Email Templates Overview
Email templates in Outreach define the content, layout, sender identity, and attachments for email campaigns. The template editor is a multi-tab interface within the campaign wizard's Template step.
Editor Tabs
The email template editor is divided into four tabs:
| Tab | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Editor | The email body content: built using either the Visual or Code editor |
| Sender | From email, Reply-to email, Subject line |
| Test Data | Example values for variables, used to preview dynamic content |
| Attachments | Files attached to the email, sent to every recipient |
Editor Experiences
Outreach offers two editor experiences for building the email body:
- Design Editor: a block-based editor for building emails visually without writing code
- Code Editor: a full HTML editor with syntax highlighting and live preview
You choose your editor when you first reach the template step. You can switch between editors at any time, though switching clears the email body content after confirmation.
See Choosing an Email Editor for a comparison and guidance on which to use, or go directly to the Design Editor Guide or Code Editor Guide for detailed walkthroughs.
Variables
Variables are dynamic placeholders that resolve to individual contact data for each recipient:
- Variables can be inserted into the email body, subject line, and some sender fields
- In the editor, variables appear as pink tags (e.g. a tag showing "first_name")
- In the preview, variables resolve to test data values when available, or show the raw placeholder (e.g.
{{first_name}}) if no test value is set - An unsubscribe variable is always available for inserting the required unsubscribe link
Required Elements
To finish an email campaign, the following must be present:
| Element | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| From Email | Yes | Must be a verified sender from Settings |
| Reply-to Email | Yes | Must be a verified sender from Settings |
| Unsubscribe link | Yes | Inserted via the unsubscribe variable or block |
| Subject | No | Recommended; warning shown if missing |
| Test email sent | No | Recommended; warning shown if not done |
Import and Export
Templates can be exported to a file and imported back into Outreach for reuse, backup, or sharing. Each editor type uses its own file format, and imports must match the current editor. See Importing and Exporting Templates for the full guide, including file types, matching rules, and what is included in the export.
Preview
The template editor includes a live preview panel:
- Toggle between Desktop and Mobile views
- Variables resolve to test data values when available
- The preview updates in real-time as you edit content
Guides in This Section
- Choosing an Email Editor. Compare the Design and Code editors
- Design Editor Guide. Full walkthrough of the block-based editor
- Code Editor Guide. Full walkthrough of the HTML editor
- Importing and Exporting Templates. File types, matching rules, and workflows
- Sender Settings. From, Reply-to, Subject
- Test Data and Variables. Previewing dynamic content
- Attachments. Attaching files to email campaigns