• The Sacramento State logo and banner color/style is a locked design and can't be modified
• Only the "from" copy block is editable to customize your division/department/area name

Note: The President’s Office and Sacramento State Police Department have custom templates that vary from these guidelines.

Below are visual examples of headlines, subheadlines, and body copy. The table includes detailed information for each template style.

While you're able to access the text color palette spectrum, only use the branded colors featured to the right of the spectrum colors.

Think outside the 'text box' - the most engaging emails include photos, videos, buttons, dividers, and hyperlinks to relevant content to create visual interest and reduce overall word count by "showing versus telling."

Caution: Best practice is for your entire email to be less than 2 MB, so be careful about the quantity and sizes of the images you're using.

Images

For best display, size (or resize) images or logos to 480px x 480px or smaller.

• ​Upload your own (jpg, png, gif)
• Browse official Sac State’s Flickr images (built into the Emma image gallery)
  Tip: Because the Flickr thumbnails in the Emma gallery are small and hard to see, you can always search/download images directly from Sac State’s Flickr account and upload them to your Emma image gallery

You can also crop/edit uploaded images, designate placement (left, right, center), and adjust padding around an image within Emma.

Videos

Videos are a dynamic way to share a message, but even if you're embedding a video, be sure to provide some context about what your audiences can expect to experience.
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Video Formats and Linking to Videos​​

Captioning and Alt-Text​

For accessibility, provide a caption underneath an image or video, and always include Alternate Text (Alt Text) and a link (if applicable) in the fields within the Image edit window.

Add a Button

To call attention to a single link destination or action you'd like your audience to take - such as asking them to take a survey, visit a website, etc. - include it as a button versus a hyperlink.

If appropriate to the message purpose/audience, you can include social media bugs in your message footer, or point to official university social media channels.

1. Use the rounded square, black/white (not the color) versions of the icons in your messages; choose the small or medium option for size, and centered orientation is preferred
2. Select your social channels and complete the URL with your specific Sac State social media handle

Subject Line

Simply type in your subject line – the [SacSend] identifier will automatically appear at the beginning of your finished subject line when you send. The strongest subject lines are direct and timely, as well as:

• Brief (75 characters or less)​
• Avoids acronyms or jargon that can confuse uninitiated audience members
• Includes action-oriented phrases​ (dates, requirements, benefits)

Preheader Text​

In addition to a compelling, action-oriented subject line, this optional - but encouraged - field allows you to include a brief message plug/summary of your message that appears in the preview window of your recipient’s email inbox. Many folks scan emails, and an eye-catching preheader can help encourage them to open the message.

Example:

Subject line: XYZ Program Launches DATE
Preheader: FREE training shows you how to ACTION