How to Set WooCommerce Email Content Type to Text/HTML: A Beginner’s Guide
WooCommerce emails are a crucial part of your online store’s communication with customers. Order confirmations, shipping updates, and password resets – all these messages keep your buyers informed and build trust. By default, WooCommerce emails are often sent in HTML format, which allows for fancy designs and branding. But sometimes, you might want to send emails in plain text or a combination of text and HTML (multipart). This article will walk you through how to adjust the email content type in WooCommerce, making it easy even if you’re new to WordPress and WooCommerce.
Why Change the Email Content Type?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s understand why you might want to change the default HTML content type of your WooCommerce emails.
- Improved Deliverability: Some email clients are overly cautious with HTML emails, sometimes marking them as spam. Plain text emails are less likely to trigger spam filters, increasing the chance your messages will reach your customers’ inboxes. Think of it like this: a simple, handwritten letter is often viewed with more trust than a flashy advertisement.
- Better Accessibility: Not everyone can view HTML emails properly. Some users with visual impairments rely on screen readers, which may have difficulty interpreting complex HTML structures. Plain text emails are more accessible to a wider audience.
- Simpler Design: If you don’t need or want to spend time on fancy email designs, plain text emails are a faster and easier option. This is especially useful if you’re focusing on delivering clear, concise information. Imagine a small local bakery; they might prefer a simple, personal email to a glossy, corporate-looking one.
- Compatibility: Certain older email clients may struggle to render HTML correctly, leading to a poor viewing experience. Plain text ensures readability across all email clients.
How to Change the Email Content Type in WooCommerce
There are a few ways to change the email content type in WooCommerce. We’ll focus on the easiest and most recommended method: using a custom code snippet.
#### Option 1: Using a Code Snippet (Recommended)
This method involves adding a small piece of PHP code to your WordPress theme’s `functions.php` file or using a code snippets plugin. It’s a clean and efficient approach.
1. Explore this article on How To Add A Checkout Page In WordPress Woocommerce Access Your Theme’s `functions.php` File:
The `functions.php` file is located in your WordPress theme’s directory. You can access it through your WordPress dashboard by navigating to Appearance > Theme File Editor. Important: Before editing any theme files, always create a backup! If something goes wrong, you can easily restore the original file.
Alternatively, you can access the file via FTP or a file manager provided by your web hosting provider.
2. Add the Code Snippet:
Once you have access to the `functions.php` file, add the following code snippet to the end of the file, before the closing `?>` tag (if it exists):
<?php
/
* Change WooCommerce email content type
*/
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_email_content_type’, ‘set_woocommerce_email_content_type’ );
function set_woocommerce_email_content_type( $content_type ) {
return ‘text/html’; // Change to ‘text/plain’ for plain text
}
Explanation:
- `add_filter( ‘woocommerce_email_content_type’, ‘set_woocommerce_email_content_type’ );`: This line hooks into the `woocommerce_email_content_type` filter, which allows us to modify the email content type.
- `function set_woocommerce_email_content_type( $content_type ) { … }`: This is the function that will actually change the content type.
- `return ‘text/html’;`: This line specifies the desired content type. Change this to `’text/plain’` if you want plain text emails. Or leave it to ‘text/html’ if you want HTML.
3. Save the Changes:
After adding the Discover insights on How To Fix On Hold Paypal Payment Woocommerce code snippet, click the “Update File” button to save your changes.
4. Testing:
Make a test order or trigger another WooCommerce email event (like a password reset) to see if the change is effective. Check the source code of the received email to confirm the content type.
#### Option 2: Using a Code Snippet Plugin (Recommended)
If you’re uncomfortable directly editing your theme files, a code snippets plugin is a safer and more convenient option. These plugins allow you to add and manage code snippets without modifying your theme.
1. Read more about How To Edit Woocommerce Shop Page Template Install and Activate a Code Snippets Plugin:
Popular options include “Code Snippets” or “WPCode”. Search for one of these in the WordPress plugin directory (Plugins > Add New) and install and activate it.
2. Add a New Snippet:
Once the plugin is activated, find it in your WordPress dashboard (e.g., “Snippets” or “Code Snippets”). Click “Add New” to create a new snippet.
3. Paste the Code:
Copy and paste the same code snippet from Option 1 into the snippet editor. Make sure to give the snippet a descriptive name (e.g., “WooCommerce Email Content Type”).
<?php
/
* Change WooCommerce email content type
*/
add_filter( ‘woocommerce_email_content_type’, ‘set_woocommerce_email_content_type’ );
function set_woocommerce_email_content_type( $content_type ) {
return ‘text/html’; // Change to ‘text/plain’ for plain text
}
4. Activate the Snippet:
Make sure the snippet is set to “Active” and then save the changes.
5. Testing:
Make a test order or trigger another WooCommerce email event (like a password reset) to see if the change is effective. Check the source code of the received email to confirm the content type.
#### Option 3: Using a Plugin with Email Customization Features
Some premium WooCommerce plugins that focus on Check out this post: How To Set Up Analytics Transaction Goals Woocommerce email customization will give you the option to change the email content type in a user-friendly interface. These plugins often provide drag-and-drop email builders and other advanced features.
- If you already use such a plugin, check its documentation for instructions on how to change the email content type. These plugins can be overkill if you only want to change the content type, though.
Important Considerations:
- Child Theme: If you’re editing the `functions.php` file, it’s highly recommended to use a child theme. When your parent theme is updated, your changes to the `functions.php` file will be overwritten if you edit the parent theme directly. A child theme prevents this.
- Testing: Always test your changes thoroughly after implementing any of these methods. Make a test order or trigger a password reset to ensure the email content type is set correctly.
- Plugin Compatibility: Be cautious when installing new plugins, especially those related to email customization. Make sure the plugin is reputable and compatible with your version of WooCommerce.
Conclusion
Changing the email content type in WooCommerce is a straightforward process that can significantly impact the deliverability and accessibility of your store’s communication. By using a simple code snippet or a code snippets plugin, you can easily switch between HTML and plain text emails, ensuring your messages reach your customers effectively. Choose the method that best suits your technical comfort level and remember to always back up your website before making any changes to the code. Happy emailing!
