Classic Designer

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

Classic Designer: Campaign width has increased after it is sent

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: 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

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

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

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

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

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. ```