Google: HTML Email Attachments in Gmail on the Web Display As Raw Code

Environment

U-M Google, Gmail

Issue

I received an email with an HTML attachment. When I attempt to preview the file from U-M Gmail on the web, it displays the raw HTML code instead of the expected HTML rendering.

  • Why is this happening?
  • How can I change this?

Resolution

Previously, when you received an email with an HTML attachment and previewed it from U-M Gmail on the web, it would fully render the HTML in the preview. However, when you preview it now, it only displays the raw HTML code.

Google recently changed how it renders HTML files in Gmail previews. According to Google, this change was made for security reasons and to bring consistency to how Google renders HTML files across its products (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, etc.).

The workaround is to download the attachment and then view it with a web browser. This renders the HTML as expected.

Additional Information

Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.