
Gmail's HTML features are surprisingly robust, but they do come with some limitations.
Gmail supports basic HTML formatting, including headings, paragraphs, and links.
However, Gmail's HTML editor is quite restrictive, with limited support for CSS and JavaScript.
Gmail also has a 65,000 character limit for emails, which can be a challenge when working with complex HTML code.
Basic Gmail HTML Setup
To set up basic Gmail HTML, you can simply change the URL from https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/... to the basic HTML view. This will give you a modern and fast experience, similar to what you'd get on iOS on Safari.
The basic HTML view uses JavaScript, which might be a concern for some, but it's worth noting that most keyboard shortcuts work for navigating folders, searching, and starting a new message.
You can switch back to the desktop view at any point via the settings menu, so you can still access all the features you need.
Standard Gmail HTML
The HTML version of Gmail loads faster than the standard version. If you want to add text formatting to Gmail messages or embed links, you'll need to use the appropriate HTML code.
You don't have to switch to the HTML view to send a plain text message in Gmail.
To view your Gmail in simple HTML, open the Gmail HTML website in any web browser and log in to your Gmail account if prompted.
For your interest: What Is the Latest Version of Html
Inserting HTML
Inserting HTML can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, it's easier than you think.
You can use an online tool like Postdrop to write and preview your HTML.
Just select everything in the preview window and paste it into Gmail, and you're good to go.
For more insights, see: Visual Studio Code Preview Html
Simple URL Change
One simple way to switch to Gmail's basic HTML view is to make a URL change. This will give you a more streamlined and modern experience, similar to what you'd get on iOS with Safari.

The URL to change is from https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/... to the basic HTML view. This is a quick and easy way to access the basic HTML view without having to use any menus or special links.
The basic HTML view is very fast and uses JavaScript, making it a great option for those with poor connections. It's also a good choice for reducing memory usage, as switching to basic HTML cut memory use from 445MB to just over 200MB in one example.
You can switch back to the desktop view at any point via the settings menu. This is useful if you need to access more features or formatting options.
Here are some benefits of using the basic HTML or mobile view:
- Poor connections
- Reduced memory usage
- Potential battery savings on mobile
Limitations and Discontinuation
The basic HTML version of Gmail has its limitations. It lacks features like Chat, spell checker, keyboard shortcuts, rich formatting, adding or importing contacts, and custom 'from' addresses.
Gmail's basic HTML view is not as feature-rich as its modern counterpart. It's been around for over 10 years, and Google says it's a previous version that was replaced by its modern successors.
The basic HTML version of Gmail can be slow to load, taking around 1200 milliseconds to fully load using Chrome Inspect's Network tool. This is compared to the standard view, which loaded in 700 milliseconds but had web elements continuing to load for almost a minute.
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Features Not Available

Gmail Basic HTML has some notable limitations that are worth mentioning.
Gmail Basic HTML doesn't support Gmail keyboard shortcuts.
If you're used to using keyboard shortcuts to navigate and manage your email, you'll need to find alternative ways to do so.
Gmail Basic HTML also lacks a built-in spelling checker.
This means you'll need to use an external tool or proofread your emails manually to catch spelling mistakes.
Additionally, Gmail tasks are not available in Gmail Basic HTML.
This feature allows you to create and manage to-do lists directly within your email client, but it's not an option in Gmail Basic HTML.
Google chat is also not supported in Gmail Basic HTML.
If you rely on chat for communication with colleagues or friends, you'll need to use a different platform or service.
Additional reading: Do I Need Php for Submission Form Html
Google to Discontinue It Next Year
Google is removing the basic HTML version of Gmail, which will be discontinued next year. This means that users will no longer be able to access Gmail in this format after January 2024.

The basic HTML version of Gmail was designed for legacy browsers and those on slow connections. It's still handy for checking emails in areas with poor internet connectivity.
Google is replacing the basic HTML version with the standard view, which has more features but takes longer to load. According to a report, the standard view loaded in 700 milliseconds, while the basic HTML version took around 1200 milliseconds to fully load.
Some users, including those with visual impairments, rely on the basic HTML version of Gmail due to its simplicity and ease of use. Pratik Patel, a blind technologist, argued that Google's decision to discontinue the basic HTML version will be confusing and unhappy for many blind people who use it.
Google has a history of discontinuing products and services, including six products this year. However, the company sometimes continues to support services for those who don't want to make the transition.
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Editing and Sending
To send HTML emails, you'll first need to have your HTML email templates ready to go. We recommend downloading these email templates and using Postdrop to edit the HTML and content.
You can then install the Send HTML in Gmail Chrome extension to make the process easier. This extension enables you to inject HTML into your Gmail emails.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Install the Chrome extension
- Open Gmail and compose a new message
- Click the Send HTML in Gmail extension in Chrome
- Paste your HTML into the input area
- Click “Inject HTML” and your email should now be rendered in the compose area in Gmail
- Hit send
Switching to View Mode
To switch to Gmail's basic HTML view, you may have to go to the Gmail HTML website again if Gmail automatically opens the standard interface.
You can switch to Gmail's basic HTML view by accessing the Gmail HTML website.
This view is useful for editing and sending emails, as it allows you to focus on the content without distractions.
To access the basic HTML view, you may need to manually select it each time you log in to your Gmail account.
Utilizing Editors
Utilizing editors can make a big difference in your email editing experience. Some free editors worth a look are Htmlg.com or Postdrop.
Consider reading: B Tag Html

These editors offer a bit more than the default Google editor. They provide a chance to preview your emails as you write or change them, which is really helpful.
You can pick the right one, adjust it to your needs, and preview and download the entire HTML code. Most of these tools run on a freemium model, letting you try some basic templates for free and charging you for more advanced ones.
Explore further: Gmail Email Preview
Send in Chrome
To send emails with custom HTML templates, you'll need to install a Chrome extension. The Send HTML in Gmail Chrome extension is a great tool for this purpose.
You can install the extension by following a few simple steps. The process involves installing the Chrome extension, opening Gmail, and clicking the extension in Chrome.
To inject HTML into your Gmail emails, you'll need to paste your HTML into the input area and click "Inject HTML". This will render your email in the compose area in Gmail.
Related reading: Html Form Text Area
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create an HTML in Gmail?
To create an HTML in Gmail, install the Send HTML in Gmail Chrome extension and follow its prompts to inject your HTML into a new email. This will render your HTML in the compose area, ready to be sent.
Featured Images: pexels.com


