Email Templates Feature

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.