Editing Email Designer overview

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'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Email]] > Email Designer overview

== Email Designer Overview ==

The **Email Designer** is a powerful feature in ActiveCampaign that allows users to create branded, high-performing emails with ease. Launched in 2022, this reimagined tool prioritizes reliability and a user-friendly interface, ultimately enhancing the email campaign creation experience. Engaging customers through optimized campaigns is vital in today's marketing landscape, and the **Email Designer** facilitates that by making design simple and effective.

== How to Access the Email Designer ==

You can access the **Email Designer** via the standard campaign workflow in both the **Campaigns** and **Automations** sections of your ActiveCampaign account. To create an email, follow these steps:

1. Click on **Create a Campaign** from the Campaigns section.
2. Select either **Standard** or **Automated** for your campaign type.
3. If you are creating an Automation, you can add an email using the **Email Designer** directly.

Please note that once you start with the new **Email Designer**, you cannot switch to the legacy designer within that campaign. To use the legacy designer, you would need to create a new campaign and select it explicitly.

== Step-by-Step Instructions ==

To design your email campaign using the **Email Designer**, you will utilize Structures and Blocks. Here’s how to create and customize your email:

=== Using Structures ===

1. Go to the **Content** menu in the **Email Designer**.
2. Drag and drop **Structures** into your campaign. Available Structures contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 '''Containers'''.
3. Each Container allows for different content types, enabling creative layouts.
4. To configure a Structure, click on **To Structure** at the top of the side menu. This opens a menu to edit indentations and padding for individual Containers.

![Structure Menu Example](https://help.activecampaign.com/hc/article_attachments/19266450551580)

5. You can add additional Containers by clicking the plus sign (+) at the top right of a Structure. Use the equal sign (=) to adjust sizes uniformly.

=== Adding Blocks ===

Once you have placed your Structures, you can fill them with specific Blocks, which constitute the content of your email. Drag and drop desired Blocks from the Content menu:

- **Image**
- **Text**
- **Button**
- **Spacer**
- **Video**
- **Social**
- **Banner**
- **Timer**
- **Menu**
- **HTML** for custom code

To customize any Block, simply click on it and adjust colors, font sizes, links, and other properties as needed.

== Configuration Options and Settings ==

Under the **Global Settings** tab, you can edit various aspects of your created email. Here’s a breakdown of available options:

=== General Settings ===

- **Message Width:** Default is 600px; can be set between 320px and 900px.
- **Default Padding:** Adjust spacing around structures (specified in pixel values).
- **Background Color and Image:** Set based on the email content.
- **Font:** Choose preferred fonts for your email.
- **Line and Paragraph Spacing:** Customize spacing preferences.
- **Underline Links:** Choose whether links appear underlined.
- **Responsive Design:** Helps improve mobile views; results may differ based on devices.
- **Right-to-Left Text Direction:** Adjusts text direction automatically when activated.

=== Sections ===

Customize header, content, footer, and info rows:

- **Text Size**
- **Font Size**
- **Link Color**

=== Headings ===

Set default font styles for H1, H2, and H3 headings, including sizes and colors.

=== Button ===

Default settings for all email buttons can be configured for color, font, and border styles.

=== Mobile Formatting ===

Options available for mobile viewing:

- H1, H2, H3 sizing
- Button text size
- Button width
- Content margin

All settings for mobile formatting only apply to the mobile version of your email campaign.

== Best Practices ==

- Use **Responsive Design** settings to ensure emails display correctly on mobile devices.
- Take advantage of the **Global Settings** for consistent styling across your campaigns.
- Keep content concise and visually appealing by effectively utilizing **Blocks**.
- Regularly preview your emails as you design them to ensure optimal layout and engagement.

== Common Use Cases ==

- **Newsletter Campaigns:** Utilize a mix of **Text**, **Images**, and **Buttons** to drive engagement and encourage click-throughs.
- **Promotional Offers:** Use the **Timer** Block to create urgency for limited-time offers.
- **Event Invitations:** Create visually appealing invites using **Images**, **Text**, and **Buttons** for RSVP links.

== Troubleshooting ==

If you encounter issues while using the **Email Designer**:

- Ensure that your browser is up to date. Compatibility issues with older browsers can limit functionality.
- If you can’t find specific features, check if your ActiveCampaign account reflects the latest updates.
- For technical difficulties, consult ActiveCampaign support or the help center resources.

== Related Features ==

- For information on automating email campaigns, see the [[Automation]] feature.
- Explore how to better manage your contacts in the [[Contact Management]] section.

== FAQ ==

'''Q1: Can I switch back to the legacy email designer after using the new one?'''
A1: No, once you start with the new **Email Designer**, you cannot switch to the legacy version within the same campaign.

'''Q2: What options do I have for creating email content?'''
A2: You can create content using **Structures** and **Blocks**, including text, images, buttons, and more.

'''Q3: How can I make my emails mobile-friendly?'''
A3: Use the **Mobile Formatting** settings within the **Global Settings** to ensure proper display on mobile devices.

'''Q4: What happens if I don’t adjust the default settings?'''
A4: If you don’t modify the default settings, your emails will use preset styles which may not match your branding.

'''Q5: Can I use custom code in my emails?'''
A5: Yes, you can include custom HTML through the **HTML** Block option.

'''Q6: Are there any restrictions on email width?'''
A6: Yes, the message width can be set between 320px and 900px, with a default of 600px.

'''Q7: How do I manage the spacing in my email?'''
A7: You can adjust spacing through **Default Padding** options under **General Settings** and also by modifying each individual Container.

By following this guide, users can effectively leverage the powerful features of the **Email Designer** to create stunning emails that engage and convert.
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