HTML documents and web pages offer the simplest way to embed tracking pixels. This works for web pages, HTML emails, and any HTML-based content.
Step 1: Generate the Pixel
1 Create Your Pixel
- Log in to Signal Canary
- Create a new document pixel
- Copy the Pixel URL
Step 2: Add the HTML Snippet
2 Embed the Tracking Code
Paste the following HTML snippet anywhere in your document, replacing the URL with your pixel URL:
<img src="https://your-signal-canary-pixel-url"
width="1"
height="1"
style="display:none;">This creates an invisible 1x1 pixel image that loads when the page is viewed.
Place the snippet just before the closing
</body> tag for best results. This ensures the page content loads first.
Alternative Styles
You can also hide the pixel using other CSS methods:
<!-- Position off-screen -->
<img src="your-pixel-url" style="position:absolute;left:-9999px;">
<!-- Zero opacity -->
<img src="your-pixel-url" style="opacity:0;width:1px;height:1px;">Step 3: Publish or Send
3 Deploy Your Content
- Web page: Upload to your web server
- HTML file: Share via email or file sharing
- Email campaign: Add to your email template
When the page or HTML email is opened, tracking data is recorded automatically in your dashboard.
Email Tracking Considerations
When using tracking pixels in HTML emails, keep these points in mind:
Many email clients block external images by default. The recipient must click "Show Images" or have images enabled for tracking to work.
Email Client Compatibility
| Email Client | Images Load By Default | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail (web) | Sometimes | Google may proxy images |
| Outlook | No | User must enable |
| Apple Mail | Yes* | *May use Privacy Protection |
| Thunderbird | No | User must enable |
For critical document tracking, consider using PDF or Word documents instead of HTML emails, as they provide more reliable pixel loading.