Rendering Issue: OFT File from Outlook in Gmail

[Karthick77]

I downloaded an OFT file from Outlook. While it appears well in Outlook, there are rendering issues in Gmail. Should I rely on fixing the Marketo template, or could it be a different problem?

#oft #template

[Jo_Pitts1 · Accepted solution]

@Karthick77 ,

OFTs are (and sorry to be so blunt) a terrible place to start in terms of a template.  Outlook generates abysmal HTML and CSS.  Further, it won't be built in any modular manner to allow drag and drop within the Marketo email editor.

A better approach would be:

1. Start with a good graphic design (from a designer who understands email design) that covers both desktop and mobile variations.  If you already have that, great!
2. Then find a person who is a good template builder who understands the HTML and CSS nuances of email template builds (there are many - outlook special case coding, gmail's lack of flex support, dark mode to name a few).  Get them to build it in a proper Marketo modular context.
3. Discuss advanced features you might want around hyper personalisation with them, and get them to develop any needed velocity scripts as well as special control template modules to leverage the scripts.

Cheers

Jo

[SanfordWhiteman]

Couldn’t agree more w/@Jo_Pitts1.

“Most correct” sounds wrong in the same way as “most unique” but this is the most correct answer about OFTs!

[Karthick77]

Thank you for the info @Jo_Pitts1