email templates for MailChimp: complete upload guide
email templates for MailChimp are easy to create, export, and test with Mail Designer 365. Follow this practical guide to prepare a polished campaign for your MailChimp audience.
Build custom made HTML email templates to use with Mailchimp
Mail Designer 365 is the best HTML email editor for Mailchimp. Create a stunning HTML email design with the easy-to-use drag & drop editor and export to Mailchimp in just one click. Use your Mail Designer 365 template for transactional emails, automated email campaigns, sales, promotions, and more.
HOW IT WORKS
Getting Started: Connect Mail Designer 365 to Mailchimp
Mail Designer 365 allows you to build custom HTML emails to use with Mailchimp. To upload your email newsletter directly from Mail Designer 365 to Mailchimp, you will need your Mailchimp API key:
- Go to your Mailchimp account settings and choose “Extras” from the menu
- In the dropdown menu, you will find “API keys”
- Choose “API keys” and generate your API key
Tip: Store your API key in your Keychain to use with future email campaigns.
Generate your API key in Mailchimp to use with Mail Designer 365.
How to export your HTML email to Mailchimp
Before you get ready to export your design, make sure you have added an unsubscribe link. This is mandatory for all email newsletters. You can do this by selecting your opt out text and going to "Insert" > “Mailchimp” > “Unsubscribe link”
- To export your design to Mailchimp, click on "Share" > “Mailchimp”
- Mailchimp will then ask you for the API key you generated earlier.
- Click on "Export" to upload your design to Mailchimp.
- In Mailchimp, go to template preview mode so that the design will display properly. Remember, if you want to make changes to your design, you should do this in Mail Designer 365 and not in Mailchimp. Learn more...
- You can now use your Mail Designer 365 HTML design with the automation tools provided in the Mailchimp platform.
Need support?
Our team is always on hand ready to give you support. If you have specific questions regarding HTML export to Mailchimp, or just need some extra help getting set up, get in touch!
Mail Designer 365 works seamlessly with all leading email marketing services. If you're looking for a different service, check out our full range of integrations and compatible platforms on our integrations page.
Start using Mail Designer 365 with Mailchimp today
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Compatible from OS X 10.11, including macOS Monterey & M1 Macs
email templates for MailChimp: a 7-step preflight checklist
email templates for MailChimp work best when the design, export settings, and campaign details are checked together. Use this checklist before every upload:
- Finish the responsive layout. Preview desktop and mobile versions in Mail Designer 365, checking type size, spacing, and button placement.
- Confirm links and calls to action. Open every link and make sure each button leads to the intended landing page.
- Add useful image descriptions. Clear alt text improves accessibility and helps when recipients block images.
- Export the finished HTML. Use the Mail Designer 365 export workflow so the email package contains the HTML and visual assets needed by MailChimp.
- Upload to MailChimp. Create a campaign, choose the HTML import option, and add the exported newsletter design.
- Review campaign details. Check the subject line, preview text, sender information, audience, and tracking settings.
- Send test emails. Test the imported design on desktop and mobile inboxes, then verify links, images, personalization, and unsubscribe behavior.
This workflow keeps email templates for MailChimp consistent with the source design. If the preview differs from your draft, correct the layout in Mail Designer 365, export again, and replace the imported HTML instead of patching several versions.
Keep each MailChimp template focused
Give every campaign one primary message and one clear action. A focused layout is easier to scan and test. Save successful email templates for MailChimp as reusable starting points, while updating the copy, links, and imagery for every new send.