Applying changes made to master templates

When you request a change to your templates, the Creative Team needs to make the code changes to the master templates. 

These changes then feed through to your child templates and emails.

There are three different code areas in the templates where these changes may occur:

Template shell

This is the code that surrounds all the blocks that you use, including the CSS. 

The template shell is essentially 'invisible', but controls the template's layout on desktop and mobile.

Optional blocks

Optional blocks are the blocks that display on the left hand side of the visual editor, and you can add or remove them from the template. 

See also: Add template blocks

Fixed blocks

These blocks are a permanent part of your template - you can’t remove them from the template.

Usually fixed blocks are your logo and footer, but might also be social icons or the menu bar.

Some retailers don't have any fixed blocks at all.

Block sections

Optional blocks and fixed blocks can comprise three section types:

HTML editable sections

When you click on a section of your block and the Edit template tab displays a code window, this is an HTML editable section:

Change request examples:

• Changing the colour of the buttons
• Changing a default value in the Template block settings for the block

Editable sections

When you click on a section of your block and the Edit template tab allows you to make changes without using code, these are editable sections:

Change request examples:

• Changing the width of an image
• Changing the company address in the footer

Non-editable sections

These sections can't be edited at all.

Change request examples:

• Changing how many columns display in an abandoned basket block
• Changing the padding around the outside of the block

Applying the changes to your child templates and emails

Once the Creative Team has made the requested changes to your master template, they'll let you know, and provide guidance on how to apply the changes to any existing child templates and emails.

For all changes you’ll need to go to the campaign template and click Apply changes when prompted.

For changes in the template shell or non-editable block sections, this should be all you need to do. 

For HTML editable sections, there’s an additional step:

HTML editable sections - optional blocks

If the change was made in an HTML editable section of an optional block already being used in an existing template, you'll need to remove the old block and add it to the template again.

HTML editable sections - fixed blocks

If the change was made in an HTML editable section of a fixed block, you should review the block to make sure it looks right.

If you don't think the change has come through as expected, contact the Creative Team or your Customer Success Representative, who can fix that for you.

You will then need to Apply changes again.

Why do I have to manually accept these changes?

This is for your security and to protect your live emails.

For example, if the Creative Team made an error while updating your master template, then as long as you haven’t accepted the changes they won’t affect your live emails, and the team can amend it before letting you know to accept them.

For the HTML editable sections, if the changes were to be automatically applied they would completely reset the block. 

So, you might have crafted a beautiful piece of literary genius, complete with text links, and all of it might get overwritten with Lorem Ipsum.

By giving you the power to apply changes manually, we are protecting the content in your live sends.