Text emails are personal messages sent from an email client like Google Mail, Apple Mail, or Microsoft Outlook. These are typically text-based messages and might include attachments. Note that all attachments need to be accessible before being sent. Please refer to the appropriate content type document for more details.
Note: These resources explain accessibility requirements and best practices. Guidance on official university templates, branding, publishing workflows, and communication standards is managed by the Office of Marketing & Communications. For approved templates and publishing guidance, visit our Marketing and Communications Toolkit page.
The Five Principles
- Identify Content Types: Styles (headings), Bullets (lists), Hyperlinks. Content types are displayed and labeled consistently.
- Provide Text Equivalents: Alt Text
- Use Color Carefully: Contrast, Sensory Characteristics
- Provide Descriptive Hyperlinks: Link purpose and location
- Use Clear Language: Overview, Concise and specific, avoid jargon
Additional Considerations
- Include a signature and contact information: Add your name, title, and contact details.
- Typography: Minimum font size 12pt or 16px; do not use all caps; left align text when possible; use space between paragraphs
- Attachments: Include important content in the body of the email; attachments need to be made accessible before sending, please refer to the appropriate content type below for more details