How to Use HTML Tags in Gmail with Zapier

When you send formatted emails through Gmail using Zapier, it is important to understand which HTML tags are supported so your automated messages display correctly in every inbox. Gmail does not render all HTML features, so planning your email structure around supported tags prevents layout issues and improves deliverability.

This guide explains which HTML tags work reliably in Gmail, how Zapier email steps handle HTML content, and how to structure your templates for consistent formatting.

Understanding Gmail HTML Support with Zapier

Gmail strips out many advanced or potentially unsafe HTML elements. When your Zapier workflow creates or sends a Gmail message, Gmail will still apply its own rendering rules. That means the email body must rely on the subset of tags that Gmail actually supports.

In general, focus on simple, semantic HTML and basic inline formatting. Complex layouts, embedded scripts, and unsupported attributes will either be removed or may cause unexpected results in the final email.

Core HTML Tags That Work in Gmail via Zapier

When building templates for Gmail in Zapier, the following HTML tags are typically supported and safe to use:

• Text formatting: <b>, <strong>, <i>, <em>, <u>, <br>
• Paragraphs and headings: <p>, <div>, <span>, <h1> through <h6>
• Lists: <ul>, <ol>, <li>
• Links: <a> with href attribute
• Images: <img> with src, alt, width, and height attributes
• Tables: <table>, <tbody>, <tr>, <td>, <th>
• Horizontal lines: <hr>

These tags allow you to create well-structured emails through your Zapier automations while staying within Gmail’s rendering limitations.

Unsupported or Limited HTML Tags in Gmail and Zapier

Certain HTML elements are blocked or heavily restricted by Gmail, regardless of whether the email originates from Zapier or another source. Avoid the following in your templates:

• <script> and any JavaScript
• <style> tags in the body, or CSS that depends on advanced selectors
• <form> elements, inputs, or interactive widgets
• <iframe>, <embed>, <object>, and similar media containers
• On-event attributes such as onclick, onload, and similar

Gmail may strip or neutralize these elements, which can break layouts or cause security warnings. When building messages in a Zapier Gmail step, keep your HTML simple and avoid experimental constructs.

How Zapier Handles HTML in Gmail Actions

In Zapier, Gmail actions such as Send Email or Reply to Email often include a rich text field or an option to input HTML. When you place HTML in the body field, Zapier passes that markup to Gmail, which then applies its normal filtering and rendering.

Key behaviors to remember:

• If you paste HTML, ensure that all tags are properly closed.
• Rely on inline styles rather than external or embedded stylesheets.
• Use fully qualified URLs for images and links (including https://).
• Test your Zaps with multiple email clients to confirm appearance.

Zapier does not override Gmail’s security or formatting rules; it simply delivers the content you provide.

Best Practices for HTML Email Layouts in Zapier

To build reliable email templates for Gmail within Zapier, follow these practical guidelines.

Use Simple, Semantic Structure in Zapier Emails

Organize your content with a clear, readable structure:

• Wrap text blocks in <p> tags instead of using multiple <br> tags.
• Use headings (<h2>, <h3>) to separate sections of your Zapier email.
• Use lists (<ul> and <ol>) for steps, features, or bullet points.
• Keep nesting levels shallow to avoid complex rendering differences.

Rely on Inline Styles in Zapier Templates

Gmail offers only partial support for embedded CSS, so inline styles are more reliable. For example:

• Apply font size and color with style="font-size:14px;color:#333;" directly on <p> or <span> tags.
• Set table borders or padding with inline style attributes on <table>, <tr>, and <td>.
• Avoid complex CSS like animations, position: fixed, or advanced selectors.

When editing a Gmail step inside Zapier, keep styles minimal and focused on readability.

Optimize Tables for Gmail via Zapier

Tables are a common way to create structured layouts in HTML emails, including those generated by Zapier. To keep them compatible:

• Use a simple grid with <table>, <tr>, <td>, and optional <th> tags.
• Specify widths in pixels for predictable alignment across clients.
• Include inline padding and border styles where needed.
• Avoid row or column spans that create overly complex structures.

Testing Zapier HTML Emails in Gmail

Before you rely on a new Zapier workflow for critical communication, test your HTML emails thoroughly in Gmail and other clients.

1. Create or update your Zap with a Gmail action that sends an HTML email.
2. Use sample data to populate dynamic fields like names, dates, and links.
3. Run a test from Zapier and send it to your own Gmail account.
4. View the message on desktop and mobile, and in multiple browsers.
5. Forward the email to other clients (for example Outlook or Apple Mail) to confirm layout consistency.

If you notice broken formatting, simplify your HTML structure or remove unsupported tags and re-test.

Additional Resources for HTML and Zapier Gmail Use

For a complete reference of supported HTML tags and the most accurate, up-to-date behavior in Gmail, review the official documentation from the original source here: What HTML tags are supported in Gmail. This resource works hand in hand with your Zapier workflows to ensure reliability.

If you are designing a broader automation strategy or need help structuring complex processes around Gmail and Zapier integrations, you can explore consulting and implementation assistance at Consultevo.

Summary: Building Reliable Gmail Templates with Zapier

To create dependable HTML emails in Gmail using Zapier, stay within Gmail’s supported tags, avoid advanced or interactive elements, and build clean, semantic layouts. Combine supported HTML tags with inline styles, test across devices and clients, and adjust your design until every message renders as expected.

By respecting Gmail’s HTML limitations and structuring your content carefully in Zapier, your automated emails will look professional, remain accessible, and reach recipients without unexpected formatting issues.

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