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Add content and design elements

Now that your layout is ready, it’s time to fill it with engaging content. Add email elements to bring your message to life, highlight a product, share news, or drive clicks.

Canva Email building blocks

Canva’s email editor is flexible, but not every element is ideal for email. Some work better than others across different platforms and devices.

Here’s what to use to build well-structured and inbox-friendly content.

Design blocks

Design blocks are pre-made sections that group text, images, shapes, or backgrounds into one structured layout. They help organise your content and improve mobile responsiveness.

Essential design blocks include headers, footers, and icon blocks, all of which help define key areas of your email.

  • Headers go at the top and often include your logo or a short intro.
  • Footers sit at the bottom and usually hold contact info, unsubscribe links, or disclaimers.
  • Icon blocks are group of clickable icons with short text to highlight features, benefits, or key points, and to connect readers with your social platforms.

Email-safe fonts

Only email-safe fonts are guaranteed to display correctly across email clients. Non-email-safe fonts may be replaced with fallback options when viewed by recipients. To ensure consistency, always use fonts from Canva’s email-safe font list.

Buttons

Use buttons to highlight key calls-to-action (CTAs), such as “Shop now” or “RSVP.” Keep them short, clear, and visually distinct to draw attention and drive clicks.

Images

Add branded visuals or product images to support your message. Make sure they’re properly sized and aligned. Check out Add images to designs, to learn more.

Interactive elements like videos, polls, or quizzes are not supported by most email platforms:

  • Videos will be converted to GIFs
  • Polls and quizzes will appear as static content (non-clickable)

Columns

Use columns to display content side-by-side, like product features, comparisons, or text-image layouts. They're handy for organising complex information.

Add and customise each element

Here are the steps to styling each element to match your brand and email goals. You can add them where they make sense in your design.

Choose email-safe fonts

Important: Only email-safe fonts are guaranteed to display correctly across email platforms. If you choose a non-email-safe font, it may not render as intended and could be replaced by a fallback font when delivered to recipients. For best results, always select from Canva’s email-safe font list.

  1. In the toolbar, select the Font button. By default, the font is set to Arial.
  2. From the Font panel, select from Canva’s list of email-safe fonts.
  3. You can adjust the font size by selecting the + / - buttons in the toolbar.

For readability in emails, use:

  • 14–16 pixels for body text
  • 20–30 pixels for headings and titles

Add a background color

Add a background color to your design to match your brand or highlight specific sections. Choose colors from Brand Kit or Document colors.

  1. Click on the page corner to select the page.
  2. Select the Background color icon.
  3. From the Color panel, choose a color from Document colors or Brand Kit.
  4. If the color you’re looking for isn't available, select the + rainbow color tile (Add a new color) for more options.

Add structure with columns

Structure your email layout using columns to organize content side-by-side. Columns are responsive and automatically stack vertically on mobile.

  1. From your email design, go to the
    Elements tab and choose Columns.
    1. Choose from Basic columns, Styled columns, and Pre-designed columns.
    2. Select to insert the one that fits your layout.
  2. Alternatively, select the
    plus icon next to your text cursor. Scroll down and select Columns.
    1. Choose your preferred column layout (e.g., 2 or 3 columns).
    2. Click inside each column to add text, images, or buttons.
    3. Resize columns by dragging the divider between them.

Add design blocks (headers and footers)

Save time and create consistent layouts by reusing sections like headers and footers across all your email designs.

  • Header – Place your logo and brand colors at the top of newsletters.
  • Footer – Include contact details, unsubscribe links, or legal disclaimers at the bottom of every email campaign.
  1. Go to the
    Elements tab and select Headers or Footers.
  2. Browse and click to insert the one that fits your layout.

Position a header or footer block so it aligns neatly with the top or bottom edge of your email layout.

  1. Select the header or footer block in your design to select it.
  2. In the floating toolbar, select the
    More icon.
  3. From the menu, choose either:
    • Set to top – to move the block to the top edge of the email.
    • Set to bottom – to move it to the bottom edge. Note: Your block will now snap to the edge of the design canvas, keeping your layout neat and aligned.

Some premade email footers include an "Unsubscribe" placeholder. This is not a working link when exporting your design as HTML.

If you’re sending your email through an Email Service Provider (ESP) like Mailchimp:

  • You must add or replace the unsubscribe link inside your ESP before sending.
  • This is required to comply with email laws such as CAN-SPAM and GDPR.

Learn more about managing unsubscribe links and preferences.

Add icon blocks

Icon blocks combine simple visuals with short text. Use them for things like social links, feature highlights, or service perks. They work well in footers, near CTAs, or to break up sections visually.

  1. From the editor side panel, select the
    Elements tab.
  2. Select Icon blocks.
  3. Select or drag an icon block where it makes sense on your design, usually the footer or your main CTA.
  4. On the editor toolbar, select the color tile you’d like to change. You’ll see color options on the side panel.
  5. Select a new color to apply to the icon.

Add Call-to-action (CTA) buttons

A Call-to-action (CTA) button encourages readers to take a specific action like “Shop Now,” “Learn More,” or “Sign Up.” Adding a button helps drive engagement and click-throughs in your email or design.

  1. To add a CTA button:
    1. Go to the
      Elements tab and select Buttons.
    2. Or, select the
      plus icon, then select Button.
  2. Enter your button name, and add the URL link.
  3. Select Done.
  4. Customize the button style from the toolbar (change color, alignment, etc.).

Add images

Images make your email more engaging and visually appealing. You can add product photos, team shots, illustrations, or stock visuals to support your message and brand.

Pro tip: Compress large images before uploading to ensure fast email load times.

  1. From the editor side panel, select the
    Elements tab to browse or search for images.
  2. To use your own images, go to the
    Uploads tab, then select Upload files to add images from your device.
  3. Select the image to add it to your email. Resize and position the image as needed.

Now that you’ve added your content, you’re ready to preview, download your email, or send a test email.

Next step: Test and export your email

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