What are Font Fallbacks?
Font fallbacks are a series of backup fonts that are used when the primary font fails to load in an email. They ensure that the text is always displayed in a readable format, even if the preferred font is unavailable. This is crucial in
email marketing to maintain a consistent and professional appearance across different email clients and devices.
How to Implement Font Fallbacks?
To implement font fallbacks, you need to specify a list of fonts in the CSS of your email template. The browser or email client will attempt to load the fonts in the order specified. If the first font fails, it will try the next one, and so on. Here's a simple example:
body {
font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif;
}
In this example, 'Open Sans' is the preferred font. If it fails to load, Arial will be used. If Arial is also unavailable, the generic sans-serif font will be used.
Best Practices for Font Fallbacks
When selecting font fallbacks, follow these best practices: Ensure compatibility with most email clients by choosing widely supported fonts.
Select fonts with similar
font metrics to maintain the visual appearance of your email.
Test your emails across various
platforms and devices to ensure consistency.
Use web-safe fonts like Arial, Verdana, and Times New Roman as part of your fallback stack.
Commonly Used Fonts in Email Marketing
Here are some commonly used fonts and their fallbacks: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif
Tahoma, Verdana, Segoe, sans-serif
'Courier New', Courier, monospace
Challenges with Font Fallbacks
Despite their benefits, font fallbacks can present challenges. Different fonts can have varying
font sizes and spacing, which may affect the layout of your email. Additionally, not all email clients support custom fonts, limiting your options for a unique design.
Conclusion
Font fallbacks are an essential aspect of email marketing, ensuring that your messages are readable and visually appealing across different clients and devices. By understanding and implementing effective font fallback strategies, you can enhance the overall
effectiveness of your email campaigns.