17 October 2026 · DMARC Engine · 9 min read
- Use SVG format for logos
- Create separate BIMI records for each domain
- Verify BIMI record configuration
- Test logos before applying for certification
Understanding BIMI Certification
Bimi certification is a crucial step for brands looking to establish a consistent visual identity in their customers' inboxes, and obtaining bimi certification requires careful planning and execution. When searching for "bimi certification", one of the primary concerns is understanding the process and requirements for certification, which typically involves creating a BIMI record and publishing it in the domain's DNS.
A common pattern is for brands to have multiple logos and variations, which can make the certification process more complex. For example, a company may have a primary logo, a secondary logo, and a logo for a specific product or service. In such cases, it is essential to ensure that all logos and variations are optimised for BIMI and that the BIMI record is correctly configured to handle these variations.
_default._bimi.example.com. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.svg; a=https://example.com/"This example shows a BIMI record for the domain example.com, which specifies the logo location and an additional URL for more information.
Receivers typically require that the BIMI record is published on a domain that the brand controls, and that the logo is accessible via HTTPS. A hosted or managed setup may handle the publication of the BIMI record and logo hosting, but it is still the brand's responsibility to ensure that the record is correctly configured and that the logo meets the requirements.
The aggregate reports will show any issues with the BIMI record or logo, such as invalid URLs or inaccessible logos, which can help brands identify and resolve problems.
https://example.com/logo.svgThis URL should be accessible via HTTPS and should point to the logo image.
Tip: it is recommended to test the BIMI record and logo before applying for certification to ensure that everything is correctly configured and that there are no issues that could delay the certification process.
Preparing Logos and Variations for BIMI
To obtain BIMI certification, brands with multiple logos and variations must prepare their logos according to the specification. The logo must be in SVG format, which is a requirement for BIMI certification. A common pattern is for brands to have multiple logos, such as a main logo and a secondary logo, or logos with different colour schemes. Receivers typically expect the BIMI logo to match the brand's identity, so it is crucial to select the most representative logo.
_default._bimi.example.com. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.svg; a=_The aggregate reports will show which logos are being used, and which ones are not. Brands with multiple logos may need to create multiple BIMI records, each with a different logo. A hosted or managed setup may handle this by allowing the brand to upload multiple logos and automatically creating the necessary BIMI records.
- Ensure the logo is in SVG format
- Select the most representative logo for the brand
- Consider creating multiple BIMI records for different logos or variations
import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
# parse the SVG logo to ensure it meets the BIMI requirements
tree = ET.parse('logo.svg')
root = tree.getroot()
Tip: Use a tool to validate the SVG logo and ensure it meets the BIMI requirements, such as checking for the correct namespace and ensuring the logo is scalable.
Creating a BIMI Record: Step-by-Step Guidance
To create a BIMI record, you will need to specify the logo you want to use, and the domain for which it applies. A common pattern is for brands to have multiple logos and variations, which can make managing BIMI records more complex. Receivers typically expect the BIMI record to be published on a subdomain of the domain that is sending email, for example default._bimi.example.com.
The BIMI record itself is a TXT record that contains a URI pointing to the logo you want to use. For example:
default._bimi.example.com. 3600 IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.svg; a=https://example.com/"In this example, v=BIMI1 specifies the version of the BIMI protocol, l=https://example.com/logo.svg specifies the logo to use, and a=https://example.com/ specifies the domain for which the logo applies.
When creating a BIMI record, it is essential to ensure that the logo is correctly formatted and accessible. The aggregate reports will show any issues with the logo, such as incorrect formatting or accessibility problems. A hosted or managed setup may handle logo formatting and accessibility automatically, but it is still crucial to verify that the logo is correctly displayed.
default._bimi.example.com. 3600 IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.png; a=https://example.com/"In some cases, brands may need to use multiple BIMI records to support different logos and variations. This can be achieved by publishing multiple BIMI records on different subdomains, for example summer._bimi.example.com and winter._bimi.example.com. Receivers will typically use the BIMI record that is most specific to the domain that is sending email.
import dns.resolver
answers = dns.resolver.resolve('default._bimi.example.com', 'TXT')
for answer in answers:
print(answer.to_text())Tip: When troubleshooting BIMI issues, it can be helpful to use a DNS resolver to verify that the BIMI record is correctly published and accessible.
To handle multiple logos and variations, brands can use a single BIMI record with multiple logos, or publish multiple BIMI records on different subdomains. The choice of approach will depend on the specific requirements of the brand and the complexity of their logo and variation management. In general, it is recommended to use a single BIMI record with multiple logos, as this can simplify management and reduce the risk of errors. However, in some cases, publishing multiple BIMI records may be necessary to support different logos and variations.
When publishing multiple BIMI records, it is crucial to ensure that each record is correctly formatted and accessible, and that the logos are correctly displayed. The aggregate reports will show any issues with the logos, such as incorrect formatting or accessibility problems. By carefully managing BIMI records and logos, brands can ensure that their email is correctly authenticated and that their logos are correctly displayed.
Common Pitfalls in BIMI Certification for Multi-Logo Brands
A common pattern is for brands to overlook the need for separate BIMI records for each logo variation, leading to certification issues. Receivers typically expect a single BIMI record per domain, with all logo variations included in that record. For example, a brand with both a colour and a monochrome logo should include both in the same BIMI record, like this:
default._bimi.example.com. 3600 IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.svg; a=https://example.com/monochrome-logo.svg"This approach allows the brand to maintain a single record while still supporting multiple logo variations.
When managing multiple BIMI records, it is crucial to ensure that each record is correctly associated with the corresponding domain. A hosted or managed setup may handle this automatically, but brands should still verify that the records are correctly configured. The aggregate reports will show any issues with BIMI record configuration, such as incorrect or missing records.
A list of common issues to watch out for includes:
* Incorrectly formatted BIMI records
* Missing or incorrect logo URLs
* Insufficient DNS record propagation
import dns.resolver
# Verify BIMI record configuration
answers = dns.resolver.resolve('_bimi.example.com', 'TXT')
for answer in answers:
print(answer.to_text())
Warning: Failing to correctly configure BIMI records can lead to certification issues, resulting in logos not being displayed by receivers. Brands should carefully verify their BIMI record configuration to ensure correct certification and logo display.
Managing Multiple BIMI Records and Variations
When a brand has multiple logos and variations, managing BIMI records can become complex. A common pattern is for brands to have different logos for different regions, products, or services. In such cases, creating a single BIMI record may not be sufficient.
A list of considerations for managing multiple BIMI records includes:
- determining the number of BIMI records required
- deciding on the domain structure for each record
- ensuring consistency across all records
- planning for potential updates and changes
_default._bimi.example.com. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo1.svg; a=https://example.com/a1/"
In a hosted or managed setup, the provider may offer tools to simplify the management of multiple BIMI records. For instance, some providers allow brands to upload multiple logos and variations, and then automatically generate the required BIMI records. However, it is essential to ensure that the provider supports the required domain structure and can handle updates and changes efficiently.
When managing multiple BIMI records, it is crucial to ensure that each record is published on a domain that the brand controls. This is because BIMI records are typically published on a subdomain of the brand's domain, such as _bimi.example.com. The aggregate reports will show which records are being used and which ones are not, helping brands to identify and rectify any issues.
_bimi.example.co.uk. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.co.uk/logo2.svg; a=https://example.co.uk/a2/"
Tip: to avoid potential issues with BIMI record management, it is recommended to use a consistent naming convention for the subdomains and to keep a record of all published BIMI records. This will help brands to easily identify and update the records as needed, ensuring that their logos and variations are correctly displayed in email clients.
Troubleshooting BIMI Certification Issues
A common pattern is for brands to encounter issues with BIMI certification due to incorrect DNS record configurations. The aggregate reports will show authentication failures, which can be difficult to diagnose without inspecting the DNS records.
default._bimi.example.com. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.svg; a=mailto:address@example.com"
A hosted or managed setup may handle BIMI record publication differently, so it is essential to consult the provider's documentation for specific guidance.
When troubleshooting BIMI certification issues, it is crucial to verify the DNS records for typos, incorrect formatting, or missing components. A missing l tag, for example, will prevent the BIMI record from being successfully published.
Warning:
Ensure that the BIMI record is published on a domain you control, as publishing on a hosting or email provider's own hostname can lead to authentication failures and certification issues.
Best Practices for Maintaining BIMI Certification
To maintain BIMI certification, brands should regularly review their DNS records, ensuring the BIMI record is correctly formatted and points to the correct logo location. A common pattern is for brands to update their logos, forgetting to update the corresponding BIMI record, resulting in certification failure.
_default._bimi.example.com. IN TXT "v=BIMI1; l=https://example.com/logo.svg; a=https://example.com/"
The aggregate reports will show any issues with the BIMI record, allowing brands to take corrective action. In a hosted or managed setup, the provider typically handles the DNS records, but it is still the brand's responsibility to ensure the records are correct.
- Regularly review DNS records for correctness
- Update BIMI records when logos are updated
- Monitor aggregate reports for any issues
> Tip: Use a consistent naming convention for BIMI records to simplify management, especially for brands with multiple logos and variations.