## Video guide

Learn how to create professional email templates in Bird. This video covers:

- Using the template library
- Customizing styles and fonts
- Adding and saving customc ontent blocks
- Working with images
- Adding personalization variables
- Setting up fallback text for variables
- Testing and publishing templates

## Step-by-step guide

Creating a professional email template in Bird involves several steps, from accessing the email templates section to publishing your final design. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to help you through the process.​

## Step 1: Access the Email Templates section

1.  Log In to Your Bird Account: Enter your credentials to access your dashboard.​
2.  Navigate to Email Templates:
    - From the dashboard, go to Marketing > Manage > Content > Email Templates.​
    - Here, you'll find the template library with pre-built email templates.​
    - To view templates you've created, click on the Saved Templates tab.​

## Step 2: Create a new Email template

1.  Choose your starting point:
    - Import a Template: Click Import Template to paste your custom HTML code.​
    - Build from Scratch: Select Create Blank Template to design a new template from the ground up.​

2.  Setup template details:
    - Name Your Template: Provide a unique and descriptive name.​
    - Select Default Locale: Choose the primary language for your template.​
    - Click Create Template to proceed to the email editor

## Step 3: Design your Email using the drag-and-drop editor

The email editor offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface with various content blocks:​

1.  Add content blocks:
    - Text Blocks: Drag a text block into your template to add and format text.​
    - Image Blocks: Use image blocks to insert pictures. Upload images from your computer or via URL, and set alt text for accessibility.​
    - Button Blocks: Include call-to-action buttons by dragging a button block into your template. Customize the text, link, and appearance.​
    - Social Icons Blocks: Add social media links by dragging the social icons block into your template. Configure the icons to link to your social media profiles.​

2.  Customize blocks:
    - Text Formatting: Highlight text to apply formatting options like bold, italics, or links.​
    - Image Settings: Adjust image dimensions, alignment, and padding as needed.​
    - Button Styling: Modify button color, shape, and text to match your branding.​

3.  Save reusable blocks:
    - To reuse a block in future templates, click the star icon next to the block.​
    - Provide a recognizable name and click Add to Favourites.​
    - Access saved blocks in the Saved Blocks section for future use.​

## Step 4: Apply styling and branding

1.  Set global styles:
    1.  In the Styles tab, define overall settings such as background color, email width, and default font styles.​
    2.  Configure text and link colors, as well as letter and line spacing.​

2.  Add custom fonts:
    1.  Choose a Google Font from the dropdown list and set a fallback font.​
    2.  Alternatively, add a custom font by providing the necessary details and specifying a fallback font.​

3.  Customize buttons:
4.  In the Styles tab, adjust button colors, shapes, and styles to align with your brand.​

## Step 5: Incorporate advanced features

1.  Add Custom Variables:
    - In the Variables tab, create placeholders for dynamic content (e.g., recipient's first name).​
    - Click Add Variable, name it appropriately, and save.​

2.  Use AI Content Generation:
    - Utilize the AI generation tool by entering a prompt and clicking Reply to receive generated copy.​

## Step 6: Preview and test your email

1.  Preview Your Design:
    1.  Use the preview feature to see how your email will appear on desktop and mobile devices.​
    2.  Ensure all elements are correctly aligned and formatted.​

2.  Send a Test Email:
    1.  Click Send Test Email to send a preview to yourself or a colleague.​
    2.  Verify that all links, images, and dynamic content display as intended.​

## Step 7: Finalize and publish Your template

1.  Save Your Work:
    - Click Save to ensure all changes are stored.​

2.  Publish the Template:
    - Once satisfied with the design and content, click Publish.​
    - Your template is now ready for use in campaigns and journeys.​

By following these steps, you can create a customized and professional email template in Bird that aligns with your brand and effectively engages your audience.