UA HTML E-mail Templates
The following customizable and widely-compatible institutionally-branded HTML e-mail templates are available for usage by any official unit of The University of Alabama. The templates are organized into categories based on e-mail style and level of customization.
All of the templates are compatible with many e-mail clients including, but not limited to:
- Outlook 2003 and Outlook 2007
- Gmail
- Yahoo! Mail
- Entourage 2004 and Entourage 2008
The downloadable template packages include all HTML, original images, and any other files needed to customize the templates to your needs. Certain template packages contain an alternative two column version, in addition to the default one column template.
The templates are flexible and are easily customized to the needs of your division, college, department, or other group by any web designer who has an understanding of HTML, CSS layout and basic image editing software.
PLEASE NOTE: These templates are ONLY authorized for use by official University of Alabama entities or organizations, and any other usage of the code or images contained within these packages is in violation of the University's Copyright Policy.
If you have any further questions about the use or customization of these templates, please contact the Office of Web Communications at webmaster@ur.ua.edu.
SCREENCAST: How To Use & Customize the E-mail Templates
E-mail Design Guidelines
Before you start customizing these HTML e-mail templates, here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Header » Body » Footer — In general, e-mails should follow a format that includes an image header, body text and a footer.
- Keep it simple — Try to fit all content into the first screenful – keep it short.
- Assume images will be blocked — E-mail clients commonly block images so important information should be built as text, not as a design element.
- Contrast matters — Dark text on a white background is best for body copy.
- Design it like it's 1999 — For better or worse, e-mail clients often render HTML in ways that are more similar to 1990s web design practices than current ones. If you make any major coding (i.e. HTML) changes to the templates, be aware that tables are essential for correct cross-client rendering
- Keep it vertical or square — Most email clents have a small window to display content, so a vertical design is best.
- Test, test, test — While we have made many efforts to ensure the templates below will display correctly in every e-mail client, it is always a good idea to test your e-mails before delivering.
More Helpful Resources
- Guide to CSS support in email clients
- How to Code HTML E-mail Newsletters
- E-mail client popularity
- The Current State of Video in Email
E-mail Templates
Institutional Postcard
- For short messages where visual impact is aided by a large image, such as invitations or postcard-style messages
- Features a traditional/professional design
- Generic UA nameplate header
Organization Postcard
- For short messages where visual impact is aided by a large image, such as invitations or postcard-style messages
- Features a traditional/professional design
- Customizable header graphic
Institutional Newsletter
- For e-mails that are content-heavy, such as traditional e-letters
- Features a modern design with rounded corners, a background color, and a dark footer
- Generic UA nameplate header
Organization Newsletter
- For e-mails that are content-heavy, such as traditional e-letters
- Features a modern design with rounded corners, a background color, and a dark footer
- Customizable header graphic
Institutional Announcement
- For potentially long e-mails in a calendar/announcement style
- Features a modern and open design with rounded corner header and open layout
- Generic UA nameplate header
Organization Announcement
- For potentially long e-mails in a calendar/announcement style
- Features a modern and open design with rounded corner header and open layout
- Customizable header graphic
