This article is a reference guide for the Email Composer. It explains how to use the composer’s settings, layout tools, content blocks, preview options, and send-related configuration once an email message already exists.
New to creating emails? If you want a guided, step-by-step example, see the Email Composer Walkthrough .
Use this guide when you need detailed explanations of specific features or controls in the Email Composer.
Settings
Use the Settings tab to define core email details that apply regardless of design or recipients.
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Internal email title | Used to identify the email within Act-On. This name is not visible to recipients. |
| Subject line | The subject line displayed in recipients’ inboxes. You can include personalization and emojis where supported. |
| Preheader | Optional preview text that appears next to or below the subject line in many inboxes. |
| Sender | The display name and email address recipients see as the sender. |
| Reply-to | The address that receives replies when recipients respond to the email. |
Changes are saved automatically as you work. The save status is shown at the top right of the composer.
Design
Use the Design tab to control the structure, appearance, and content of the email.
Global styles
Global styles define default fonts, colors, backgrounds, and link styling that rows and content blocks inherit.
- Background and content area colors
- Default font family and size
- Link colors and hover behavior
Rows and columns
Rows define horizontal sections of the email. Columns allow content to be placed side by side and automatically stack on mobile devices.
- Single and multi-column layouts
- Adjustable column widths
- Row-level background and spacing options
- Mobile visibility controls
Content blocks
Content blocks are used to add text, images, buttons, and other elements to the email. Each block includes its own styling and behavior options in the sidebar when selected.
Essentials
- Title
- Paragraph
- Image
- Button
- Divider
- List
- Table
Additional content
- HTML
- Menu
- Icons
- Social
- Event
- Video
- RSS
AI Create
AI Create helps generate subject lines and content suggestions. Generated content can be edited before sending.
Personalization
Personalization fields allow you to insert contact or account data into subject lines and content blocks.
- Select a block and insert a personalization field
- Always define fallback text to avoid blank content
- Preview personalization using sample contact data
Preview and testing
Preview modes
Use preview modes to review layout and styling before sending.
- Desktop preview
- Mobile preview
- Dark mode preview
Preview personalization
Preview personalization lets you view how dynamic fields render using example contact data.
Test links
Test links validates all links in the email and identifies potential issues before sending.
Send Details
Use the Send Details tab to choose recipients, apply suppression, and define how and when the email is sent.
For step-by-step instructions, see Review, Test, and Send Your Email .
Recipients
Choose one or more lists, segments, or individual contacts to receive the email.
Suppression
Suppress lists or segments to prevent sending to contacts who meet exclusion criteria.
Send methods
Choose how the email is delivered, such as immediate send or scheduled send. Available options depend on your account configuration.
Saving options
- Save and close – Save changes and exit the composer
- Save as copy – Duplicate the email
- Save as template – Create a reusable template
- Discard changes – Revert to the last saved version
Discarding changes permanently removes unpublished edits and cannot be undone.