View in Browser Links: A Simple Email Accessibility Fix
In almost every professional newsletter you receive, there is a tiny, often overlooked link at the very top that says “View in Browser” or “View Online.” While many people ignore it (or have never noticed it), this link is a powerful tool for accessibility. It essentially acts as a “backup” version of your email, turning your message into a web-page-like experience that is far more predictable and navigable for people using assistive technology.
Understanding why this link matters—and how to implement it correctly—is a small step that can significantly improve the reach and impact of your email marketing campaigns.
In This Article
What Exactly is the “View in Browser” Link?
Why Email Accessibility is Inherently Difficult
How the “View in Browser” Link Fixes These Issues
Who Specifically Benefits from This Feature?
How to Enable “View in Browser” in Squarespace
What Exactly is the “View in Browser” Link?
The “View in Browser” link is a failsafe that allows your email content to be rendered by a web browser (like Chrome, Safari, or Firefox) instead of the user’s email client (like Outlook, Gmail, or Yahoo). When a user clicks this link, the email software generates a hosted version of your email (opens it in a web browser like a website).
By moving the content out of the inbox and into a browser, you are effectively shifting the content from a restrictive environment into one that is built to follow modern web standards. This ensures that the time you spent formatting your message isn’t wasted by an email app that decides to strip out your styling or ignore your structure.
Why Email Accessibility is Inherently Difficult
Unlike websites, which follow a relatively standardized set of rules, email software is notoriously fragmented. Each email client has its own way of interpreting the underlying code. Even if you use proper headings, lists, and alt text in your email builder — and you absolutely should,there is no guarantee the recipient’s software will display them correctly.
Common issues include email clients blocking images by default, which hides your visual content, or stripping out “semantic” markup like heading tags. Furthermore, many mobile email apps struggle to work seamlessly with screen readers, often reading content out of order or failing to announce links correctly. These limitations make it difficult for people who rely on assistive technology to fully engage with your message unless they have a web-based alternative.
How the “View in Browser” Link Fixes Things
When someone opens your email in a browser, the content begins to behave like a standard web page. This is a game-changer for accessibility because web browsers are much more sophisticated than email clients when it comes to supporting assistive tools.
In a browser, a screen reader user can navigate your email using keyboard shortcuts to jump between headings or list items, functionality that is often broken within an inbox. Additionally, browsers handle font scaling and high-contrast modes much more reliably than email apps do. This ensures that if you have taken the time to format your email thoughtfully, your readers will actually experience the layout, structure, and readability you intended.
Who Benefits from This Feature?
While the “View in Browser” link is vital for people with disabilities, it actually improves the experience for a wide range of users.
Screen Reader Users: They gain the ability to navigate the email structure logically.
Low Vision Users: They can more easily use browser-based zoom features without the layout breaking.
People with Slow Internet: If images are blocked or slow to load in an app, the browser version often handles asset loading more gracefully.
Anyone with Display Glitches: Sometimes an email simply “looks wrong” on a specific device; the browser link provides an immediate solution.
It is one of those small details that provides a safety net for your entire audience, ensuring that your message is accessible regardless of the technology they are using.
How to Enable “View in Browser” in Squarespace
If you are using Squarespace Email Campaigns, adding this feature is a straightforward process that takes less than a minute. You don’t need to know any code to make it happen.
Access Your Campaign: From your Squarespace dashboard, click on Email Campaigns and open a draft or create a new one.
Enter Style Mode: In the right-hand menu, ensure you are in the Style tab.
Edit the Header: Click directly into the header area of your email preview.
Toggle the Option: Find the “View in Browser” toggle in the menu. If it is set to hide, switch it to on.
Adjust Appearance: Choose a link color that has a strong contrast ratio (at least 4.5:1) against your header background and select your preferred alignment.
Once enabled, this link will automatically appear at the top of the email, giving your readers the choice to view your content in the way that works best for them.
If you are not using squarespace for your emails, don’t worry! Most platforms have this feature, you just might need to do a little searching or ask tech support.
Email Accessibility FAQs
Does the “View in Browser” link replace the need for alt text?
No. You should still add descriptive alt text to all your images within the email builder. The browser link is a fallback, but many users will still read your email inside their inbox first. If you don’t add alt text there, it doesn’t exist.
Where is the best place to put the link?
The industry standard is at the very top of the email (the pre-header area). This ensures that screen reader users hear the option almost immediately after opening the message.
Can I change the color of the link?
Yes, most builders allow you to change the color to match your brand, just ensure there is plenty color contrast.
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