Using the Custom Email Designer

Using the Custom Email Designer

The Custom Email Designer allows you to replace the standard d6 email template with your own professionally designed email layout. This is ideal for schools that want emails to match their branding, or for creating visually rich newsletters.

This feature requires activation. Contact support@d6ed.co.za or call 087 820 0088 to request this feature before using it.

Messages → New → Message Builder → Email Customisation section

What options are available?

Once activated, the Message Builder includes an Email Customisation section at the bottom with two options:

  • HTML Editor: A split-screen editor where you paste or write HTML code on the left, and see a live preview of the email on the right.

  • Drag-and-Drop Template Builder: A no-code builder where you add text, images, and buttons by dragging blocks into place. No HTML knowledge required.

How do I use the HTML editor?

  1. Start creating a new message (or open a draft) in the Message Builder.

  2. Scroll down to find the Email Customisation section.

  3. Click Switch to HTML Editor.

  4. Paste your HTML email code into the left-hand editor. The preview on the right updates automatically.

  5. Click Save to apply your custom design, Reset to start over, or Dismiss to exit without saving.

System behaviour and restrictions

  • Email only: Custom email designs are only visible to email recipients. App and SMS recipients see the standard d6 message layout. Always build a basic message with text and attachments in the normal Message Builder so App users also see meaningful content.

  • Email client differences: Different email programs (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail) may display custom emails slightly differently. The preview in the editor is an approximation. Always send a test message to yourself first.

Tips

  • App users: Attach an image version of your custom email to the message so that App users can also see the fully designed version.

Need help?

Contact the d6 Support Desk: support@d6ed.co.za | 087 820 0088

Frequently asked questions

Do App users see the custom email design?

No. Custom email designs are only visible to recipients who receive the message via email. App users see the standard d6 message layout. To work around this, attach an image version of your design to the message.

Do I need to know HTML to use the email designer?

No. The Drag-and-Drop Template Builder lets you create professional emails without any coding. Simply drag text, image, and button blocks into place. The HTML Editor is available for those who prefer to work with code.

How do I activate the Custom Email Designer?

Contact the d6 Support Desk at support@d6ed.co.za or call 087 820 0088 to request activation. Once enabled, the Email Customisation section will appear in your Message Builder.

Will my custom email look the same in all email programs?

Not always. Different email programs (Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail) may display custom emails slightly differently. Always send a test message to yourself before sending to parents.

Last updated: March 2026  |  Version 3.0

© Copyright d6 group (Pty) Ltd.
    • Related Articles

    • Key Terms: A Glossary for the d6 Communicator Portal

      Before you begin using the d6 Communicator Portal, it helps to understand the key terms you will encounter. Use this article as a quick reference dictionary. Glossary of terms Community: Your school or organisation. Everything in the portal is built ...
    • How to Log In to the d6 Communicator Portal

      This article guides the Main Administrator through the first-time login process for the d6 Communicator Portal. The portal is the web-based control centre used to manage all school communication. Email Invitation → Portal Sign-Up Page → OTP ...
    • Reading Your Message Report

      After sending a message, d6 Communicator gives you detailed statistics about who received it, read it, and responded. This article explains all the information available in the message report. Messages → [Open a sent message] → Report / Statistics ...
    • Navigating the Members List

      The Members page is where you view and manage everyone in your school's database. This article explains all the features available on this screen — from sorting and filtering to bulk actions. Members (main menu) How do I view and sort members? ...
    • Linking an External Calendar

      You can import events from Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or iCal directly into the d6 Communicator Portal. This means you only need to manage one calendar — events added elsewhere will appear automatically for your community. Calendar → Manage ...