The Email Client Monitor Pixel is a piece of HTML code that translates into a 1X1 transparent GIF image that you insert into your email’s HTML before you release a campaign. The data the pixel collects is presented here in the tool where you can gain insights and analyze information about your subscribers.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) information

The Email Client Monitor pixel is GDPR-friendly. This pixel does not store subscribers’ IP addresses. However, the pixel still collects IP addresses in order to gather geolocation data. Use this pixel if you are comfortable with Return Path collecting and processing then discarding subscribers’ IP addresses.

Please note that you need to ensure you have obtained recipient consent in order to do any type of subscriber behavior-based tracking, including any pixel tracking service. If you are unsure whether or not you have appropriate consent from your European Economic Area (EEA) subscribers, you should consult your legal counsel to confirm your use.

Example pixel

Here is an example of the Email Client Monitor Pixel:

<img src="https://pixel.app.returnpath.net/pixel.gif?r=5590180100beeb73efad26b67a26b38xxxxxxxxxx" width="1" height="1" />

As shown in the example:

• <img src=: This indicates the pixel is an image, which is transparent, to place in your email's HTML.
• https://pixel.monitor1.returnpath.net/: This is the address data is returned to when the pixel is activated.
• r=: This is the realm ID, which is encrypted, to associate data back to your specific company
• width="1" height="1": This is the size of the image, which measures one pixel by one pixel.

How the pixel works

• When your subscriber opens an email and the images in it are rendered, the pixel is activated and data about the rendering environment, device, location, email dwell time, and more, is captured.
• Embedded in this request is all of the information Email Client Monitor needs to categorize the opened emails into the appropriate category.
• Email Client Monitor uses an identifier in the pixel called a realm ID to properly attribute data from your campaign to your account.
• Once the data is collected and aggregated, Email Client Monitor presents it showing how, when, and where your subscribers engaged with your campaign.

Note: Because the pixel is an image, browsers used to view the email must have images enabled for the pixel to collect data. Also, if you implement your pixel correctly, then your customers won’t see it and therefore it will not affect your creative. 

Special and custom tags

You can develop special and custom tags and add them to the tracking pixel to collect and segment information of special interest. For example, these tags can be used to associate opens to a specific subscriber, campaign, or segment. The use of special and custom tags is covered in greater detail in related articles in the Help Center and on the Pixel Setup page.