> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://jetemail.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Open Tracking

> Configure email open tracking to monitor when recipients open your HTML-based emails.

## Overview

Open Tracking adds a 1×1 pixel tracking image to your HTML emails to detect when recipients open them. This feature provides insights into email engagement.

<Warning>
  Open tracking is **not recommended** for most use cases as it can impact email deliverability and is often blocked by modern email clients and privacy-focused users.
</Warning>

## Requirements

### Domain Validation

Open tracking only works for domains that are **validated in the dashboard**. Domains added through control panels or manual DNS configuration cannot use this feature.

### HTML-Based Emails

<Info>
  Open tracking only works with HTML-based emails. Plain text emails cannot be tracked for opens as they don't support embedded images.
</Info>

## How Open Tracking Works

1. **Tracking Pixel**: A tiny 1×1 pixel image is embedded in your HTML emails
2. **Image Loading**: When a recipient opens the email and loads images, the tracking pixel is downloaded
3. **Server Log**: The download request is logged, indicating the email was opened
4. **Dashboard Reporting**: Open events are displayed in your dashboard analytics

## Setting Up Open Tracking

1. Log into your dashboard and navigate to your validated domain
2. Go to the **Settings** section and find **Open Tracking**
3. Toggle the feature **On** or **Off** as needed
4. Click **Save** to apply your settings

## Custom Tracking Domain

Open tracking pixels are served from `link.jete.ml` by default. You can route them through a subdomain of your own domain instead. This is configured once per domain and applies to both open and [click tracking](/outbound/click-tracking) - see the [Custom Tracking Domain](/outbound/click-tracking#custom-tracking-domain) section for setup instructions.

## Limitations and Considerations

### Deliverability Impact

* Tracking pixels can trigger spam filters
* Some email providers flag emails with tracking pixels
* May reduce overall email deliverability rates

## Need Help?

If you need assistance configuring open tracking or have questions about its impact on deliverability, please contact our support team.

<Card title="Related Documentation" icon="link">
  * [Getting Started with Outbound SMTP](/outbound/getting-started)
  * [Domain Validation Guide](/outbound/getting-started#domain-validation)
  * [Email Authentication](/outbound/email-authentication)
</Card>