template-design

Build HTML email templates with table-based layouts for cross-client compatibility.

2|Updated Mar 30, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/chunkydotdev/email-skills --skill template-design-chunkydotdev
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: template-design
Source: https://github.com/chunkydotdev/email-skills/tree/main/skills/content/template-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/chunkydotdev/email-skills --skill template-design-chunkydotdev

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This Skill eliminates the frustration of building HTML email templates that break across different email clients, solving the core issue of fragmented rendering standards where Outlook on Windows uses a Word-based engine that does not support modern web layout techniques.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Cross-client layout systems: Table-based layouts and ghost table techniques that work reliably in Outlook, Gmail, Apple Mail, and Yahoo Mail.
  • Responsive and accessible design: Fluid-hybrid responsive layouts, dark mode support, and WCAG-compliant accessibility practices for all recipients.
  • Framework and testing guidance: Recommendations for MJML, React Email, and Maizzle frameworks, plus cross-client testing checklists to catch rendering issues before send.
  • Use Case: Fix a broken two-column newsletter layout that renders incorrectly in Outlook on Windows, or build a new transactional email template that supports dark mode and meets accessibility requirements.

Quick Start

Use the template-design skill to build a responsive, dark-mode compatible HTML email template for your monthly product update that renders correctly in Outlook, Gmail, and Apple Mail.

Frequently Asked Questions about template-design

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
Why does my HTML email template break in Outlook on Windows?

HTML email templates break in Outlook on Windows because it uses a Word-based rendering engine that lacks modern CSS support like flexbox and grid. Table-based layouts and ghost table techniques are required to ensure cross-client rendering consistency.

How do I make responsive email templates that support dark mode?

Responsive email templates with dark mode support use fluid-hybrid layouts and specific CSS targeting to adapt colors across clients. Implementing WCAG-compliant accessibility practices ensures the email remains readable for all recipients in both light and dark modes.

What is the best way to build HTML emails that pass Gmail's 102KB size limit?

Building HTML emails under Gmail's 102KB size limit requires optimized table-based layouts and minimal inline CSS. Using templating frameworks like MJML, React Email, or Maizzle helps generate compact, production-ready code that renders consistently across all major clients.

Do I need table-based layouts for cross-client email rendering?

Table-based layouts are necessary for cross-client email rendering because major clients like Outlook lack modern CSS support. Ghost tables and fluid-hybrid design techniques provide the structural reliability needed to avoid broken layouts in fragmented email environments.

Can I use flexbox and grid for HTML email templates?

Flexbox and grid cannot be used for HTML email templates because Outlook on Windows relies on a Word-based engine that does not support modern web layout techniques. Table-based layouts and ghost table techniques are required for consistent cross-client rendering.

What frameworks work best for building production-ready HTML emails?

MJML, React Email, and Maizzle are effective frameworks for building production-ready HTML emails. They abstract complex table-based layouts into manageable components, ensuring cross-client compatibility, responsive design, and adherence to client-specific limitations like Gmail's size cap.