How-To

How to make your email accessible to every recipient

Inboxlogy5 min readUpdated 2026-10-26

In short: To make an email accessible: add alt text to images, ensure strong contrast, use a readable font size, and structure content with real headings. Then verify with the free Accessibility Checker, which flags what is missing and how to fix it.

On this page

  1. Step 1: Add alt text to images
  2. Step 2: Fix contrast and font size
  3. Step 3: Structure the content
  4. Step 4: Verify before sending

Step 1: Add alt text to images

Every meaningful image needs descriptive alt text. Describe what the image conveys, not just "image". For purely decorative images, use empty alt text so screen readers skip them. This single step also protects you when clients block images, which many do by default.

Step 2: Fix contrast and font size

Make sure text stands out clearly against its background; avoid light grey on white. Keep body text around 14-16px so it is readable without zooming. These two changes help low-vision readers and everyone skimming on a phone.

Step 3: Structure the content

Use real headings and a logical reading order rather than relying on bold styled text. A clear structure lets screen readers navigate the message and makes it scannable for sighted readers too. Keep the layout a single, simple column.

Step 4: Verify before sending

  1. Open the Accessibility Checker. Go to the free Inboxlogy Accessibility Checker.
  2. Paste your email HTML.
  3. Review the flags. It lists missing alt text, weak contrast, small fonts and structure problems.
  4. Fix and re-check. Correct each item and run it again until clean.

Make your email readable for everyone

Scan your HTML for alt text, contrast, font size and structure, and fix what's flagged.

Open the Accessibility Checker →All free tools

Frequently asked questions

What alt text should I write for an email image?
Describe what the image communicates in context, not just that it is an image. For decorative images that add no meaning, use empty alt text so screen readers skip them.
What font size is accessible for email?
Around 14 to 16 pixels for body text. Smaller text forces readers to zoom and excludes people with low vision.
How do I check colour contrast in email?
An accessibility checker measures the contrast ratio between your text and background and flags combinations that fall below readability guidelines, so you can adjust the colours.
Is the Accessibility Checker free?
Yes. It analyses your email HTML in the browser at no cost and without an account.

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