Using Content Elements in the Template Editor
Content elements are the individual pieces of information and design placed inside Blocks within the DonorDock Template Editor. They make up what recipients actually see or interact with, including text, headings, images, buttons, tables, videos, social links, and other communication content.
Content elements can be added, moved, duplicated, removed, and individually formatted without changing the overall Block structure around them. This allows you to build each section of a template using the combination of elements that best fits your communication.
The Content elements available may vary depending on the type of template you are creating. Some elements are designed specifically for digital Email templates and may not be available, or may not function the same way, in Print templates.
Accessing Content Elements
The Content tab is the first of the Design and Management Tabs on the right side of the Template Editor. Opening Content displays the available elements as tiles that can be dragged onto your template.
To add a Content element:
Open Content on the right side of the Template Editor.
Locate the element you want to add.
Click and drag the element onto the template canvas.
Move the element over the Block and column where you want it to appear.
Release the element when the placement indicator appears in the desired location.
You can add multiple Content elements within the same Block or column. For example, one section might contain a Heading, followed by two Paragraphs, an Image, and a Button.
Selecting and Editing Content
Click directly on a Content element to select it. The selected element will be outlined on the template canvas, and its available settings will appear in the right-hand panel.
The settings shown depend on the type of Content selected. For example:
Selecting a Paragraph provides controls for written content, text formatting, links, and merge tags.
Selecting an Image provides settings for the image, size, alignment, alternative text, and Actions.
Selecting a Button provides settings for its wording, Action, colors, spacing, and appearance.
Changes made while an individual Content element is selected apply to that element rather than the entire Block surrounding it.
💡 If the settings on the right do not match the Content element you intended to edit, check what is currently selected on the canvas. You may have selected the surrounding Block instead of the individual Content.
Moving Content
Select the Content element you want to move and use the four-arrow Move icon. Click and drag the selected Content to its new location, then release it when the placement indicator appears where you want the element to be placed.
Content can be moved:
Higher or lower within the same Block
Between columns within a Block
Into another Block elsewhere in the template
This makes it easy to reorganize the template as your design changes.
Duplicating and Removing Content
Duplicating Content is useful when you want to reuse an existing element and its formatting elsewhere within the same template.
Select the Content element you want to copy.
Select the Duplicate icon.
A copy of the element will be created within the template.
Move or edit the duplicated element as needed.
Changes made to the copied element do not change the original.
Remove Content
If a Content element is no longer needed:
Select the element on the template canvas.
Select the trash can icon.
The Content element will be removed from the template.
Explore the Available Content Elements
Each Content element serves a different purpose and includes settings specific to the type of information or design being added.
Columns | Introduces a new Block with multiple column areas so different Content can be positioned side by side. |
Button | Adds a prominent call to action that can open a webpage, email, phone number, or Page Section. |
Heading | Creates titles and section headings that establish hierarchy and help organize a communication. |
Image | Adds uploaded images, existing organization images, or stock imagery to the template. |
Social | Adds a coordinated group of linked social media and communication icons. |
HTML | Adds custom HTML when a design or formatting need cannot be accomplished with the standard drag-and-drop elements. |
Timer | Adds a visual countdown to a specific date and time for deadlines or other time-sensitive communications. |
Logo | Displays the primary organization logo stored in DonorDock's Branding settings. |
Divider | Adds a horizontal line to visually separate sections of the communication. |
Paragraph | Adds regular body copy, links, lists, merge tags, and most other written communication. |
Video | Adds a linked visual preview for supported YouTube or Vimeo video content. |
Menu | Creates a group of navigation links that can direct recipients to webpages, contact Actions, or Page Sections within the email. |
Table | Organizes structured information into rows and columns for schedules, comparisons, dates, program details, and similar data. |
Using the AI Assistant
The Template Editor includes an optional AI Assistant that can help create, revise, or refine Content while you work on your template. Look for the sparkle icon within the Template Editor. Select the icon to open the AI Assistant and enter a prompt describing what you would like help with.
For example, you might select a Paragraph and ask the AI Assistant to make the wording more concise, or select a Heading and request several alternatives.
Use the AI Assistant
Select the Content element you want to work with, when applicable.
Select the sparkle icon to open the AI Assistant.
Enter a prompt describing the change or content you want.
Review the result within the template.
Continue providing follow-up instructions if you need additional changes.
Make any final edits manually using the regular Content settings.
AI-generated changes remain editable within the Template Editor, so you can continue adjusting the wording, formatting, layout, or other settings after using the Assistant.
Build Templates with Reusable Content in Mind
As you build a template, use individual Content elements to create smaller, clearly defined pieces rather than combining too much information into a single element.
For example, instead of creating one Paragraph that contains a section title, several paragraphs of body copy, and multiple links, use a separate Heading followed by individual Paragraph elements. An Image, Button, or other related Content can then be positioned between those pieces where needed.
Building templates this way makes it easier to:
Move individual sections
Adjust spacing without affecting unrelated Content
Insert new Content between existing sections
Reformat one part of the communication
Reorganize the layout later
Troubleshoot formatting
Allow other team members to update the template more easily
A modular structure also works more naturally with Blocks and Columns, giving you greater control over both Desktop and Mobile layouts as the communication changes over time.