What Are Plain Text Style Emails?
Plain text style emails are design-free emails that look like they were sent directly from a person rather than a company.
They are not true plain text emails (which contain no formatting at all) but rather HTML emails styled to look like plain text.
These emails:
Remove complex layouts, heavy branding, and background images.
Focus on message clarity and readability.
Can still include small images such as a company logo or a signature graphic.
When to Use Plain Text Style Emails
Use plain text style emails when you want to:
Send personal-looking messages that feel like a direct email from a colleague.
Increase engagement for campaigns where authenticity matters more than design.
Run A/B tests comparing plain text style emails against designed templates.
Send time-sensitive updates quickly without waiting for design approval.
Pro Tip: Research from Litmus and Mailtrap shows plain text style emails can outperform designed emails for certain campaigns.
How to Create a Plain Text Style Email in Knak
1. Start with a Blank Template
Go to the Email Builder.
Choose a blank template to avoid pre-loaded design elements.
2. Set the Email Alignment
Open the Email Settings panel.
Find the Alignment option.
Choose Left for left-to-right languages, or Right for right-to-left languages.
3. Adjust the Email Width
In Email Settings, set the width wider than the standard 600px.
Recommended: 800–900px for a realistic plain text style look.
Note: Avoid setting extremely wide emails (like 1600px) to prevent display issues in Outlook for Windows.
4. Keep Formatting Minimal
Use paragraph text without background colors or complex tables.
Use one standard font throughout (e.g., Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif).
Avoid multiple font sizes (stick to one size for most of the email).
5. Add Light Branding (Optional)
Include your company logo in the header or signature.
Add a signature image if desired.
Keep it small and unobtrusive.
Example: Plain Text Style Email
Best Practices
Test across devices before sending to ensure it looks consistent.
Limit images to keep the message looking authentic.
Personalize the sender name to match the tone of the message.
Use short, direct copy that feels like a one-on-one conversation.
Use CAPITALS for emphasis or headers.
Use line breaks generously for spacing and clarity.
Use dashes or symbols (---, ***) for dividers or section breaks.
Need more help? Contact support via live chat using the chat bubble in the bottom right corner or email support@knak.com