Templates in Messages XR Enterprise overview

Creating and sending newsletters can be a great way to send out several announcements, updates, and calendar events, all at once in a neat and organized way.

There are four different places in the Messages area where you can select options to speed up the sending of newsletter-type emails:

• Drag-and-drop templates from the Templates tab
• Templates from the Saved messages area
• Smore newsletters
• Templates from the editing toolbar button

This article will show you how to utilize each of these options.

Four template options

• Option #1: Drag-and-drop editor templates in the Templates tab: Our most highly recommended option is to utilize the built-in drag-and-drop editor that allows you to set a consistent design for all of your messages, so readers know where to find information and stay engaged!
• Option #2: Template from Saved messages: Insert a variety of pre-made templates that can be managed in the Library tab.
• Option #3: Smore newsletters: Click the Smore button in the editing toolbar to insert previously-created Smore newsletters into your email body.
• Option #4: Template button from the editing toolbar: This is our legacy option that will soon no longer be supported. For best results, select Option #1: Drag-and-drop editor in the Templates tab. This legacy option inserts a type of frame or structure into the email body, in which you will then insert your content. These are built into the system and are rarely used. 

Option #1: Drag-and-drop editor in the Templates tab

The drag-and-drop editor helps users quickly create beautiful, responsive emails and newsletters that are easy for families and staff to read on any device. With drag-and-drop design, ability to insert logos and headers for consistent school and district branding, you can build, collaborate, and launch polished campaigns in minutes.

Here are a few reasons why admins love this option:

• Easy, code-free design: Build professional emails with drag-and-drop tools. No HTML is required, and no design experience is needed.
• Consistent branding and layout: Maintain a unified look across all communications with reusable templates that reflect your school’s identity.
• Real-time, mobile-friendly previews: See your design as you build it, and ensure it looks great on any device.
• Streamlined messaging: Templates help reduce errors and guarantee key info—like contact details or unsubscribe links—is always included.
• Empowerment across departments: Staff can create tailored messages for academics, athletics, or district-wide updates without relying on IT or marketing teams.

Click on the Templates tab in the Messages area to view existing templates, or create new ones.

You can insert templates that are ready to go by using the Additional Email templates button in the Email channel. 

Don't yet see the drag-and-drop editor option? 

We are slowly rolling out the drag-and-drop editor to Messages XR Enterprise clients. There are two areas where you may already be able to access this option:  

• the Additional Email templates button in the Email channel
• the Templates tab in the Messages area

Option #2: Insert template from Saved messages

Another place where you can find templates is your Saved messages button. Click here to see folders of templates and saved messages that can be inserted into your email body. 

• Some of these templates may be unsent messages created by you, mostly living in the Drafts folder unless you have moved them elsewhere. 
• Other templates are system, built-in pre-made messages for use in certain scenarios. 
• Each template will have an icon next to it, helping you understand where it came from: 
  • People icon: Created by you; editable by you.
  • Lock icon: A built-in, system message that is not editable, is hard-coded, and cannot be modified at all.  
• Learn more about how to manage the messages and templates that live in Saved messages in the article, “Manage your messages in the Messages area > Library tab.” 
• Want to hide some of these messages to clean up a bit? Check out the article, "Manage message visibility for pre-made messages." 

Here's how to insert Saved message into an email: 

• Did you already insert text into the Content area? If so, clear the text out so that the template can insert into a clean workspace.
• Click the Saved messages button.
• Browse and select a saved message that will be inserted into the Content area. 
• Continue to adjust the messaging in your other channels. 

Option #3: Insert a previously created Smore newsletter

Smore is a third-party newsletter builder that has an integration with Messages XR Enterprise, helping anyone create great flyers and newsletters. Use the Smore email templates to send out newsletters in the Messages area. 

For best results, we suggest using Option #1. The built-in drag-and-drop templates that can be accessed through the Additional Email templates button offer extensive options and customization not found in the Smore newsletter. Best part? They're free and included with your Messages XR Enterprise account! 

Send a Smore

In the Email area, click the Smore button to open up the selection window.

• Once you’ve selected a previously-created Smore newsletter, click Use to insert this newsletter into your workspace.
• A Newsletter preview will open. Access the Smore website to make any necessary edits or modifications.
• Finish constructing the message with all options, then click Send message to share your Smore with your recipients.

Learn more and find Smore FAQs in the article, “Send Smore newsletters + FAQs.”

Option #4: Insert template from toolbar

The Template button in the editing toolbar allows you to choose a built-in newsletter template that will be inserted into the body of your email.

To learn more about how the Insert Email Template button in your toolbar works, check out the article, "Insert template from the toolbar."