Outlook's HTML generator

[Neville310]

Outlook seems to rewrite my HTML newsletter when emailing HTML. The
changes are minor, yet have perplexed me. Let me first say that the
Outlook options are as following: compose in this message format -
"HTML"; uncheck "Use Word as Editor"; choose custom stationary.

First, Outlook's HTML generator converts lower-case HTML to
upper-case. Why? As many web developers know, we have begun using
lower-case since xHTML strict is case sensitive.

Second, Outlook's HTML generator parses my CSS styles in groups. For
example, the p, td, ul { } becomes p { }, td { }, ul { }. Grouping CSS
provides no benefit when Outlook sends HTML emails. Outlook also adds
the font tag with the face attribute to the body text. This tendency
removes the multiple font families from the CSS styles, which bother
me a great deal (since Macs do not have Arial).

Third, Outlook adds superfluous and indiscernible class styles like
<SPAN class=484411622-14062005>. This class is not part of any CSS
styles either. Why?

My interests do not fall into HTML vs plain text email. This exercise
is valid and educational in purpose. This topic is not for the
faint-hearted. Please let me know anything about Outlook's HTML
generator.

 

[Brian Tillman]

Outlook seems to rewrite my HTML newsletter when emailing HTML. The
changes are minor, yet have perplexed me. Let me first say that the
Outlook options are as following: compose in this message format -
"HTML"; uncheck "Use Word as Editor"; choose custom stationary.

While I can't answer your questions (I avoid HTML mail like the plague),
perhaps something here might help: http://www.slipstick.com/mail1/html.htm