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Choosing an Email Editor

When you reach the Template step of the campaign wizard for an email campaign, you are prompted to select your editor experience. Outreach offers two options:

  • Design Editor: a block-based editor for building emails visually without writing code
  • Code Editor: a full HTML editor with syntax highlighting and a live preview

Both editors produce email content and support variables, preview, sender settings, and attachments. The difference is in how you build the email body.

Comparing the Editors​

FeatureDesign EditorCode Editor
Building approachAdd and arrange content blocks visuallyWrite and edit raw HTML
HTML knowledge requiredNoYes
Layout controlBlock-level (padding, alignment, colours)Full control over HTML and CSS
Adding imagesImage block with upload or URLToolbar button inserts an <img> tag
Adding variablesClick into a text field and insert from the variable menuToolbar button inserts a variable tag into the HTML
Adding an unsubscribe linkDedicated unsubscribe blockToolbar button inserts an <a> tag with the unsubscribe variable
Best forQuick, structured layouts without codeCustom HTML, existing templates, advanced styling

When to Choose the Design Editor​

  • You want to build an email quickly using pre-built content blocks
  • You prefer a visual, point-and-click interface over writing HTML
  • You do not need granular control over the HTML markup
  • You want to focus on content and layout without worrying about code

See the Design Editor Guide for a full walkthrough of the editor experience.

When to Choose the Code Editor​

  • You have existing HTML email templates you want to use
  • You need precise control over HTML structure, CSS, and responsive behaviour
  • You are comfortable editing HTML directly
  • You want to work with custom styling or advanced layout patterns

See the Code Editor Guide for a full walkthrough of the editor experience.

Switching Editors​

You can switch between editors after starting. Click the Switch Editor button in the toolbar to begin.

A confirmation modal appears summarising what will be preserved and what will be lost:

  • Preserved: attachments, subject line, and sender information
  • Cleared: the email body content (template)

The modal also gives you the option to export your current template before switching, so you can keep a backup.

If you confirm, the editor switches and the body content is reset. If you cancel, nothing changes.

warning

Switching editors clears the email body content. Export your template first if you want to keep a backup. See Importing and Exporting Templates for details.