Using the DonorDock Template Editor
The DonorDock Template Editor is the primary design tool for creating reusable communications in DonorDock. All Email templates are created in the Template Editor, and Print templates may also be designed here when you do not need to use a Microsoft Word file.
The editor uses a drag-and-drop design system that lets you arrange text, images, buttons, tables, and other content without building the underlying HTML yourself. You can then adjust layout and design settings directly in the editor to create communications that match your organization's branding and communication standards.
This article provides an introduction to the Template Editor layout and the primary tools available while building or editing a template.
Opening a Template in the Editor
Templates created using the DonorDock Template Editor can be opened directly from the Templates Library.
Navigate to the Templates Library.
Go to Outreach > Templates for Marketing templates.
Go to Transactions > Templates for Transactional templates.
Or select the Settings Menu (grid icon) and choose Manage Templates.
Open the appropriate Marketing or Transactional tab.
Select the template you want to edit.
The template will open in the Template Editor, where you can add, remove, rearrange, and format content. If you are creating a new template, the Template Editor will open automatically after completing the new template setup when DonorDock Template Editor is selected as the design location.
Navigating the Template Editor
The Template Editor is organized around two primary working areas. The template canvas appears on the left and displays the communication as you build it. This is where you can select, arrange, and edit the Blocks and Content elements that make up your template.
The tools and settings panel appears on the right and changes based on what you are working with. Selecting a tool from the right-side menu opens the options available for that area, while selecting an item directly on the template displays settings specific to that item. For example, selecting a Paragraph opens settings for that individual Paragraph, while selecting the surrounding Block opens settings for the entire section.
Additional preview controls appear near the template canvas, while the Save and Test options are in the upper-right corner of the editor.
Design and Management Tabs
The right side of the Template Editor contains six Design and Management Tabs that provide access to the tools and settings used to build, style, organize, and review your template.
Tab | What It Does |
|---|---|
Content | Provides the individual elements you can add to your template, including Paragraphs, Headings, Images, Buttons, Tables, and other content. |
Blocks | Provides the layout structures used to organize Content elements into rows, sections, and columns. Saved reusable Blocks are also available here. |
Body | Controls broader design settings for the template, such as content width, background color, text styles, and link formatting. |
Images | Provides access to an image library that can be searched and used within the template. |
Uploads | Stores images and GIFs uploaded by your organization for reuse across templates. |
Audit | Reviews the template and identifies potential issues that may need attention before you use the communication. |
The options displayed within the panel will change depending on which Design and Management Tab is selected and, in some cases, which Block or Content element is currently selected on the template canvas.
Understanding Blocks and Content
Templates are built using a combination of Blocks and Content elements.
A Block provides the structure of a section and determines where Content can be placed. Blocks may contain one or multiple columns and can be used to divide a template into sections such as a header, main message, featured content, call to action, or footer.
Content elements are the individual items placed inside those Blocks, such as a Paragraph, Heading, Image, Button, Divider, or Table.
💡A simple way to remember the difference is: Blocks determine where content goes. Content elements determine what appears there.
Because Blocks and Content elements each have their own settings, the options displayed on the right side of the editor will change based on what you have selected.
For more detailed information about creating layouts, moving Content, duplicating sections, and saving reusable Blocks, see Working with Blocks and Layouts in the Template Editor.
For information about the individual elements available to add to a template, see Using Content Elements in the Template Editor.
Selecting and Editing Content
Click directly on an element within the template to select it. Once selected, the settings panel on the right will display the options available for that type of Content.
For example, selecting:
A Paragraph opens text and formatting options.
An Image opens image-specific settings.
A Button opens settings for its appearance and action.
A Table opens settings related to the table and its contents.
You can also click and drag Content elements to reposition them within the template or move them into another Block.
Previewing Your Template
Preview controls are available above the template canvas to help you review the communication as you build it.
Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
Undo | Reverses your most recent change. |
Redo | Restores the most recently undone change. |
Desktop | Displays the template using a desktop-width layout. |
Mobile | Displays the template using a narrower mobile layout. |
Preview | Displays the communication without the editor controls so you can review the overall design. |
When working with Email templates, we recommend reviewing both Desktop and Mobile layouts. Multi-column Blocks, images, buttons, tables, and other content may adjust or stack differently when displayed on a smaller screen.
Using the Audit Tool
The Audit tool provides an additional review of your template and identifies potential issues that may need correction before you use the communication.
Depending on your template content, Audit may identify items such as an image missing alt text, a button without a configured link, or another incomplete element.
Audit is helpful as you build the template and as a final review before testing, but it does not replace reviewing the completed communication through Preview and Test.
Saving Your Template
Click Save in the upper-right corner of the Template Editor to save changes to the existing template. Save your work regularly while building or updating a template, especially before using the Test option.
If you want to use the current template as a starting point for a separate communication without changing the original, use Save As to create a new copy.
Testing Your Template
The Test button is available in the upper-right corner next to Save. Before selecting Test, save the template so the generated test includes your most recent changes.
Testing allows you to review how the completed template generates outside of the editor and confirm that items such as formatting, merge tags, links, images, spacing, and overall layout appear as expected.