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Does CSS Child combinator Work in HTML Email?

The child combinator is represented by a superior sign (`>`) between two selectors and matches the second selector if it is a direct child of the first selector.

Quick Answer

Does Child combinator work in HTML email?

The CSS Child combinator property is supported in Gmail, Outlook (Mac / Web), Apple Mail, Yahoo! Mail, and others. It is NOT supported in Outlook (Windows). Always include a safe fallback for unsupported clients.

Which Email Clients Support CSS Child combinator?

CSS support for Child combinator across email clients

Email ClientDesktopMobile / WebNotes
Gmail✓ Yes~ Partial
Outlook (Windows)✗ No?
Outlook (Mac / Web)✓ Yes✓ Yes
Apple Mail✓ Yes✓ Yes
Yahoo! Mail✓ Yes✓ Yes
Samsung Email?✓ Yes
Thunderbird✓ Yes?
ProtonMail✗ No✓ Yes
Fastmail✓ Yes?

Notes

  • #1 Partial. Not supported with non Google accounts.
  • #2 Buggy. The first `<head>` in the HTML is removed, so `<style>` elements need to be in a second `<head>` element.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related CSS Properties

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