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How to Use the Plain Text Editor for Emails

Modified on: Fri, 2 Oct, 2026 at 2:11 AM 3 min read

Marketing • Emails • Templates
How to Use the Plain Text Editor for Emails
The Plain Text Editor lets you create simple, text-focused emails without building a visual layout. Use it when your message should prioritize written content over design-heavy elements.
What You’ll Learn

Learn what the Plain Text Editor is, when to use it, how to create a plain-text email template, and how it differs from other email editing options.

1

What Is the Plain Text Editor?

The Plain Text Editor is an email editing option for creating simple, text-focused messages. It is useful when you want the email to feel more like a direct message and do not need the visual layouts available in the Design Editor.

2

When to Use the Plain Text Editor

The Plain Text Editor is useful when the message should focus primarily on written content rather than a designed layout.

Common examples include:

  • Direct or conversational messages
  • Welcome or follow-up emails
  • Text-heavy communications
  • Emails that do not require complex layouts or visual design
3

How to Create a Plain Text Email Template

Create a new template and select the Plain Text Editor when you want a text-focused email instead of a drag-and-drop design or custom HTML.

  1. Go to Marketing → Emails → Templates.
  2. Click + New.
    How to Use the Plain Text Editor for Emails – Email Templates page showing the New button
  3. Choose to create a new email template from scratch.
  4. When the editor options appear, select Plain Text.
    How to Use the Plain Text Editor for Emails – Email editor selection showing Design Code and Plain Text options

  5. Enter your email content.
  6. Review the email before using it in a campaign or automation.
  7. Click Save Template.
    How to Use the Plain Text Editor for Emails – Plain Text Editor showing email content area and Save Template control

4

Plain Text vs. Other Email Editors

Different editing options are available depending on how you want to build the email.

Plain Text

Use for simple, text-focused messages that do not require a designed layout.

Design Editor

Use for visual emails built with drag-and-drop elements and designed layouts.

Code Editor

Use when the email requires direct HTML control.

Note: Plain Text is not the same as Quick Compose. Quick Compose is a separate lightweight email creation option, while Plain Text is an editor option available through Smart Builder.

5

Preview and Test the Email

Review the email before using the template in a live campaign. Preview and Test Email tools can be used to check content, personalization, and inbox rendering before sending.

6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Plain Text Editor still available?
Yes. Plain Text remains an editor option available through Smart Builder.
Q: Is Plain Text the same as Quick Compose?
No. Quick Compose is a separate lightweight email creation option. Plain Text is an editor option available through Smart Builder.
Q: Can I use the Plain Text Editor in workflows?
Yes. Workflow Send Email actions support Smart Builder → Plain Text.
Q: When should I use the Design Editor instead?
Use the Design Editor when the email needs visual layouts or drag-and-drop elements such as images, buttons, columns, or other designed content.
7

Need Help?

  • Cannot find Plain Text: Start a new email through Smart Builder and review the available editor options.
  • Need a visual layout: Use the Design Editor instead of Plain Text.
  • Need direct HTML control: Use the Code Editor.
  • Need to test the email: Use the available Preview and Test Email controls before using the template in a live campaign.
  • Still need assistance? Contact your administrator or support team with the template and email-editor details.