Classic Designer: Difference between revisions

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```mediawiki
```mediawiki
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Campaigns]] > [[Email]] > Classic Designer
'''Navigation:''' [[Main_Page]] > [[Campaigns]] > [[Sending Campaigns]] > Classic Designer


== Introduction ==
== Classic Designer: Campaign width has increased after it is sent ==
The '''Classic Designer''' in ActiveCampaign is a tool used for creating email campaigns with a traditional drag-and-drop interface. However, users may encounter issues where campaigns sent to Outlook or Gmail contacts arrive with blank or partially missing content. This situation typically stems from the way the Classic Designer generates HTML tables during the email composition process. Understanding these issues is crucial for any user relying on email campaigns to maintain effective communication and marketing strategies.


== How to Access ==
The '''Classic Designer''' in ActiveCampaign is a powerful tool used for crafting visually appealing email campaigns. However, users may occasionally experience an issue where the campaign width is not as expected after sending. This article will delve into what this feature entails, provide troubleshooting steps, and offer best practices for optimal results.
 
=== Introduction ===
The '''Classic Designer''' allows users to create and customize their email campaigns using a variety of design elements. It is crucial to ensure that not only the content is engaging but also formatted correctly to maintain aesthetic and functional integrity post-send. An unexpected increase in campaign width can lead to poor rendering of emails in recipients’ inboxes and might affect overall engagement rates.
 
=== How to Access the Classic Designer ===
To access the '''Classic Designer''', follow these steps:
To access the '''Classic Designer''', follow these steps:
1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account.
1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account.
2. Navigate to the '''Campaigns''' section in the main menu.
2. Navigate to the '''Campaigns''' section in the main menu.
3. Click on the '''Email''' option to begin creating your campaign.
3. Select '''Sending Campaigns'''.
4. Select the '''Classic Designer''' as your email design tool.
4. Choose an existing campaign or create a new one and then select the option to use the '''Classic Designer'''.
 
== Step-by-Step Instructions ==
To avoid issues with your emails appearing blank or missing content, follow these steps for best practices when using the '''Classic Designer'''.
 
==== Step 1: Create Your Campaign ====
1. Click on the '''Create Campaign''' button.
2. Choose the campaign type (Regular, Automated, etc.).
3. Select the audience for your campaign.
 
==== Step 2: Select Classic Designer ====
1. Opt for the '''Classic Designer''' during the email creation process.
 
==== Step 3: Design Your Email ====
1. Use the drag-and-drop interface to add content blocks.
2. When designing, be mindful of how many nested tables you create, as excessive nesting can lead to issues in email clients like Outlook and Gmail.


==== Step 4: Save and Preview ====
=== Step-by-step Instructions ===
1. Click the '''Save''' button to ensure your changes are stored.
1. **Create or Edit a Campaign**: Start by selecting an existing campaign to edit or create a new one.
2. Use the '''Preview''' option to see how your email will appear across different clients.
2. **Select the Classic Designer**: Once in the campaign settings, choose the '''Classic Designer''' option to begin designing your email.
3. **Add Content Blocks**: Drag and drop various content blocks (e.g., text, images) into your campaign layout.
4. **Preview Your Email**: Always preview your email to see how it will look to recipients. Use the **Email Client Preview** test from the '''Campaign Summary''' page or send a test version to yourself.
5. **Finalize and Send**: After confirming the design is satisfactory, finalize any settings required and send your email campaign.


=== Configuration Options ===
=== Configuration Options and Settings ===
The '''Classic Designer''' includes several important configuration options that can affect how your content is displayed:
While creating your campaign in the '''Classic Designer''', consider the following '''bold''' configuration options:
- **HTML Tables**: The Classic Designer creates '''HTML tables''' which can lead to issues if overly nested.
- '''Font Size''': Adjust larger text to ensure it fits within the designated width.
- **Content Blocks**: Utilize various '''content blocks''' (text, images, buttons) to create your email.
- '''Images''': Use image blocks for images rather than inline images within text blocks.
- **Preview Options**: Check how the email will render using the '''Preview''' feature to identify any potential issues before sending.
- '''Hyperlinks''': Use hyperlinks for long text strings (e.g., URLs) to prevent width issues.
- '''Custom HTML''': Be cautious with custom HTML that may disrupt layout; ensure to verify any custom code utilized.


== Best Practices ==
=== Best Practices and Tips ===
To mitigate issues of blank or missing content in emails sent to Outlook or Gmail, follow these best practices:
To prevent issues with campaign width, adhere to these best practices:
- **Limit Nested Tables**: Reduce the number of nested tables in your email design to streamline the HTML structure.
- **Test Your Campaign**: Always conduct tests using the Email Client Preview feature prior to sending it out to your audience.
- **Use Email Designer**: If possible, switch to the '''Email Designer''' that was launched in 2022, as it generates less complex HTML.
- **Utilize Hyphenation**: Break longer sentences into smaller parts for better formatting.
- **Test Campaigns**: Always preview your email campaign in both Outlook and Gmail prior to sending to ensure correct rendering.
- **Be Mindful of Size Limits**: Remember that Gmail clips emails larger than 102kb, which may alter how your campaign appears.
- **Keep It Simple**: Use straightforward designs that avoid excessive styling and complex layouts.
- **Optimize Images**: Ensure that images are optimized for email to reduce load time and maintain formatting.


== Troubleshooting ==
=== Troubleshooting ===
If you find that your emails are still arriving blank or with missing content after taking precautions:
If you encounter a situation where the campaign width has increased after it is sent, consider the following troubleshooting steps:
- **Reassess HTML Complexity**: Examine your email's HTML code for any excessive or complex table structures.
- **Text Too Long**: Use '''hyperlinks''' to shorten text visually by linking rather than displaying long URLs.
- **Switch Design Tools**: Consider using the newer '''Email Designer''' for future campaigns to avoid these issues altogether.
- **Large Headings**: Decrease font sizes for excessive headings or text sizes.
- **Check Gmail Clipping**: Note that this is a separate issue from Gmail “clipping” messages, which can happen due to email size and does not relate to the Classic Designer.
- **Inline Images**: Shift from inline images in text blocks to using image blocks.
- **Custom HTML Issues**: Examine any custom HTML for potential conflicts that can disrupt design integrity.


== FAQ ==
If issues persist, the ActiveCampaign Customer Experience Team can provide more tailored guidance. For more information on Gmail clipping emails, refer to the article titled, "Why is Gmail 'clipping' my email?"
=== 1. What causes a blank email when using the Classic Designer? ===
The blank email issue usually arises due to complex HTML structures created by nesting tables within the '''Classic Designer'''.


=== 2. How can I prevent my email from showing as blank in Outlook or Gmail? ===
=== FAQ ===
To prevent blank emails, limit the use of nested HTML tables, or take advantage of the newer '''Email Designer''' which generates simpler HTML code.
'''Q1: Why is the width of my email campaign increasing after I send it?'''
A1: Common reasons include long text, large font sizes, inline images, or issues with custom HTML used in your campaign.


=== 3. Is there a way to check how my email will look in different email clients? ===
'''Q2: Is there a size limit for emails in Gmail that I should be aware of?'''
Yes, you can use the '''Preview''' option in the Classic Designer to see a simulation of how your email appears in various clients.
A2: Yes, if your email exceeds 102kb, it may get clipped in Gmail, which can lead to altered formatting.


=== 4. What types of email campaigns can I create with the Classic Designer? ===
'''Q3: Can I use inline images in the '''Classic Designer'''?'''
You can create various types of campaigns like regular or automated emails using the Classic Designer.
A3: It is recommended to use image blocks instead of inline images within text blocks to avoid width issues.


=== 5. Will switching to the newer Email Designer resolve these issues? ===
'''Q4: What should I do if my custom HTML is causing problems?'''
Yes, using the newer '''Email Designer''' is recommended as it minimizes the complexity of HTML and reduces rendering issues in email clients.
A4: Please review the code for any potential issues. The ActiveCampaign Customer Experience Team does not assist with custom code troubleshooting.


=== 6. Can I still use the Classic Designer if I'm experiencing these issues? ===
'''Q5: How can I test my email before sending it out?'''
You can continue using the Classic Designer, but it's advisable to follow best practices to minimize email rendering issues.
A5: You can send a test version of your message to your email or use the Email Client Preview test available from the '''Campaign Summary''' page.


=== 7. Who should I contact if I need further assistance? ===
'''Q6: What can I do if I need more help with my campaigns?'''
If you need more help, you can reach out to ActiveCampaign support for guidance.
A6: If additional assistance is required, contact the ActiveCampaign Customer Experience Team for personalized support.


== Related Features ==
'''Q7: Are there specific tips for formatting text effectively in my campaign?'''
For additional insights and features related to email campaigns, you may want to explore:
A7: Use '''hyperlinks''' for long text, break up sentences, and adjust font size to maintain appropriate width and readability.
- [[Automation]]
- [[Contact Lists]]
- [[User Groups]]


By following these guidelines when using the '''Classic Designer''', you can enhance the reliability of your email campaigns and ensure they are displayed correctly to your recipients across different email clients.
By following these guidelines and becoming familiar with the features of the '''Classic Designer''', you can enhance your email campaigns and ensure they deliver a professional appearance upon sending.
```
```

Latest revision as of 16:38, 3 November 2025

```mediawiki Navigation: Main_Page > Campaigns > Sending Campaigns > Classic Designer

Classic Designer: Campaign width has increased after it is sent[edit | edit source]

The Classic Designer in ActiveCampaign is a powerful tool used for crafting visually appealing email campaigns. However, users may occasionally experience an issue where the campaign width is not as expected after sending. This article will delve into what this feature entails, provide troubleshooting steps, and offer best practices for optimal results.

Introduction[edit | edit source]

The Classic Designer allows users to create and customize their email campaigns using a variety of design elements. It is crucial to ensure that not only the content is engaging but also formatted correctly to maintain aesthetic and functional integrity post-send. An unexpected increase in campaign width can lead to poor rendering of emails in recipients’ inboxes and might affect overall engagement rates.

How to Access the Classic Designer[edit | edit source]

To access the Classic Designer, follow these steps: 1. Log into your ActiveCampaign account. 2. Navigate to the Campaigns section in the main menu. 3. Select Sending Campaigns. 4. Choose an existing campaign or create a new one and then select the option to use the Classic Designer.

Step-by-step Instructions[edit | edit source]

1. **Create or Edit a Campaign**: Start by selecting an existing campaign to edit or create a new one. 2. **Select the Classic Designer**: Once in the campaign settings, choose the Classic Designer option to begin designing your email. 3. **Add Content Blocks**: Drag and drop various content blocks (e.g., text, images) into your campaign layout. 4. **Preview Your Email**: Always preview your email to see how it will look to recipients. Use the **Email Client Preview** test from the Campaign Summary page or send a test version to yourself. 5. **Finalize and Send**: After confirming the design is satisfactory, finalize any settings required and send your email campaign.

Configuration Options and Settings[edit | edit source]

While creating your campaign in the Classic Designer, consider the following bold configuration options: - Font Size: Adjust larger text to ensure it fits within the designated width. - Images: Use image blocks for images rather than inline images within text blocks. - Hyperlinks: Use hyperlinks for long text strings (e.g., URLs) to prevent width issues. - Custom HTML: Be cautious with custom HTML that may disrupt layout; ensure to verify any custom code utilized.

Best Practices and Tips[edit | edit source]

To prevent issues with campaign width, adhere to these best practices: - **Test Your Campaign**: Always conduct tests using the Email Client Preview feature prior to sending it out to your audience. - **Utilize Hyphenation**: Break longer sentences into smaller parts for better formatting. - **Be Mindful of Size Limits**: Remember that Gmail clips emails larger than 102kb, which may alter how your campaign appears. - **Optimize Images**: Ensure that images are optimized for email to reduce load time and maintain formatting.

Troubleshooting[edit | edit source]

If you encounter a situation where the campaign width has increased after it is sent, consider the following troubleshooting steps: - **Text Too Long**: Use hyperlinks to shorten text visually by linking rather than displaying long URLs. - **Large Headings**: Decrease font sizes for excessive headings or text sizes. - **Inline Images**: Shift from inline images in text blocks to using image blocks. - **Custom HTML Issues**: Examine any custom HTML for potential conflicts that can disrupt design integrity.

If issues persist, the ActiveCampaign Customer Experience Team can provide more tailored guidance. For more information on Gmail clipping emails, refer to the article titled, "Why is Gmail 'clipping' my email?"

FAQ[edit | edit source]

Q1: Why is the width of my email campaign increasing after I send it? A1: Common reasons include long text, large font sizes, inline images, or issues with custom HTML used in your campaign.

Q2: Is there a size limit for emails in Gmail that I should be aware of? A2: Yes, if your email exceeds 102kb, it may get clipped in Gmail, which can lead to altered formatting.

Q3: Can I use inline images in the Classic Designer? A3: It is recommended to use image blocks instead of inline images within text blocks to avoid width issues.

Q4: What should I do if my custom HTML is causing problems? A4: Please review the code for any potential issues. The ActiveCampaign Customer Experience Team does not assist with custom code troubleshooting.

Q5: How can I test my email before sending it out? A5: You can send a test version of your message to your email or use the Email Client Preview test available from the Campaign Summary page.

Q6: What can I do if I need more help with my campaigns? A6: If additional assistance is required, contact the ActiveCampaign Customer Experience Team for personalized support.

Q7: Are there specific tips for formatting text effectively in my campaign? A7: Use hyperlinks for long text, break up sentences, and adjust font size to maintain appropriate width and readability.

By following these guidelines and becoming familiar with the features of the Classic Designer, you can enhance your email campaigns and ensure they deliver a professional appearance upon sending. ```