Objects with text combine a graphic shape and editable lettering in one reusable design element. In Mail Designer 365, you can add a ready-made object, replace its sample wording, and adjust the typography without rebuilding the artwork from scratch.

What are objects with text?

Some graphics in the Contents library include an editable text layer. These elements are useful for labels, badges, short calls to action, announcements, and decorative headings. The background graphic keeps its shape while the wording can be adapted to your campaign.

Choose a text object when you want a compact visual message that remains easy to customize. For longer copy, links, or paragraphs, a regular text area is usually more flexible. See the guide to editing a text area for that workflow.

Add an object with text

1. Open the Contents section in Mail Designer 365.
2. Choose Graphics and browse for an object that contains sample wording.
3. Drag the object into an image area in your email design.
4. Position and resize it so the complete shape remains visible.

The red “Sign Up” graphic is one example of an object with editable wording. Insert it into an image area before changing the text.

Edit the wording and typography

Double-click the sample wording in the object, then type your own short message. Select the text when you want to change its font, size, style, color, or alignment. Keep the wording concise so it fits comfortably inside the graphic at desktop and mobile widths.

The animation below shows the basic workflow: select the object, activate its text layer, replace the wording, and review the finished result.

Keep text readable inside the graphic

Use strong contrast between the lettering and its background. If the object has a busy texture or bright color, choose a simple font and avoid thin weights. Leave enough padding around the text so letters do not touch the edge of the shape.

Check capitalization, punctuation, and line breaks before finalizing the object. A short phrase such as “Shop Now” or “Register Today” is often easier to scan than a complete sentence. If your message wraps awkwardly, reduce the font size slightly, widen the object, or shorten the wording rather than squeezing characters together.

Resize and arrange the object

Resize the object proportionally when possible so the original artwork does not look stretched. After resizing, click the text again and confirm that it is still centered and that no letters are clipped. If several elements overlap, use the arrangement controls to move the object forward or backward.

For more information about adding and organizing graphic elements, follow the guide to adding and duplicating graphics and shapes.

Check desktop and mobile layouts

Open both layout previews and inspect the object at realistic widths. A design that fits on desktop may become too small to read on a phone. Make sure the object does not cover other content and that surrounding spacing remains balanced.

If the graphic contains an essential call to action, verify that the image area or associated element uses the intended destination link. Send a test email and check the rendered result in at least one desktop and one mobile email client. Image scaling can differ between clients, so this step is more reliable than reviewing the canvas alone.

Troubleshoot common problems

If double-clicking does not activate the wording, confirm that you selected a graphic designed with editable text rather than a flat image. If the text disappears, check its color, layer order, font size, and position inside the object. Undo the last change if the element was accidentally moved or resized.

When a long translation no longer fits, create a language-specific version of the object with shorter copy and appropriate typography. Do not reduce the text until it becomes unreadable. Finally, test the finished objects with text in the complete email so their visual weight supports the surrounding headline, body copy, and call to action.

Rotating objects in Mail Designer 365 lets you angle shapes, graphics, image masks, and text areas for a more dynamic email layout. Select the element first, switch from resizing to rotation with the Command key, and use the angle indicator to control the result.

Select the object you want to rotate

Click the graphic, shape, mask, or text area in the image area. Selection handles appear around the element so you can resize or rotate it.

Moving a normal corner handle changes the size of the selected object. Check the cursor before dragging so you do not resize the element when you intend to rotate it.

Rotate an object with Command-drag

Hold the Command key and move the pointer over a corner resize control. The cursor changes to a rotation icon. Keep Command pressed, click the handle, and drag to rotate the object freely.

Use small movements when you need a subtle angle. A strong rotation can add energy to a badge or decorative shape, but it may reduce readability when applied to long text or important information.

Read the rotation angle

While dragging, Mail Designer 365 displays the number of degrees applied to the object. Use this label to create a deliberate angle or repeat a similar rotation on another element.

If several decorative elements should feel consistent, note the angle and apply a matching value visually. Then check alignment and spacing again because the rotated edges may extend beyond the original area.

Rotate a text area

Select the text area, hold Command, and drag a corner when the rotation cursor appears. Keep the angle modest enough for readers to scan the message comfortably.

Avoid rotating paragraphs, legal text, or essential instructions. Short labels and decorative words are better candidates. After rotation, verify that no letters are clipped and that the text remains large enough on mobile devices.

Rotate text and a shape together

When text belongs with a graphic, group both elements before rotating them. Hold Command and click the shape and text area so both are selected.

Choose Group in the sidebar. Grouping preserves the relationship between the elements while they move and rotate.

Hold Command and drag a corner handle on the group. The cursor changes to the rotation icon just as it does for a single object.

Both elements now rotate together without changing their relative placement.

For more grouping details, see how to group design elements. If rotated objects overlap, use the guide to move objects to the front or back.

Check desktop and mobile layouts

Preview both layouts after rotating objects. Confirm that angled edges remain inside the image area, text stays readable, and the object does not cover nearby buttons or content. A rotation that looks balanced on desktop may need repositioning in a narrower mobile arrangement.

Send a test email and inspect the rendered result in desktop and mobile email clients. Pay attention to image scaling, transparent edges, text clarity, links attached to rotated objects, and the spacing around the group.

Troubleshoot rotation problems

If dragging resizes the object, undo the change and hold Command before using the corner handle. If multiple elements rotate separately, group them first. If a rotated element is clipped, move it farther from the image-area edge or reduce its size.

When an angle feels inconsistent, use the displayed degree label as a reference and repeat the rotation carefully. Finish by checking all rotating objects within the complete campaign so their angle supports the hierarchy instead of distracting from the main message and call to action.