How To Create Professional HTML Email Templates From PSD?

You’re in your grandmother’s kitchen, watching her cook her famous lasagna without a cookbook. You watch in awe, “How on earth am I ever going to learn to make it like you do?”

She smiles, pulls out a worn notebook, and translates decades of culinary intuition into measurements and steps you can follow.

Isn’t that exactly how most of us feel when staring at a PSD file waiting to be converted into an HTML email template?

There is a beautiful email design in Photoshop—the perfect lasagna–but the thought of converting it into HTML makes your palms sweat. Will the code work flawlessly across email clients? Or will it be scrambled like overcooked pasta?

And don't get us started on mobile devices. They have a way of turning your carefully crafted email design into something that looks like it was assembled in the dark.

But the truth is that converting a PSD file into an HTML email template is achievable. But the truth is that converting a PSD file into an HTML email template is achievable. And once you’re comfortable with that process, you can also create an HTML email signature to bring even more consistency to your email communications.

We are here to provide precise, step-by-step instructions on turning your stunning PSD into an equally impressive and responsive email template. Let’s get started!

Why Convert PSD to HTML Email Template?

Why put yourself through this? Why get an HTML email from PSD?

A PSD file works as the blueprint for your email design. Designers lean on it to create detailed layouts with layers, making it easy to visualize the final product. Starting with a PSD ensures that the email's design aligns perfectly with branding, messaging, and user expectations.

Consistency

Converting PSD to HTML email templates gives you the consistency that makes your audience recognize and trust your brand. Plus, a well-crafted HTML email template looks exactly how you intended it to look rather than the it-looked-different-on-my-screen kind of email experience.

Time and Money Saving

Once you have your HTML email template, you eliminate the need for repetitive customization. Sending emails becomes as simple as changing the content. No more repetitive formatting, no more wasting precious hours that could be spent on, oh, I don't know... running your business? Or, finally, taking that lunch break?

Cross-Browser Compatibility

Your emails will display properly whether your recipient is using Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or (bless their hearts) Internet Explorer. This accessibility means that your beautifully designed emails look great no matter where they’re opened, and it’s easier for your audience to engage with your content.

Mobile- responsiveness

Wherever you are, or, in fact, if you’re reading this right now – it is most likely on your phone. And so are your customers. In fact, 71.5% of consumers typically access their email using a mobile device. Converting a PSD to an HTML email template gives our customers a layout that adapts to the mobile screen making it easier for users to engage with emails.

So, we’re clear on the “why”. Let's now understand the “how” of creating an HTML email template from a PSD file.

PSD To Email Conversion: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare Your PSD

Getting the exportable PSD file ready before the conversion will save you time and effort during the conversion process. Here’s what you should do:

Adjust the email template width. It’s best done in the range of 600-800 pixels. Meaning, stick to this width range while designing in Photoshop. This is the sweet spot for email templates. Anything wider might get cut off in some email clients.
Compress images for web use without sacrificing quality. Tools like TinyPNG can help reduce file sizes while maintaining clarity.

Step 2: Slice and Export Your Assets

Slicing in PSD is breaking down a design into smaller, manageable pieces that can be exported and can be coded in HTML.
Use Photoshop’s slice tool to slice your PSD image into manageable chunks like header, footer, body, CTA buttons, etc. Clearly label each layer in your PSD. This helps in easier export and coding later.

Step 3: Export Images from Your PSD

After you have finished slicing the designs, it is now time to export those images. Exporting images from a PSD file means changing your layered design into a flat image format like JPEG or PNG. that’s ready to be shared and used in all sorts of applications, including email marketing.

Plus, exporting images into a dedicated folder helps keep your assets organized. That way, locating and using them later in building an email template is easier.

Open your sliced PSD in Photoshop.
Go to File > Export > Export Preferences.
Choose the appropriate format (PNG or JPEG) and hit save.

Step 4: Write the HTML Structure

It’s time to do some coding. Create a basic HTML using this simple boilerplate code:

<!DOCTYPE html>

<head>

<title>Your Email Title</title>

<style>

body {

margin: 0;

padding: 0;

font-family: Arial, sans-serif;

background-color: #f4f4f4;

}

.container {

width: 100%;

max-width: 600px;

margin: auto;

background-color: #ffffff;

}

</style>

</head>

<body>

<tr>

<td>

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>

<h1>Welcome to Our Newsletter!</h1>

<p>Here’s what we have in store for you...</p>

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

<td>

<p>Thank you for reading!</p>

</td>

</tr>

</table>

</body>

</html>

Step 5: Insert Images into HTML

Insert the images you exported earlier. Use absolute URLs for image sources so they display correctly in different email clients.

<tr>

</td>

</tr>

<tr>

</td>

</tr>

Step 6: Style with Inline CSS

Here's where many developers go wrong – they try to use external CSS. However, email clients are notoriously picky about CSS. As many of them strip out embedded stylesheets, applying styles directly within your HTML tags, i.e., Inline CSS, is always wise.

For example:

<h1 style="color:#333;">Welcome!</h1>

</td>

One last tip: Avoid complex layouts and excessive use of images. Instead, opt for clean designs that are easy to read.

Step 7: Make It Responsive

A professional email template should display well for all screen sizes. Use media queries to ensure responsiveness:

<style>

@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) {

table[class="content"] {

width: 100% !important;

}

</style>

Also, set up fluid tables that adjust to screen width. Make fonts larger on mobile devices. Ensure that the touch targets are at least 44px x 44px.

Step 8: Test, Test, and Test Again

Nothing is set in stone. So, test your HTML email templates for different email clients, various devices, and multiple screen sizes. You may also want to check if all images and assets load quickly and if all links are functional.On top of that, using Marketo Email Marketing can supercharge your testing. Marketo’s powerful analytics and dynamic content capabilities let you personalize every interaction based on real-time data, ensuring your emails aren’t just functional, but truly impactful, adapting to your audience’s behavior and preferences across devices and platforms.

Final Thoughts

Converting a PSD file to an HTML email template is more than just a technical task. It’s vital to ensure your email designs are visually stunning and function seamlessly across various email clients.

With the steps outlined above, you set a foundation for email templates that deliver your brand message and maintain your email design integrity. If you get stuck, return to this guide – it'll be here waiting for you.

But if you still feel that your team can’t take the strain of technical challenges that come with coding, be wise to get help from a professional agency with proven expertise in converting PSD to HTML.