# Use the email designer

> Build campaigns with the drag-and-drop email designer: settings, rows, content blocks, version history and sending.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/mailmachine-campaigns/use-the-email-designer
Updated: 2026-06-10

---

The email designer is the drag-and-drop tool you'll build most of your campaigns in - no code required. You add and rearrange sections, set colours and fonts, drop in content blocks, preview on desktop and mobile, and send, all from one window. This guide walks through what it can do.

## Settings: the look of the whole campaign

Open **Settings** to set the tone for the entire email:

- **Content area width** - we recommend no more than 600 pixels.
- **Content alignment** - left or centre.
- **Background colour** and **content area background colour**.
- **Default font** and **link colour**.

While you're here, scroll to **Metadata** and add your **preheader** - the preview text that shows under your subject line. There's an AI option to generate one if you'd like a hand (see **[Write effective preheaders](/knowledgebase/mailmachine-campaigns/write-effective-preheaders)**).

## Rows: the structure

Before adding content, choose a **row** - a column structure to hold it. Drag the layout you want onto the canvas. Select any row to move it (the crossed-arrows icon), delete it (the trash icon) or duplicate it (the double-window icon). Select a row to edit its background colour or image, padding, borders, column layout, mobile stacking, and display conditions.

## Content: the blocks

With your rows in place, drag in content blocks:

- **Title** and **Paragraph** for text.
- **List** for bulleted or numbered content.
- **Image** for an upload or a stock image.
- **Button** for a clear call to action.
- **Divider** and **Spacer** to structure the layout.
- **Social** for linked social icons.
- **HTML** for your own code.
- **Video** for a clickable thumbnail linking to your video.
- **Menu** for an interactive menu.
- **GIF** for an animation.

Every block is editable in place - experiment to find what works.

## Version history, preview and saving

- **Version history** - click the clock icon at the bottom left to revert to an earlier point in your editing.
- **Preview** - the eye icon at the top right shows desktop and mobile views. Always check both.
- **Save** - click the green **Save** button often. Better safe than sorry.
- **More options** - the arrow at the top right lets you save the design as a template, reset it, or abandon it (see **[Use Smart Templates](/knowledgebase/mailmachine-campaigns/use-smart-templates)**).

## Campaign details and sending

When the design's ready, click **Continue** to reach **Campaign Details**, where you set:

- the campaign name
- the subscriber list, and a segment within it
- the sender name and email address
- the subject line

You can send yourself a test and schedule delivery with **Send Date and Time**. Always test thoroughly first - see **[Testing your campaign](/knowledgebase/mailmachine-campaigns/testing-your-campaign)**.

## Troubleshooting

**The designer won't load** - clear your cache and cookies, use Chrome or Firefox, and disable ad blockers and extensions.

**Changes won't save** - click the green Save button often, check your connection, and watch for the save confirmation.

**Mobile preview issues** - test on a real device, check your "Don't stack on mobile" settings, and adjust column widths.

**Images won't insert** - upload them to the library first, keep them under 1 MB, and within roughly 1600x2000 pixels.

**Custom HTML not working** - validate your code, remove any JavaScript (email clients strip it), and use inline CSS rather than external stylesheets.

If the designer misbehaves, [open a support ticket](/knowledgebase/getting-started/how-to-create-a-support-ticket-in-mykualo).

---

_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/mailmachine-campaigns/use-the-email-designer · © Kualo Ltd._