- link Copy Url - [ Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=3BL Content Editor: Formatting, Media & HTML Specifications https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1311736?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter") - [ Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1311736?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin") - [ Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1311736?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook") - [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=3BL Content Editor: Formatting, Media & HTML Specifications&body=ESG News from 3BL https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/1311736?absolute=1 "Share via email") [Innovation & Technology](/CSR-News/innovation-technology-0) # 3BL Content Editor: Formatting, Media & HTML Specifications ##### This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how the editor works, what it supports, and how to maximize performance and discoverability using structured content. Apr 9, 2026 12:00 PM ET ![image of the 3BL content editor body](/sites/default/files/styles/carousel_2x/public/images/editor%201.png "3BL's Content Editor") 3BL's Content Editor # **3BL Content Editor: Formatting, Media & HTML Specifications** The 3BL Editor is a structured, HTML-based publishing environment. Formatting is not decorative — it is a technical decision that affects how content is rendered, indexed, and distributed. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how the editor works, what it supports, and how to maximize performance and discoverability using structured content. ## **Character Limits** Every field in the editor has a defined limit that affects how your content previews across channels — from email inboxes to aggregator feeds. These aren't soft guidelines; exceeding them causes truncation downstream. Character Limits**Field****Limit****Notes**Headline255 charactersTarget 60 for search displaySubheadline255 charactersDoubles as SEO meta descriptionBodyNo limitFull article contentShort teaser280 charactersUsed in email distribution previewsWriting a headline under 60 characters isn't just an SEO best practice — it's the threshold at which most search engines display the full title without truncation. The 255-character field gives you flexibility, but 60 is the practical target.1 ## **Supported HTML Elements** ### **Text Structure & Semantics** Well-structured content starts with the right tags. Headings, paragraphs, and text formatting elements do more than control appearance — they signal hierarchy to the systems that distribute and index your content. - **Bold** signals importance to both readers and search systems. - *Italic* works well for titles or technical terms being introduced. - Underline is supported but use sparingly to avoid confusion with links. - Superscript and subscript render correctly for use cases like COCO or trademark symbolsTM -- both travel cleanly through distribution. ### **Lists** When sequence matters, use an ordered list: 1. Lead with your most important claim in the headline and H1 2. Support it with evidence in modular, self-contained sections 3. Close with a clear takeaway or call to action 4. Keep each section focused on one idea When information is parallel but not sequential, use bullets: - Semantic headings at every major section break - Descriptive hyperlink anchor text - Alt text on every image - Embeds placed within the body, not isolated at the top or bottom ### **Links** The <a> tag supports href, alt, target, title, and rel attributes. Use descriptive anchor text for both accessibility and search performance. Read more about 3BL's framework for optimizing content in our [2026 LLM and Generative AI Writing Guide](https://3bl.com/blog/aio-geo-framework-optimizing-content-for-llms-and-generative-ai/). --- ## **Content Sanitization & Unsupported Elements** The editor automatically removes unsupported or unsafe elements on save. The most common ones teams run into: - Special characters, emojis, and math symbols - <div> (except for specific oEmbed use cases) - <span> - <video> - <audio> - <iframe> > Formatting that looks correct in the editor can degrade silently on downstream endpoints. A table that renders cleanly on 3BL Media may lose its header row on a wire service. Test every rich element against your full distribution stack before publishing. --- ## **Rich Media: Embeds & Images** ### **Video Embeds** oEmbed is supported for YouTube, Vimeo, DailyMotion, and Spotify. Place embeds within the body of the article for the best rendering consistency across endpoints. ### **Images** Supported formats are PNG and JPEG only, with a maximum file size of 100MB. Every image should include descriptive alt text. ![Before vs After of 3BL's Content Editor with Images](https://3bl.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/content-comparison-793x1024.png)A sample caption using figcaption. Captions are supported for images and render consistently across most endpoints. --- ## **Rich Content & Performance Considerations** Rich content affects rendering behavior, how information is consumed by search engines, accessibility, and consistency distributed across channels. - Your **headline** should clearly communicate what the content is about in less than 60 characters. - Use the **description** to add context about why this topic matters and why your organization is positioned to speak about it. - The **first header (H1)** should mirror your headline, using words that communicate authority or nod toward search intent. - **Secondary headers (H2, H3)** help break up your content — more readable to both humans and robots than a long unbroken block of text. - **Keep each section modular**, with one clear idea per section. - **Add descriptive alt text to images** to help visually impaired readers and AI systems interpret the visuals you use. The 3BL Content Editor gives marketing, communications, and PR teams the creative flexibility to produce rich, multimedia-driven stories — while ensuring content is structured, sanitized, and distributed consistently across 3BL's network of 79 partner sites. --- 1Based on Google's standard search result title display behavior as of 2026. [Talk to our team ](https://www.3bl.com/contact) [![3BL Logo](/sites/default/files/2023-06/3BL%20FULL%20LOGO_MIDNIGHT_MEDIUM.png)](/profiles/3bl) ### More from 3BL ###### [“AI Can’t Quote Coverage You Never Generated.”](/news/ai-cant-quote-coverage-you-never-generated) Mar 31, 2026 1:30 PM ET ###### [3BL Launches New Content Editor to Power Richer Brand Storytelling](/news/3bl-launches-new-content-editor-power-richer-brand-storytelling) Jan 27, 2026 5:30 PM ET ###### [3BL Joins Double the Donation Community User Conference, Jan. 22](/news/3bl-joins-double-donation-community-user-conference-jan-22) Jan 12, 2026 2:00 PM ET ###### [Our Vision for What’s Next](/news/our-vision-whats-next) Dec 17, 2025 2:30 PM ET ###### [What 10 Years and 600 Studies Tell Us About Sustainable Business Success](/news/what-10-years-and-600-studies-tell-us-about-sustainable-business-success) Dec 10, 2025 1:00 PM ET ###### [New Research Debunks Sustainability-Profitability Debate](/news/new-research-debunks-sustainability-profitability-debate) Dec 3, 2025 10:30 AM ET ###### [3BL Supports Berkshire Bounty’s Fight Against Food Insecurity With $10,000 Challenge Grant](/news/3bl-supports-berkshire-bountys-fight-against-food-insecurity-10000-challenge-grant) Dec 2, 2025 12:05 PM ET ###### [2025 Was a Big Year for Sustainability Communications — Here’s What the Research Said.](/news/2025-was-big-year-sustainability-communications-heres-what-research-said) Nov 20, 2025 2:00 PM ET