Preheader Text Generator
Paste your subject line and get preheaders that pair with it, each shown in an inbox preview with a character count.
Written to pair with your subject line
The preheader (or preview text) is the line inboxes show after the subject. Shopify's advice is to make it different from, but complementary to, your subject line. So each option here takes a different approach: adding the missing detail, answering the subject, listing what's inside, or giving the call to action.
Default example: sale email
- Subject line
- Our summer sale starts now (26 characters)
- Weak preheader
- Our summer sale is here, shop the sale now
- Paired preheader
- 25% off linen shirts and shorts with code SUMMER25
The weak one repeats the subject. The paired one adds the offer and the code.
Reading the inbox preview
Each option shows the preheader in its own box with a character count, then an Inbox preview line: sender, subject and preheader together, as a reader scans them. Read the three as one sentence.
- Put the key words first. Klaviyo notes that devices and email clients show different amounts of preview text, and smaller screens show less.
- Your subject line is checked too. The tool counts its characters against Shopify's guideline of under 50.
- Watch the numbers. Klaviyo notes Gmail may drop commas from numbers in preview text, turning 10,000 into 10000.
Adding it to your email
- 01
Shopify Messaging
Enter it in the optional preview text field when you create the campaign, under the subject line.
- 02
Klaviyo
Use the preview text field in the drag-and-drop editor. For custom HTML templates, Klaviyo says your designer adds the preview text to the start of the email's code.
- 03
Custom HTML
Pick Include HTML snippet for a hidden
divto paste right after the openingbodytag. It keeps the preheader out of the visible email.
If you skip the preheader, inboxes pull the first text in the email instead, which can be a “View in browser” link or image alt text.
Questions people ask
What is preheader text?
The short line of text an inbox shows after the subject line, before the email is opened. Email tools usually call it preview text.
How long should a preheader be?
There's no single limit: each email client and device shows a different amount. Keep the important words in the first few, and choose Short or Standard length here.
Should the preheader repeat the subject line?
No. It should add something the subject doesn't say, such as the offer, the deadline or what's inside.
What happens if I leave it blank?
Inboxes show the first text they find in the email, often a “View in browser” link, navigation or image alt text.
I need subject lines too.
Use the email subject line generator: each subject line comes with a matching preview text.
Related tools
Want this builtinto your store?
I'm Emmanuel, a Shopify and WooCommerce developer. If this tool pointed at something you'd rather have fixed for you (a faster store, cleaner product data, a migration, a custom feature), send me a note.
Emmanuel Asika
Shopify & WooCommerce developer, Dublin
I build and fix online stores: new builds, migrations, speed, SEO and the custom bits apps can't do.