Email layout is the structure of an email: how content is arranged into sections, rows, columns, and blocks so it reads well and renders reliably in inboxes. Layout decisions control scanning, spacing, and how your call to action appears on desktop and mobile. In email, layout is as much about compatibility as it is about design.
The Building Blocks That Make Layout Predictable
Most layouts are built from repeated patterns. Many emails still rely on table based layout to control alignment and spacing in clients that do not support modern CSS. Within that structure, a layout is typically composed of email row units that define horizontal bands of content, and email column units that define how content sits side by side. When these primitives are consistent, templates become easier to edit and test.
Layout and Hierarchy Work Together
Layout is how you express importance. Proper spacing, consistent alignment, and clear grouping create strong visual hierarchy so readers know what to look at first. Layout also shapes click behavior. If buttons are buried below long blocks of text, engagement drops. If a layout is too dense, mobile readers bounce. Practical layout work often starts with a small number of reusable patterns: a header, a hero, a two-column feature row, and a simple footer.
Common Layout Mistakes in HTML Email
Email layouts break for predictable reasons. Nested tables can become fragile. Columns can fail to stack on small screens. Padding can behave differently across clients. Another frequent issue is inconsistent image sizing that shifts alignment. A good approach is to keep layouts modular, avoid overly complex grids, and test the few patterns you plan to reuse. If you must support many variations, build guardrails so users cannot create unsupported structures.
Email Layout and Topol
Topol supports structured email layout building through reusable blocks and predictable markup, which helps teams keep layouts consistent across templates and clients. Learn more at Topol, create an account at Topol signup, or explore the Topol glossary.