Dark mode is widely adopted among email users globally. Therefore, since an increasing number of devices and email platforms support the feature, it is critical for marketers to concentrate on creating emails that are visually attractive and legible in every setting.
As you plan your email campaigns, ensure your email layout works well on dark backgrounds. If you want to utilize this factor for effective email marketing, you’re at the right place.
In this article, I am going to discuss how you can design emails that perform well on dark mode. Let’s start.
What is Dark Mode and Why Does It Matter in Email Marketing?
Dark mode is a user interface setting whereby text and UI elements are in light colors on a dark background; it is the opposite of the conventional presentation of content, which is with a light background and dark text.
Aside from offering a pretty contemporary look, it saves battery life on OLED screens and reduces eye strain in low light.
Since these major email clients, Apple Mail, Gmail, Outlook, and iOS Mail, now support dark mode, the look of your email can vary a lot with the recipient’s settings.
So, dark mode optimization for HTML emails is now needed to keep them readable and maintain brand professionalism.
How To Design Emails For Dark Mode?
Designing emails for dark mode isn’t difficult at all. You only need to focus on a few things for better email marketing results. I’ve discussed the details of these things below:
Use Transparent Images and Multiple Logo Versions
Employ PNG or SVG images that have transparent backgrounds, whereby logos and icons can be made visible. It would also be beneficial to have two renditions of your logo: one optimized for a light background and the other for a dark background.
Explicitly Define Background and Text Colors
Do not use the default colors. Set background and text colors explicitly in your email’s CSS. Control the look of your email in both light and dark modes.
Adapt Your Styles with Media Queries
Most modern email clients will support media queries with detection for dark mode and applying custom styles accordingly. Though it has varied support, using media queries where possible allows you to tweak colors, backgrounds, and other elements of design automatically.
Use Invert-Safe Colors:
Another thing that you need to do here is use invert-safe colors within the email. These colors are those that aren’t affected when the display color is inverted. It’s important since many apps like Apple Mail switch the background and text to dark mode even if the email wasn’t designed for it. It can mess up the whole format, and using invert-safe colors stops it from happening.
Best Practices for Optimizing Your Email Layout for Dark Mode:
There are some best practices that you can follow in order to optimize your email layout for dark mode. I’ve discussed the most important ones below:
Do Not Use Pure Black Background
Pure black (#000000) causes eye strain and halos around the text. Use softer dark shades, for example, #121212 or #1c1c1c. This allows comfortable reading.
Ensure High Contrast for Readability
Text needs to be clearly readable against any background for accessibility as well as easy reading in general. Use contrast checkers to verify that your colors meet the recommended standards.
Design Buttons with Contrast in Mind
Make buttons bold and bright enough to stand out in both modes. Maybe add subtle shadows or outlines that adapt to the background, light, or dark.
Use Spacing Generously:
Another best practice that you should focus on in this regard is using spacing in text generously. Closely spaced texts can merge within each other in the dark mode. It can cause problems for the readers as they won’t be able to read the text properly. That’s why, you should use proper spacing within the text to make it easily readable.
Additional Tips For Designing Emails For Dark Mode:
Some additional useful tips that you can use in this regard are given below:
- Start by viewing your current emails in dark mode to identify problem areas.
- Select color schemes suitable for both light and dark backgrounds.
- Create light and dark background versions of your logos and important images.
- Use CSS media queries and inline styles to adapt your email design dynamically.
- Send test emails to multiple clients and devices to ensure consistency.
- Ensure calls-to-action stand out clearly with enough contrast.
- Monitor subscriber feedback and engagement metrics to fine-tune your design.
- Keep up with evolving email client capabilities regarding HTML email dark mode support.
Challenges of Designing Emails for Dark Mode:
Optimizing emails for dark mode isn’t challenge-free. You might face the following major challenges in this regard:
Inverted Colors and Contrast Issues
Another huge problem when designing emails for dark mode is the automatic color inversion by the email clients. It sometimes leads to very undesired situations whereby light text becomes dark and unreadable against a dark background, or brand colors look washed out.
Image and Logo Display Problems
Images, especially logos with white backgrounds or empty areas, may vanish or look strange against dark backgrounds unless treated properly. This affects branding and user experience.
Button Visibility and Links
Buttons and links may vanish or run into the background colors in dark mode, thereby resulting in poor visibility, click-through rates, and conversions.
Conclusion:
The adoption of dark mode continues to rise, making it critical for marketers to master designing emails for dark mode. An email layout that is carefully crafted and takes into account color contrast, images, buttons, and styles will ensure your emails engage your audience no matter how they view them. By adhering to best practices and processes as outlined here, you can create emails that look polished, professional, and easy to read in any environment. Through thorough testing and learning from the best dark mode email examples, you will keep your campaigns ahead of the curve.
People Also Ask:
How Do I Optimize My Email Signature For Dark Mode?
The best way to do this is by using transparent PNG logos and avoiding pure black or white colors. Also, keep a high contrast between the background and text color to make it stand out.
Why Are Emails Still White In Gmail Dark Mode?
Emails could show white in dark mode because Gmail doesn’t support dark mode fully for styling all emails. So when an email isn’t optimized for dark mode, it’ll appear white in the app.
What Is The Best Color Scheme For Dark Mode?
The best color scheme for optimizing emails for dark mode is using dark backgrounds, such as deep grey (#121212 or #1c1c1c). As for the text, go for light text such as off-white or soft grey. It is highly recommended not to use pure black or pure white colors.
