Create compelling email preheader text that appears in inbox previews. Optimize your email open rates with properly formatted preview text.
Preheader Text Builder
Your email subject line for context
0 characters
Optimal: 40-130 characters
Inbox Preview
Gmail Desktop
Your Company Name
9:42 AM
iPhone Mail
Your Company Name
9:42 AM
Outlook Desktop
Your Company Name
9:42 AM
HTML Code
Copy this code and paste it at the very beginning of your email HTML, right after the opening <body> tag.
Pro Tip:
Place this code before any "View in browser" links to ensure your preheader text appears in email clients instead of that default text.
Best Practices
Length Guidelines
- Mobile: 30-55 characters visible
- Desktop: 90-140 characters visible
- Optimal: 40-130 characters total
- Front-load important info
Writing Tips
- Complement, don't repeat subject line
- Create curiosity or urgency
- Include benefits or value prop
- Use action-oriented language
- Avoid spam trigger words
Common Mistakes
- Repeating the subject line
- Too generic or vague
- Starting with "View in browser"
- Too long (gets cut off)
- Forgetting to add one at all
Example Combinations
| Subject Line | Preheader Text | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Save 30% This Weekend Only | Free shipping on all orders over $50. Use code WEEKEND30 at checkout. | Adds urgency + details |
| New Security Tools Released | 5 PowerShell scripts for Active Directory management now available to download | Expands on what's new |
| Your Invoice is Ready | Invoice #12345 for $299.99 is ready to view. Payment due Nov 15th. | Provides key details |
| Welcome to Our Newsletter! | Get weekly tips on cybersecurity, automation, and IT infrastructure. Unsubscribe anytime. | Sets expectations |
| Don't Miss Out | Last chance to register for our webinar on Zero Trust Security - spots filling fast | Creates urgency + context |
Technical Details
How It Works
Email clients look for text content at the beginning of your email to generate the preview. The preheader code uses hidden spans with specific CSS to ensure your chosen text appears instead of random content from your email body.
The zero-width spaces prevent email clients from pulling in additional text after your preheader ends.
Email Client Support
- Gmail: 100-120 chars (desktop), 30-40 (mobile)
- Apple Mail: 140 chars (desktop), 35-55 (mobile)
- Outlook: 90-140 chars (varies by version)
- Yahoo Mail: 150 chars
- Mobile apps: Generally 30-55 chars