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Email Template Editor

An overview of email templates and the drag & drop template editor

Written by Mark

The template editor in Hive is designed to be easy to use with a simple drag-and-drop interface.

To get started, click Campaigns on the left-hand navigation menu, then go to Email > Templates.

Your templates are organized into three main sections: Folders, for custom organization; Your Templates, which contains your saved templates; and Hive Templates, which are pre-built and ready to use.


Organizing your templates

As your template library grows, folders, search, and filters make it easier to find what you need.

Create a new folder

  1. From the Templates page, click + New Folder in the Folders section on the left.

  2. Give your folder a clear, descriptive name (e.g., Welcome series, Weekly newsletter, Onsale announcements).

  3. Hit Create, and your folder will appear in the Folders list.

Move a template into a folder

  1. Find the template you want to move under Your Templates.

  2. Click the 3 dots in the top-right corner of the template card.

  3. Select Move to folder, then choose the folder you'd like to move it into.

Pro tip: You can also move a template by opening it in the editor and choosing a folder when you save.

Search for a template by name

Use the search bar at the top of the Templates page to find a template by name. Results update as you type, so you don't need to remember the full name - a few letters from the title is usually enough.

Filter by folder

Click any folder in the Folders list on the left to filter the Templates page to just the templates in that folder. Click All Templates (or the clear filter option) to return to the full list.

Delete / Rename Folder

Select the folder you want to delete or rename. Click the 3 dots that appear on the right and select Rename Folder or Delete Folder


Note: Folders only apply to templates under Your Templates. Hive Templates are pre-built and managed by Hive, so they can't be moved into custom folders.


Key features of the template editor

Content blocks

Content blocks are how you build out your email—these include text, images, buttons, and more.

To add a content block, simply click on the type of content you want from the right-hand panel, then drag and drop it into your template.

A popular option is the Upcoming Events block which allows you to promote your upcoming events.


Padding

Padding controls the spacing around your content.

To change it, click on a block or row and scroll to the General section in the right-hand panel. From there, you can adjust the padding for all sides or use the More Options toggle to customize top, bottom, left, and right padding individually.


Rows and columns

By default, new rows have one column. To create multiple columns, drag a Column block into the row. Then you can drag other content blocks into each individual column.


Editing images

To add an image, use the Image content block and upload a file from your computer or use an image URL.

Once the image is placed, click on it and select Apply Effects & More in the right-hand panel. This opens editing tools to crop, resize, or add filters, text, and more.


Buttons

Buttons are a great way to guide readers to take action.

Click on a button in your template, and use the right-hand panel to add a URL under Link. You can also customize the button’s background color, padding, and more. To change the font style or size, use the text editor that appears when you click on the button itself.


Template colors

You can change the background color of any content block or row.

To change just a content block, look for Content Background Color in the same panel. To update a row, click it, then under Row Properties, choose your background color.


Saving rows

If you reuse certain content often (like a header, footer, or logo section), you can save it to reuse later.

Click on the row, then hit Save in the bottom-right corner. Give it a name, and it’ll be available to drag into future templates.


Previewing your template

In the bottom left-hand corner of your template editor you’ll find options to switch between desktop and mobile views. Since many people read emails on their phones, it’s important to make sure your design looks good on both devices.

Want to hide specific content blocks on mobile or desktop? Click the block, head to the right-hand panel, select the Mobile/ Desktop tab, scroll down, and toggle on "Hide on”.


Duplicate or delete content

When you click on a content block or row, two icons will appear: one with two small squares, which lets you duplicate the content, and another with a trash bin icon to delete it.

You’ll also find the options to delete or duplicate content blocks in the upper right-hand corner of the template editor after selecting a block.


1. Undo / Redo

Made a mistake or changed your mind? Use the arrows in the bottom-left corner of the editor to undo or redo your recent actions.

2. Merge tags

Merge tags help personalize your email—commonly used for things like adding the recipient’s first name or a custom promo code. They make your message feel more relevant and tailored. Check out this article to learn more about merge tags.

3. Send test email

Before you hit send, always send yourself a test email. It’s the best way to check your layout, content, links, and overall design before your email goes live.


Ready to save your template?

Once you’ve finished editing your template, click Save Template in the bottom right corner.

You can either:

  1. Save it as a brand-new template with a unique name.

  2. Choose an existing template to overwrite.

Note: Overwriting an existing template is permanent and cannot be undone—so proceed with caution when choosing that option.

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