Create and edit message templates

Build a reusable message template when the layout matters: a newsletter, onboarding email or announcement with images and buttons. The template holds the content and design; you choose recipients and timing when sending it.

Create the template

Open Communications and create a template, starting from a sample or a blank design. Give it a clear name and subject. The subject can be reviewed again when preparing a send. For a short text-only notice, a quick message may be simpler.

Build the layout

A template is a vertical sequence of blocks between a header and footer. Add a block with +, open its editing control, duplicate reusable arrangements and drag blocks into order. Check that edits have saved before leaving.

Block or content	Use
Full-width image	A main visual
Text or a button	Explanation and the next action
Image/text combinations	A visual beside its description
Two columns	Related content side by side
Spacer	Breathing room between sections
Video	A linked or embedded video presentation
Zoom	Meeting information
Certificate	A personalized document

Choose the blocks available in your editor rather than relying on a fixed number of types. Review how columns stack on narrow screens.

Header, footer and images

Review the organization logo, website link, contact details and supported footer links. Do not remove required identification or preference controls merely to shorten the design. Header and footer appearance also depends on organization branding.

Upload an image or choose one from your media library, Canva or the available image sources. Use a clear image suited to the block’s shape: a wide image usually works better for a full-width banner, while a square or landscape image may suit an image beside text. Check the image in the block preview and the complete newsletter. In the image block editor, use Copy (crop/resize) to make a cropped or resized copy for that layout; the original media-library image remains available. You can also use ⋮ → Duplicate & crop/resize on a media-library image. These options are not available for SVG images. There is no single required pixel size for every block, so choose proportions according to the design and review the result rather than relying on one universal dimension.

Text, placeholders and buttons

Use headings, short paragraphs and meaningful button labels. Insert placeholders using the picker and test them with a representative audience. A form-derived placeholder needs the corresponding response context.

A button can lead to a form, document or web page. Check the destination, access requirements and language. Review any AI-generated copy or translation before use.

Preview, reuse and publish

Preview desktop and mobile layouts. Test names, empty values, long text and links using suitable test recipients. Two-column content switches to a single column at narrower screen widths. Email clients can render a layout differently from the browser preview.

Duplicate a template when you want a new reusable version. Publishing a web link and sending a message are separate actions: review the content for public visibility before publishing. Do not publish personalized or sensitive test data.

Send the template

Open a new message or the template’s Send action. Choose recipients, channel and the correct communication type. Templates can support operational or marketing content; the layout does not determine consent. By SMS, the template is shared through a link to its web version.

Review any template-refresh and list-refresh options for a scheduled send rather than assuming every later edit will be applied automatically. See sending options, placeholders and message tracking.