Even though the Agility email editor allows the use of multiple columns for text and images, there are times when content may not be displayed in columns.
Columns appear on screens wide enough to comfortably display smaller text which often occurs on smaller screens.
Columns will not appear when:
The available email display area is less than 600 pixels wide.
The device’s screen is less than 640 pixels wide.
The device’s pixel ratio (DPR) is greater than 2.1.
As a result, mobile phones typically won’t show columns due to their smaller screen sizes, and tablets may not show columns if their DPR is too high - whether the phone or tablet is an iOS or Android device. Larger screens, such as those found on most laptops and desktops, should display columns without issue, provided the email window is at least 640 pixels wide.
Below is a chart that summarizes when columns will and won’t appear.
Device Used to Open Emails | Will Columns Display? | Reason |
Mobile/Cell Phone | Likely No | Pixel widths may be lower than 640 and DPR likely too high. |
Tablet | Maybe | Pixel widths are likely good, but DPR may be high. |
Computer (small window) | Maybe | Pixel width and DPR are likely good, but the display area of the email may be less than 600 pixels across depending on the sizing of the window. |
Computer (full screen) | Likely Yes | Pixel width of email display area and screen are likely good, DPR is likely below 2.1. |
We say "likely" because emails other than plain text are notoriously difficult to predict how the recipient will receive them due to several factors we've explored here. Also, recipient security settings on image downloads override fonts, accessibility settings such as screen readers, high contrast modes, or enlarged text, etc. Agility attempts to strike a balance where emails can be customized and formatted as desired, while also displaying well regardless of a recipient's email settings and preferences.