How to Compose Emails in HTML Using Roundcube

In today's digital communication landscape, emails are no longer just plain text messages. Rich, visually appealing HTML emails help businesses and individuals create professional, engaging, and branded communication. If you are using Roundcube Webmail, a popular open-source webmail client offered by Go4hosting, you can easily compose and send HTML emails to add style and formatting to your messages.

This knowledgebase article guides you step-by-step on how to compose HTML emails using Roundcube, so you can create emails with colors, fonts, images, links, and more - all without needing advanced coding skills.

What is Roundcube?

Roundcube is a user-friendly webmail client that comes pre-installed with many hosting services, including Go4hosting. It offers a clean interface and robust features such as message filtering, address book management, and importantly, a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) HTML editor for composing emails.

Why Use HTML Emails?

HTML emails allow you to:

• Add text formatting: bold, italics, colors, fonts, and sizes.
  
  

• Include images and logos to reinforce branding.
  
  

• Insert hyperlinks for clickable calls-to-action.
  
  

• Use tables and layouts for structured content.
  
  

• Enhance visual appeal for marketing and professional communications.
  
  

Using HTML email can significantly improve engagement and the overall impression your emails make.

How to Compose HTML Emails in Roundcube: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Log in to Your Roundcube Webmail

1. Open your web browser and navigate to your Roundcube webmail URL, usually something like webmail.yourdomain.com or via your hosting provider�s email login portal.
   
   

2. Enter your email address and password.
   
   

3. Click Login to access your inbox.
   
   

Step 2: Start Composing a New Email

1. In the Roundcube interface, click on the "Compose" button or the "New Message" icon.
   
   

2. A new message window will open, presenting you with fields for the recipient�s email address (To), subject, and the body area for your message.
   
   

Step 3: Enable the HTML Editor (WYSIWYG Editor)

By default, Roundcube's compose window uses an HTML editor which allows you to format your email visually.

• If your Roundcube is set to plain text mode, switch to the HTML mode by clicking the "HTML" or "Rich Text" button, usually located near the message toolbar.
  
  

• If you do not see an option to toggle to HTML mode, check your Roundcube settings or consult your hosting provider to ensure the HTML editor feature is enabled.
  
  

Step 4: Compose Your Email Using the HTML Editor Toolbar

The HTML editor toolbar offers a variety of formatting tools similar to a word processor:

• Bold, Italic, Underline: Highlight your text and click these buttons to add emphasis.
  
  

• Font Family and Size: Choose different fonts and sizes for your text.
  
  

• Text Color and Background Color: Add colors to make your content pop.
  
  

• Alignment: Align your text left, center, right, or justified.
  
  

• Lists: Create ordered (numbered) or unordered (bullet) lists.
  
  

• Indentation: Increase or decrease indent for paragraphs.
  
  

• Insert Link: Highlight text and click the link icon to add a hyperlink.
  
  

• Insert Image: Use the image icon to embed images directly into your email.
  
  

• Insert Table: Add tables for structured layouts or organizing content.
  
  

• Undo/Redo: Correct mistakes easily.
  
  

Step 5: Adding Images to Your Email

Visuals are critical to engaging emails. To insert images in Roundcube:

1. Place your cursor where you want the image.
   
   

2. Click the Insert Image icon on the toolbar.
   
   

3. In the dialog box, either:
   
   

• Upload an image from your computer (if your Roundcube supports it).
  
  

• Or insert the URL of an image hosted online.
  
  

4. Adjust image size, alt text, and alignment as needed.
   
   

5. Click OK or Insert to add the image.
   
   

Important: If you upload images, ensure that your recipient's email client supports inline images. Alternatively, use hosted images with reliable URLs.

Step 6: Insert Hyperlinks

To add clickable links in your email:

1. Highlight the text you want to turn into a link.
   
   

2. Click the Insert Link button (usually represented by a chain icon).
   
   

3. Enter the destination URL (e.g., https://www.go4hosting.in).
   
   

4. Optionally, set the target to open in a new tab (_blank).
   
   

5. Click OK to apply.
   
   

Step 7: Use Tables for Better Layouts (Optional)

If you want to organize your content into columns or sections:

1. Click the Insert Table icon.
   
   

2. Select the number of rows and columns.
   
   

3. Enter your content inside table cells.
   
   

4. Customize borders, padding, and spacing using the table properties.
   
   

Tables are especially useful for newsletters, promotional emails, or detailed product descriptions.

Step 8: Preview Your Email

Before sending, preview your email to ensure formatting appears correctly.

• Look for a Preview option in the compose window or toolbar.
  
  

• Alternatively, send a test email to yourself or a colleague.
  
  

• Check the email on multiple devices (desktop, mobile) and email clients (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) for compatibility.
  
  

Step 9: Send Your Email

Once you're satisfied with your HTML email:

• Double-check the recipient's address.
  
  

• Add a meaningful subject line.
  
  

• Click Send.
  
  

Your email will be delivered with all the formatting and embedded elements intact.

Tips for Composing Effective HTML Emails in Roundcube

• Keep it simple: Overly complex layouts may not render properly on all devices.
  
  

• Use web-safe fonts: Choose fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Times New Roman for consistent display.
  
  

• Optimize images: Use compressed images to reduce email size and loading times.
  
  

• Add alt text: Describe images for accessibility and in case images don�t load.
  
  

• Test across email clients: Different clients render HTML differently.
  
  

• Avoid large attachments: Instead, use cloud links or hosted images.
  
  

• Include a plain-text alternative: Some recipients prefer plain text emails.
  
  

Troubleshooting Common Issues

HTML Formatting Not Showing?

• Ensure you have toggled the editor to HTML mode.
  
  

• Check your Roundcube settings under Settings > Preferences > Composing Messages to verify HTML composition is enabled.
  
  

• Some hosting providers may restrict HTML emails due to security policies. Contact Go4hosting support if HTML composition is disabled.
  
  

Images Not Displaying?

• If you inserted images as attachments, some email clients might block them.
  
  

• Prefer using hosted images with direct URLs.
  
  

• Make sure image URLs are accessible publicly.
  
  

Links Not Working?

• Double-check the URL syntax.
  
  

• Ensure you included the full URL including http:// or https://.
  
  

• Test by sending a test email and clicking the links.
  
  

Advantages of Using Roundcube for HTML Emails

• User-friendly interface: No coding required.
  
  

• Integrated with Go4hosting email service: Seamless and reliable.
  
  

• Cross-platform: Works on any device with a web browser.
  
  

• Open-source: Regular updates and security improvements.
  
  

• Flexible formatting options: Customize emails to match branding.
  
  

Conclusion

Composing HTML emails with Roundcube is a straightforward way to enhance your email communication with professional formatting, images, and interactive elements. With Go4hosting's Roundcube Webmail, you have a powerful, easy-to-use tool at your fingertips that helps you create engaging emails without needing advanced HTML skills.

By following this guide, you can start crafting visually appealing and effective emails that make a great impression and increase engagement with your recipients.

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