padding settings on individual content elements to adjust the space between sections.
Send yourself a test email before sending the template to a larger audience.
Keep in mind
Email providers do not all display HTML emails in exactly the same way. Small differences between Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail, and other email applications can occur. Building and formatting the content directly within the email template editor helps reduce those differences and provides the most consistent results for recipients.