# Why Image-only Emails Hurt Deliverability and Engagement

Using only a large image in your emails is generally not advisable. While it might initially seem visually appealing or attractive, here are several reasons why this approach can be problematic:

## Lower Deliverability Rates

Spam filters often flag emails composed entirely of an image. The best practices recommend no more than 30% for the image. If using only an image, your beautifully designed messages might be blocked by filters, or end up directly in recipients' spam folders before even being seen!

## Risk of Display Issues

Depending on the device and email client, images may appear incorrectly sized, cropped, or simply blocked. Your carefully designed visual content could then become unreadable or visually unappealing.

## Slower Load Times

Large images slow down the loading of emails, especially on mobile devices or slower internet connections. Every second matters: a prolonged wait greatly reduces your chances of conversion.

## Reduced Tracking and Analytics

Accurate tracking of clicks becomes difficult when using a single large image. It's harder to identify which elements specifically attract interest, as you lose the ability to track individual internal links.

## Accessibility and Inclusion Issues

Some recipients use screen readers or simply do not load images by default in their email clients. In these cases, your message could become entirely invisible or unreadable.

## Recommended Best Practices

- Combine text and images to ensure accessibility, readability, and better deliverability
- Use relevant alternative text (alt text) for images
- Strike a balance between visual appeal and technical performance, ensuring your design is optimized for mobile viewing

## Related Articles

- [Email Design: Balancing Text and Images for Better Results](./email-design-balancing-text-and-images-for-results)
- [Email Design Checklist](./email-design-checklist)
- [Email Deliverability Optimization: Complete Guide](../deliverability/email-deliverability-optimization-complete-guide)