Email Composer FAQs

Where Can I Use the Email Composer?

Here's where you can use the latest Email Composer in Act-On:

Saved Rows

Can buttons be saved, like the Rows can be saved?

Yes. To save a button, create a Row with a single column, add the button to the Row, and then save the Row.

Can we save HTML blocks just like we would save Rows?

Yes. To save an HTML block, create a Row with a single column, add the HTML block to the Row, and then save the Row.

Converting Emails: Legacy vs the Latest Email Composer

With old emails living in legacy, will there be an option to convert them to use the latest composer? Or will we have to completely recreate those emails?

There is no plan for a conversion tool, so legacy emails and templates need to be manually re-created in the Email Composer. You can keep your draft, template, and/or triggered emails as-is (i.e., you can still edit them with the legacy composer).

Can we edit existing email templates in the latest composer?

Emails created in one composer cannot be edited in the other, and legacy emails and templates need to be manually re-created in the Email Composer.

Copying Email Recipients

In the test email sends, once we add an email address as a recipient, will that email address be saved for future use?

No. If you add a recipient to a test send individually, that person will not be added to your contact list.

If I sent to a certain couple of segments in a past email (using a new template) can I duplicate that sent email and the segments will carry over so I don’t have to manually add them each time?

No. Recipients are not copied when a sent email is copied.

Viewing HTML Code

Are we not able to click on a block & edit the HTML in it anymore? Can we view/edit the code for the new Row properties like stacking and vertical alignment?

You can edit the HTML for an HTML block but not the entire email. You can select an HTML block and go into the HTML settings for that block but you cannot go into the HTML settings from another block type and edit.

With the latest Email Composer, are we still able to download the creatives / HTML code?

Yes. Go to Preview and click on “Download HTML” at the bottom right of the screen.

Dynamic Content

Will dynamic content blocks work the same as they do now?

Mostly they are the same; however, there is no “else” option. See more in the Dynamic Content article.

Dynamic Content no longer has an else statement. What happens when people do not meet the conditions of new conditional content? They see nothing if there is no ELSE?

Yes. If a recipient does not meet a dynamic content condition, there is no fallback content. However, you could create two mutually exclusive IF conditions to catch all recipients.

Event Block

Are we still able to add a calendar item to our emails?

Yes. You can add a calendar item to your emails using the Event content block.

The lack of a time & place button won't affect webinar confirmation emails because we still have access to the legacy email composer?

Correct. Webinars are now compatible with the latest Email Composer, including the time and place block for webinar confirmation emails.

Background Images

Can you add background images?

Yes. You can add background images for Rows or the entire email. See more in the Background Images article.

Will background images on Rows be viewed in Outlook Desktop?

Certain versions of Outlook do not support background images. See more in the Background Images article.

Email Creation

Can you add a default salutation to the personalization in the new subject line feature?

Yes. You can add a fallback/default value for subject line personalization.

Will it be possible to round images similar to how we are now able to round content areas?

No. You cannot round the corners of an image.

How are headers and footers handled in the latest builder?

Mostly the same as previously. You can select and place any header or footer that is available in your account.

Can you add CTA buttons on top of graphics?

Yes. You can stack content blocks within a column of a Row.

Do you recommend designing in an Adobe program or using Act-On?

Creating your email directly within Act-On will most likely lead to the best results. Also, there is an Upload HTML feature available. If you need help with designing emails or using the Email Composer, reach out to support for hands-on help.

For stacking, if we have an image in the left column and copy in the right, can we control, for example, if, on mobile, the image will display full width or not?

The stacking feature will control how two side-by-side images in a Row are shown when stacked on a mobile device. The left side image can be on top or below the right side image.

Is there a way to condense/resize a table?

Tables can be configured for the number of Rows and columns.

Is there an AI composer that helps with creative writing and/or design?

Yes. There is an AI Create content block available.

Will old syntax still work for personalization?

Yes. You can still type in “{{First.Name}}” in the subject line for example, and it will be converted to the new format.

Can I set pixel dimensions for images?

The Email Composer does not support changing the image dimensions directly; however, you can use the % width and content block padding options to change the size of the image.

Why are the font sizes different in the latest Email Composer?

The legacy email composer used 'point' font sizing & the latest Email Composer uses 'pixel' font sizing:

• 1 pixel (px) is usually assumed to be 1/96th of an inch
• 1 point (pt) is assumed to be 1/72nd of an inch.

For example, 16px = 12pt.

Other

Is auto-save optional? In the case of experimenting with layouts?

No. Auto-Save runs automatically; however, you can use Undo/Redo to undo changes you have made and go back to a prior restore point.

We use the Preview Text field and the Survey/Poll block quite a lot. Are these still supported?

You can preview personalizations in the Email Composer. The Survey/Poll block is also included.

Will you be able to embed videos directly in the emails?

With the video content block, you can enter a YouTube or other URL. A preview thumbnail will be shown in the email.

There are improved checks and validations, can you highlight those?

The Review & Send tab includes checks for: Sender details, Subject, Recipients, Content, Deliverability, Send Method, Spam check, and Personalization.

When linking a URL In the body of the email do you have the same options to open in a new page or open on the same page?

Yes. Options are “new window” and “none” (same page).

Can I forward an email?

Forwarding these emails is not recommended. Each email client will handle forwarded emails differently, but it may result in broken links and buttons.