LysticaProfessional Network

Email Templates Feature

Create and manage reusable email templates

Features

The email templates feature allows users to create, manage, and reuse email templates for their campaigns, providing a streamlined way to maintain consistent branding and messaging.

Features

Template Management

  • Create Templates: Design custom email templates with HTML and plain text versions
  • Edit Templates: Modify existing templates with real-time preview
  • View Templates: Preview how templates will look to recipients
  • Delete Templates: Remove unwanted templates with confirmation
  • Duplicate Templates: Create copies of existing templates for variation

Template Content

  • HTML Content: Rich HTML email content with full styling support
  • Plain Text: Optional plain text version for accessibility
  • Variable Substitution: Dynamic content using template variables
  • Subject Lines: Customizable subject lines with variable support

Template Organization

  • Default Template: Set one template as default for new campaigns
  • Search & Filter: Find templates by name or subject
  • Template Library: Organized view of all user templates
  • Creation Date: Track when templates were created and last modified

Preview & Testing

  • Live Preview: Real-time preview while editing
  • Email Client Simulation: See how emails will render
  • Variable Preview: Preview with sample data
  • Responsive Design: Templates work across email clients

Technical Implementation

Database Schema

The emailTemplates table stores:

  • Template metadata (name, subject, creation dates)
  • HTML and plain text content
  • Default template status
  • User association via createdByClerk

File Structure

app/dashboard/studio/templates/
├── page.tsx                    # Templates listing page
├── new/
│   └── page.tsx               # Create new template
└── [id]/
    ├── page.tsx               # View template
    └── edit/
        └── page.tsx           # Edit template

Template Variables

Available variables for dynamic content:

  • {{firstName}} - Contact's first name
  • {{lastName}} - Contact's last name
  • {{email}} - Contact's email address
  • {{company}} - Contact's company
  • {{unsubscribeUrl}} - Unsubscribe link

Default Template

A comprehensive HTML template is provided with:

  • Responsive design
  • Professional styling
  • Variable placeholders
  • Unsubscribe link
  • Best practices implementation

API Endpoints

Queries

  • getUserEmailTemplates - Get all templates for a user
  • getEmailTemplate - Get specific template by ID
  • getDefaultTemplate - Get user's default template

Mutations

  • createEmailTemplate - Create new template
  • updateEmailTemplate - Update existing template
  • deleteEmailTemplate - Remove template
  • duplicateEmailTemplate - Copy existing template

Security Features

Access Control

  • Users can only access their own templates
  • Template ownership verification on all operations
  • Secure template ID validation

Data Validation

  • Required field validation (name, subject, HTML content)
  • Content sanitization for XSS prevention
  • Input length limits for performance

Usage Workflow

Creating a Template

  1. Navigate to Dashboard → Studio → Templates
  2. Click "New Template"
  3. Fill in template name and subject
  4. Design HTML content (default template provided)
  5. Optional: Add plain text version
  6. Optional: Set as default template
  7. Preview and save

Managing Templates

  1. View all templates in organized grid
  2. Search templates by name or subject
  3. Quick actions: View, Edit, Duplicate, Delete
  4. Set default template with star indicator
  5. Track creation and modification dates

Using Templates

  1. Templates integrate with campaign creation
  2. Default template auto-loads in new campaigns
  3. Variables automatically replaced with contact data
  4. HTML and plain text versions sent appropriately

Best Practices

Email Design

  • Use inline CSS for better email client compatibility
  • Keep subject lines under 50 characters
  • Always include plain text version
  • Test across multiple email clients
  • Include unsubscribe link for compliance

Template Organization

  • Use descriptive names for easy identification
  • Set appropriate default template
  • Regular cleanup of unused templates
  • Version control through duplication

Content Guidelines

  • Personalize with template variables
  • Maintain consistent branding
  • Clear call-to-action buttons
  • Mobile-responsive design
  • Accessible content structure

Integration Points

Campaign Creation

Templates integrate seamlessly with the campaign system:

  • Auto-load default template in new campaigns
  • Template picker for campaign creation
  • Variable substitution during send
  • Template metrics and performance tracking

Branding System

Templates work with the branding feature:

  • Company logo integration
  • Brand color consistency
  • Automated branding application
  • Corporate identity maintenance

Future Enhancements

Planned Features

  • Template Categories: Organize templates by type/purpose
  • Shared Templates: Team template sharing capabilities
  • Template Analytics: Track template usage and performance
  • A/B Testing: Split test different template versions
  • Template Marketplace: Pre-built professional templates
  • Visual Editor: Drag-and-drop template builder
  • Template Export/Import: Backup and share templates

The email templates feature provides a robust foundation for professional email marketing campaigns with enterprise-level functionality and user-friendly management.