Tips and Techniques for Embedding Images in Email

If you’re not embedding images in email, you’re missing out on a chance to hack into your reader’s brain. 

This is one of the most powerful engagement tools you’ll ever use, and we’re going to show you how to get it right.

Embedding Images in Email: Why Does It Matter?

The human brain processes images much faster than it processes text, and images have a powerful impact on how we think and feel. 

If you want proof that embedding images in email is going to increase engagement, just compare the two newsletters below:

The only difference is one of these versions has a photo and the other doesn't.

Now, there's more than one way to embed images in email, and some email senders will just attach the image. So why does embedding images in email matter?

Well, first of all, if you simply attach an image it might set up red flags through certain email servers. As a result, the message may not be delivered or it could end up being treated as spam.

Even if it does get through, the reader has to download the attached image. 

However, when you embed images in email you avoid that problem.

This is one of the reasons embedding images in email leads to higher open and click-through rates.

Pros and Cons of Embedding Images

Research shows that embedding images in email leads to better engagement.  So what are the reasons not to embed images in your email?

The first and most important issue is that embedded images may not load in every format.  

Depending on whether your reader is using Outlook, Gmail, or another email service provider, they may not see the image or may not see it correctly. Some email services block certain kinds of images completely.

We'll get into the details of this issue, and how to get past it, when we cover the how-to and best practices below.

Another big issue is that embedding images in email can take a lot of time and effort. However, using no code email editors such as the one provided by beehiiv will solve that problem instantly.

Why Trust Us? All beehiiv writers are carefully vetted for their knowledge and experience. Jacob Bear has been writing email campaigns for nearly a decade and has experienced the evolution of image embedding techniques firsthand.

How to Embed Images in Your Emails

There are several ways to embed images in your emails. To understand each one, you should start by thinking about where the image lives in each method.

For example, you could attach the photo to the email itself. 

More often though, the embedded image exists on a server and you embed it into the email using various types of code. 

Let's look at the methods that are available for doing this. We’ll show you four different ways to embed an image, and we’ll tell you which ones to avoid.

Content-ID

The oldest way to embed images in your emails is to use CID which stands for Content-ID. We’re only mentioning it here in order to warn you about it.

Embedding images using CID requires significant coding skills, and it often raises red flags with email servers. Because of the work involved and the risks to deliverability, we don’t recommend using CID. 

Inline Embedding

A slightly better method is to use Inline Embedding. This involves converting your image into a special string of code called Base64. The Base64 code is then embedded into the HTML code of your email.

Inline embedding creates a fast-loading image, but unfortunately, many email servers won’t accept the code when it is used in this way. Microsoft blocks it completely.

So, is there a better way? 

HTML Embedding

An easier and more common practice is called HTML embedding. In this case, your image is hosted on a server. 

The image will have its own specific HTML code that combines the image’s URL with code indicating that it should be rendered as an image. 

Drag and Drop

Finally, there is the “Drag and drop” method. Drag and drop is exactly what it sounds like, and it will typically embed your image using the current best practices.

This is the easiest solution for anyone who doesn’t want or know how to use code. 

You’ve probably seen this method somewhere or used it yourself already. 

But in case you’re new at this, here is how you would embed images in email using drag and drop in beehiiv. Other services will follow a similar procedure. 

Embedding Images in Email Using Drag and Drop

First, open the email editor. On a new line, click the ‘+’ sign to open the drop-down menu, and select “Image”

You’ll have the option to Drag and Drop, Upload an image, or “use from library” to use an image that you’ve already stored in your beehiiv account.

Any one of these three choices will automatically embed your image in your email. We’ll focus on Drag and drop. 

The next step is to access the images on your device (they will usually be in an album or a folder).

Next, simply drag the image you want into the box on your screen, and drop it.

In just a few seconds, you’ve embedded an image into your email. 

When you click on the image, you’ll see a menu with options for resizing the image, changing its alignment, linking it, and making other edits.

Best Practices for Email Image Embedding

The most important best practice for email images is to use an email platform that incorporates responsive design. 

Responsive design automatically reformats your content, including images, to fit whatever app or device your reader is using. 

If you’re using an up-to-date drag-and-drop editor with a responsive design, most of the best practices will happen automatically.

However, there are several best practices for image embedding that are up to you. Don’t neglect these:

• Never start the body of your email with an image. Even with all the best practices in place, there’s always a risk that an image won’t load properly. Don’t create a situation where technical issues can distract readers from your content.

• Every image should have a point. Avoid inserting stock photos just to have an image. 

• Use alt text. Alt text is text that will appear in place of your image if the image doesn’t load. Some readers with certain visual impairments will have settings that show alt text automatically. This is valuable real estate to get your point across!

• If your image includes critical information, share this information in your text as well. As we’ve mentioned before, some readers may not see your images for various reasons. If there’s a phone number, a date and time, or something else they need to know, make sure there’s a way to see this information besides images.

• Strike a balance between text and images. Many readers will be turned off by too much of a good thing. 

• Use PNG or JPEG files for your images. These files are recognized by virtually any server or program, and they’re the most likely to render well.

• Keep your images small. Images that are 600 pixels wide or less will fit well on most screens.

• If your readers are likely to use HD screens (think gamers and designers), then test to make sure your images look good on these screens. 

• Test every email before you send it.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues With Embedded Images

Image Doesn’t Render Properly

If your image isn’t showing up the way it should, the issue might be the size. Try reducing your image until the width is 600 pixels or less. 

If you’re able to deliver your email with a responsive design, that should also handle the issue. 

As a last resort, you can make an educated guess about the kind of device most readers are using when they view your email. Then, resize your images and format your email to fit that device.

Image Is Blocked

Often when an image is blocked, it's because of your reader’s settings or their email server. 

The best you can do is follow the best practices we laid out above and experiment with different methods of embedding images in email. 

Make sure you’re using alt text and other measures so that even when an image is blocked, your readers are still getting the content they need.

Image Is Too Big or Too Small

To resize your image, open your email editor and click on the image. There are two things that might happen. 

First, a thin border might appear around your email. You can drag the corner of this border in or out to change the size of your image.

Second, a menu will open up which will allow you to edit your image. You will probably have the option of resizing it.

Finally, you can use photo editing software such as Photoshop to change the size of your image

Embedding Images in Email: Closing Thoughts

By far, the easiest way to embed images in email is by using an email platform that does this. We’ve already demonstrated how to do this using the beehiiv platform. 

Another great feature of beehiiv is the ability to embed images from Giphy and Unsplash in a matter of seconds. This gives you access to literally millions of GIFs and photos.

One of the biggest concerns around embedding images in email is the way it might hurt your deliverability. 

Since beehiiv follows the best practices for email deliverability, you’re free to focus your energy on being creative and providing world-class content.

We offer a whole suite of no-code tools, analytics, and programs that will help you grow your list. 

Embedding images in email is just the tip of the iceberg. You’ll get a lot more when you start a beehiiv newsletter.