Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps

Learn how to use, edit, and manage email templates in GHL Customer Care workflows. Safely customize content in Send Email actions without affecting original templates.

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Key Benefits of Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps
How to Use Email Actions for Workflows
Email Template Editor within Send Email Action
Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options
Sending a Test Email to Review Your Customizations
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles

Learn how to use email templates inside workflows without accidentally changing the original template. This guide explains how template behavior works, how to safely customize email content within a workflow, and how to manage updates across multiple steps. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently manage email templates while minimizing risk and confusion.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What are Email Templates within Workflows

What are Email Templates within Workflows

In GHL Customer Care workflows, the “Send Email” action lets you add a saved email template to automate communication. While templates help standardize messaging, each workflow often needs small tweaks—like a different subject line or call-to-action.

When you add a template to a Send Email action, GHL Customer Care creates a copy for that workflow step. If you keep Sync Edits to Template turned OFF, edits stay local to the workflow step and do not change the original template. If you turn Sync Edits to Template ON, changes in the workflow email and the original template update each other (bi-directional sync).

Key Benefits of Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps

Safe Customization: Edit emails directly in workflows without impacting the original template or other workflows.
Flexible Reuse: Use the same template across workflows and adjust it contextually as needed.
Global Sync (When Needed): Push updates from a template to selected workflow steps using a manual sync process.
Template Library Growth: Save any customized workflow email as a new template for future use.
Reduced Risk: Prevent unintended global changes during team collaboration or campaign edits.

How to Use Email Actions for Workflows

Step 1: Navigate to Workflow Campaigns

There are 2 ways to navigate to Workflow Campaigns:

Go to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns

Step 1 of 2: Go to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns What this shows Step 1 of 2: Go to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns What this shows Shows where to go for step 1 of 2 in the "Step 1: Navigate to Workflow Campaigns" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 2 in the "Step 1: Navigate to Workflow Campaigns" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns. The next step is to go to Automation → Workflows. Step 1 of 2Image 1 of 15 Where to goGo to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns
Buttons and menus referenced Automation → Workflows
Next stepGo to Automation → Workflows

All 2 steps in this procedure

Go to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns this image
Go to Automation → Workflows
Go to Automation → Workflows

Step 2 of 2: Go to Automation → Workflows What this shows Step 2 of 2: Go to Automation → Workflows What this shows Shows where to go for step 2 of 2 in the "Step 1: Navigate to Workflow Campaigns" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 2 in the "Step 1: Navigate to Workflow Campaigns" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you go to Automation → Workflows. For context, this section explains: Go to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns Go to Automation → Workflows. Step 2 of 2Image 2 of 15 Where to goGo to Automation → Workflows
Buttons and menus referenced Automation → Workflows

All 2 steps in this procedure

Go to Marketing → Emails → Campaigns → Workflow campaigns
Go to Automation → Workflows this image

Step 2: Add Send Email Action

Open an existing Workflow or create a new one
Add or edit a Send Email Action.

Important: Before you move on to the next step, make sure to set up a trigger and define the basic structure of your workflow. This ensures your automation is ready for configuration.

Step 2: Add Send Email Action (image 3 of 15) What this shows Important: Before you move on to the next step, make sure to set up a trigger and define the basic structure of your workflow. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 2: Add Send Email Action" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot appears in the "Step 2: Add Send Email Action" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". The text alongside this image reads: Important: Before you move on to the next step, make sure to set up a trigger and define the basic structure of your workflow. This ensures your automation is ready for configuration. Immediately after, the guide continues: Choose the path that matches your use case under Create Email. Choose from fast transactional notes, brand‑styled designs, or reusing proven templates. Image 3 of 15 What this coversImportant: Before you move on to the next step, make sure to set up a trigger and define the basic structure of your workflow. This ensures your automation is ready for configuration.
Buttons and menus referenced SendEmail
Next stepChoose the path that matches your use case under Create Email. Choose from fast transactional notes, brand‑styled designs, or reusing proven templates.

All 2 steps in this procedure

Open an existing Workflow or create a new one
Add or edit a Send Email Action.

Step 3: Choose how to Start

Choose the path that matches your use case under Create Email. Choose from fast transactional notes, brand‑styled designs, or reusing proven templates.

Quick Compose (default): Simple editor for fast messages.
Smart Builder: Select Design, Code, or Plain Text editor to build from zero.
Select Template: Pick from My Templates or Templates Library.

Note: Before editing the email content, fill out the basic email settings like From Name, From Email, CC, and BCC as needed. These ensure proper sender details are applied when the email is sent.

Step 3: Choose how to Start (image 4 of 15) What this shows Note: Before editing the email content, fill out the basic email settings like From Name, From Email, CC, and BCC as needed. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 3: Choose how to Start" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot appears in the "Step 3: Choose how to Start" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". The text alongside this image reads: Note: Before editing the email content, fill out the basic email settings like From Name, From Email, CC, and BCC as needed. These ensure proper sender details are applied when the email is sent. Immediately after, the guide continues: If using a template, use the Templates dropdown to select the email you want to use in this workflow step. Click the 3 dots icon in the template preview’s menu to Edit Design or Remove. Clicking Edit Design opens the Email Template Editor. Image 4 of 15 What to fill inNote: Before editing the email content, fill out the basic email settings like From Name, From Email, CC, and BCC as needed. These ensure proper sender details are applied when the email is sent.
Buttons and menus referenced Create Email.
Next stepIf using a template, use the Templates dropdown to select the email you want to use in this workflow step. Click the 3 dots icon in the template preview’s menu to Edit Design or Remove. Clicking Edit Design opens the Email Template Editor.

All 3 steps in this procedure

Quick Compose (default): Simple editor for fast messages.
Smart Builder: Select Design, Code, or Plain Text editor to build from zero.
Select Template: Pick from My Templates or Templates Library.

Step 4: Preview Template (Optional)

If using a template, use the Templates dropdown to select the email you want to use in this workflow step. Click the 3 dots icon in the template preview’s menu to Edit Design or Remove. Clicking Edit Design opens the Email Template Editor.

Decide whether to Sync Edits to Template using the checkbox below.

Click here for more information on the Email Template Editor

Step 4: Preview Template (Optional) (image 5 of 15) What this shows Click here for more information on the Email Template Editor What this shows Illustrates the "Step 4: Preview Template (Optional)" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot appears in the "Step 4: Preview Template (Optional)" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". The text alongside this image reads: Click here for more information on the Email Template Editor. Immediately after, the guide continues: Expand Advanced Settings to enable. Image 5 of 15 What to clickClick here for more information on the Email Template Editor
Buttons and menus referenced Templates3 dots iconEdit DesignRemoveSync Edits to Template
Next stepExpand Advanced Settings to enable:

Step 5: Advanced Settings

Expand Advanced Settings to enable:

Link Tracking → See clicks and CTR for each link.
UTM Parameters → Add campaign tracking tags.
Tags on Actions → Automatically tag contacts based on opens/clicks.

Step 5: Advanced Settings (image 6 of 15) What this shows Link Tracking → See clicks and CTR for each link. What this shows Illustrates the "Step 5: Advanced Settings" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot appears in the "Step 5: Advanced Settings" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". The text alongside this image reads: Link Tracking → See clicks and CTR for each link. UTM Parameters → Add campaign tracking tags. Tags on Actions → Automatically tag contacts based on opens/clicks. Immediately after, the guide continues: Click Save Action. Publish the workflow when ready. After sending, reopen the Email action to view Statistics. Click View Details or Click Performance for deeper insights. Image 6 of 15 What this coversLink Tracking → See clicks and CTR for each link. UTM Parameters → Add campaign tracking tags. Tags on Actions → Automatically tag contacts based on opens/clicks.
Buttons and menus referenced Advanced SettingsLink TrackingUTM ParametersTags on Actions
Next stepClick Save Action. Publish the workflow when ready. After sending, reopen the Email action to view Statistics. Click View Details or Click Performance for deeper insights.

All 3 steps in this procedure

Link Tracking → See clicks and CTR for each link.
UTM Parameters → Add campaign tracking tags.
Tags on Actions → Automatically tag contacts based on opens/clicks.

Step 6: Save and View Statistics

Click Save Action. Publish the workflow when ready.
After sending, reopen the Email action to view Statistics. Click View Details or Click Performance for deeper insights.

Email Template Editor within Send Email Action

To open the Email Template Editor from the Sent Email action, click the 3 dots icon in the template preview and select Edit Template. This lets you customize the template specifically for this workflow step.

Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options

The email editor includes several tools that help you customize the structure, design, and content of your template. Understanding these interface sections will make it easier to create professional, responsive emails.

Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases.
Step 1 of 6: Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the… What this shows Step 1 of 6: Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template.
What this shows Shows what to click for step 1 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 1 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases. The next step is to top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged. Step 1 of 6Image 9 of 15 What to clickTemplate Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases.
Buttons and menus referenced Add ElementsiconManage Element iconAppearanceSaved Item3 dotsSee Version HistorySettingsSave as new TemplateContinueSavenot
Next stepTop Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
All 6 steps in this procedure

Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases. this image
Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
Step 2 of 6: Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title… What this shows Step 2 of 6: Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email.
What this shows Shows what this covers for step 2 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 2 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged. The next step is to element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals. Step 2 of 6Image 10 of 15 What this coversTop Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
Buttons and menus referenced Add ElementsiconManage Element iconAppearanceSaved Item3 dotsSee Version HistorySettingsSave as new TemplateContinueSavenot
Next stepElement Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
All 6 steps in this procedure

Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases.
Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged. this image
Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
Step 3 of 6: Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left… What this shows Step 3 of 6: Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks.
What this shows Shows what this covers for step 3 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 3 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals. The next step is to view Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design. Step 3 of 6Image 11 of 15 What this coversElement Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
Buttons and menus referenced Add ElementsiconManage Element iconAppearanceSaved Item3 dotsSee Version HistorySettingsSave as new TemplateContinueSavenot
Next stepView Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
All 6 steps in this procedure

Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases.
Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals. this image
View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
Step 4 of 6: View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you… What this shows Step 4 of 6: View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes.
What this shows Shows what to choose for step 4 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 4 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you view Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design. The next step is to settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text. Step 4 of 6Image 12 of 15 What to chooseView Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
Buttons and menus referenced Add ElementsiconManage Element iconAppearanceSaved Item3 dotsSee Version HistorySettingsSave as new TemplateContinueSavenot
Next stepSettings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
All 6 steps in this procedure

Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases.
Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design. this image
Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
Settings and Version History:Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
Step 5 of 6: Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown… What this shows Step 5 of 6: Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings.
What this shows Shows what to choose for step 5 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 5 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text. The next step is to save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library. Step 5 of 6Image 13 of 15 What to chooseSettings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
Buttons and menus referenced 3 dotsSee Version HistorySettingsAdd ElementsiconManage Element iconAppearanceSaved ItemSave as new TemplateContinueSavenot
Next stepSave, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
All 6 steps in this procedure

Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases.
Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text. this image
Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows.
Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
Step 6 of 6: Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click… What this shows Step 6 of 6: Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use.
What this shows Shows what to fill in for step 6 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". This screenshot accompanies step 6 of 6 in the "Overview of Email Editor Tools and Layout Options" section of "Managing Email Templates in Workflow Steps". At this point in the walkthrough you save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library. Step 6 of 6Image 14 of 15 What to fill inSave, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library.
Buttons and menus referenced Save as new TemplateContinueSavenotAdd ElementsiconManage Element iconAppearanceSaved Item3 dotsSee Version HistorySettings
All 6 steps in this procedure

Template Title and Name Editing: At the top-center, you can see the name of your email template. Click the pencil icon next to the title to rename the template. This helps you keep templates organized, especially when managing multiple versions or use cases.
Top Action Toolbar (Layout Controls): The row of icons below the title allows you to manage the layout and structure of your email. The Add Elements icon opens layout blocks, Manage Element icon manages layers, the Appearance icon sets global text styles, and the Saved Item icon handles template-level settings like width and padding. These tools give you foundational control over how your email is visually arranged.
Element Library (Drag-and-Drop Blocks): The vertical panel on the left displays all available drag-and-drop content blocks. You can add text, images, buttons, logos, dividers, social links, videos, footers, product grids, countdown timers, and more. These elements allow you to build rich, visual emails tailored to your message and goals.
View Mode and Editing Options: The section at the top-center lets you switch between editing and preview modes. You can also toggle between desktop, tablet, and mobile views to see how your email will appear on different devices. This is essential for ensuring responsive design.
Settings and Version History: Click the 3 dots icon to open a dropdown with See Version History and Settings. Within Version History you are able to view previous drafts of the template. Within Settings, you are able to update the Subject and Preview Text.
Save, and Save as New Template: After customizing your email, click Save as new Template in the top-right corner to store it for future use. This creates a new version in your template library without altering the original. After clicking Save as new Template, enter a name to identify your custom version. Click Continue to save it to your email template library for future use in other workflows. Click Save in the top-right corner to update the email within this workflow step. This saves your changes locally to the step only and does not create a new template in your email template library. this image

Sending a Test Email to Review Your Customizations

After editing your email template within the workflow, use the Test Emails field to enter one or more recipient addresses, then click Send Test Mail. This allows you to preview the customized email in an actual inbox and verify formatting, personalization, and design before saving the workflow action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I link a workflow email back to the original template after editing it?

Yes—if the email action uses an existing template, you can turn **Sync Edits to Template** ON or OFF later. GHL Customer Care confirms the change in a modal. When sync is ON, edits in the workflow email and the template update each other.

Q: Can I track which workflow steps are using a specific template?

Yes. The Sync Changes tool in the Templates section shows a list of workflow steps that are currently linked to the selected template for syncing purposes. This helps with identifying where global updates will apply.

Q: What happens if I edit a synced workflow email after applying a global update?

Any manual changes you make after syncing will remain local to that workflow step. They will not affect the original template unless you save the edited version as a new template.

Q: Is there a way to preview changes before syncing a template across multiple workflows?

No. Syncing is a direct action that applies the current version of the template to the selected workflow steps. It’s recommended to review both the template and selected workflows before proceeding.

Q: Can I prevent team members from editing certain workflow emails after inserting a template?

There’s currently no lock or restriction on editing email actions within workflows. To manage this, consider documenting template usage policies or using role-based permissions to limit access.

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