What is an Email Testing “Discrepancy?”

In our email simulation tool, we use this terminology in two different ways.

Acid Test Result Discrepancies

The first usage of the term “discrepancy” is designed to identify exactly which lines of code are not supported for each email client.

A discrepancy may or may not alter the final layout in a way that is unpleasing and in many instances, a programmer may use certain CSS properties or HTML attributes that work for a majority of email clients but not for others.  In fact, in certain circumstances they are forced to use code that is not supported in all clients just so that their design will render correctly across the board.  When certain properties or elements are not “supported” the email client in question simply ignores that code.  Therefore, do not confuse the term “discrepancies” with “code errors.”

Outlook 07 is the only email client that completely translates your code.  This is because Outlook 07 is using a Microsoft Word engine which limits the use of CSS.  Therefore, the Email on Acid code analysis result for Outlook 07 is actually their interpretation of the code you submitted.

In summary, if you are satisfied with the way your simulation looks, don’t worry too much about reported discrepancies. This feature was designed for HTML/CSS developers so that they can distinguish what works and what doesn’t.  However, if you do see undesirable spacing or text sizing in the simulation, be sure to bring it up to your designer and/or email service provider.

“Report a Discrepancy” Feature

The second usage for the term “discrepancy” is intended for customer service and support.  If you run an acid test and find inconsistencies between our simulation and actual email client results - we want to hear about it!

When you click on this button you are taken to a page where you can share your comments regarding the discrepancy.  Please note: there is no need to re-submit your code or URL because we archive the email in question in an effort to make this process easier for our users.

Remember: When using web based email clients (such as Hotmail, AOL, G-Mail, or Yahoo) recipients can receive your email using any of the popular web browsers (IE, Firefox, Opera, Chrome, or Safari).  Our acid test is designed to display web email client results as it would appear in the web browser you are running your test in. Therefore if you find a discrepancy in a web based email client, please make sure you are comparing your results in the same browser.

In summary, email application providers are always improving their product so what works today might not work tomorrow and vice versa - especially in web based email clients or in beta desktop clients. We are constantly trying to improve our product and we test email clients regularly for CSS support and compliance, however if you notice inaccurate results, please don’t hesitate to use this feature!

We hope this article has helped to clarify these terms, if not, please be sure to give us your feedback.