How to Configure the Magento 2 Change Email Header Template?

• Why Change and Customize Email Templates in Magento 2?

• Magento 2 Email Template Layout Rules

• 3 Steps to Edit Magento 2 Email Templates

• 4 Steps to Edit the Files of Magento 2 Email Template Content

• 3 Steps to Add a New Email Template Using a Theme

• Strategies to Monitor and Customize the Email Template for Your Magento 2 Store

• 5 Steps to Analyze Email Marketing Performance in Custom Magento 2 Email Templates

• Advanced Modification Options to Customize Magento 2 Email Templates

• 3 Steps to Configure Variables in Magento Email Templates

• Troubleshooting Issues with Magento 2 Email Header Template Changes

• FAQs

• Summary

Why Change and Customize Email Templates in Magento 2?

1. Brand Power & Recognition

Make your custom templates stand out with the following:

• Create consistent brand experiences across all email communications.
• Implement professional header designs that reflect your identity.
• Strategically place logos and brand elements for maximum impact.
• Use consistent brand colors and typography.
• Implement full HEX codes (#FFFFFF) to prevent rendering issues.
• Follow optimal logo dimensions ("60-200px width") for email clients.

2. Enhanced Customer Experience

Using custom email templates, you can:

• Create personalized customer experiences.
• Add dynamic content blocks.
• Insert targeted product recommendations.

3. Better Conversion Rates

Customizing your Magento 2 email templates, boost engagement through:

• Design mobile-responsive templates that work across devices.
• Implement clear calls to action.
• Use custom variables for personalized messaging.

4. Professional Communication

Customizing the email header templates helps you:

• Deliver clearer transactional information.
• Reduce customer service inquiries.
• Build trust with professional formatting.

5. Marketing Flexibility

Smart customization lets you:

• Run A/B tests on different template designs.
• Schedule targeted email campaigns.
• Track performance metrics.

6. Technical Benefits

Custom header and footer templates give you control over the following:

• Set up template variables for dynamic content.
• Configure HTML and CSS optimization.
• Implement mobile responsiveness across devices.
• Use specific media query breakpoints for email clients.

Magento 2 Email Template Layout Rules

Rule	Description	Why It Matters
Inline CSS	Set layout with inline styles.	Ensures consistent rendering across email clients
Table-based Layout	Use <table> instead of <div>.	Better support for older email clients
HTML4 > HTML5	Stick to HTML4 syntax.	Wider compatibility with various email readers
Color Handling	Use background-color, not background.	More reliable color rendering
Full HEX Codes	Use #FFFFFF, not #FFF.	Prevents color interpretation issues
CSS2 Properties	Avoid CSS3 features.	Broader email client support
Image Handling	Prefer background colors over images.	Faster loading, better accessibility
HTML Attributes	Use HTML attributes over CSS when possible.	Improved email client compatibility
System Fonts	Stick to standard system fonts.	Ensures readability across devices
Responsive Design	Use fluid layouts and media queries.	Adapts to different screen sizes
Image Optimization	Compress images without quality loss.	Faster loading times
Email Width	Keep it around "650px".	Optimal viewing on most devices
Simplicity	Avoid complex layouts.	Easier to render correctly
Mobile-Friendly	Ensure layouts work on small screens.	Caters to mobile-heavy audience
No JavaScript	Avoid scripts in email templates.	Most email clients block JavaScript

3 Steps to Edit Magento 2 Email Templates

In Magento 2, email templates are stored in the following directory structure:

<module_dir>/view/<area>/email within their respective modules. For example, the email templates for the module-newsletter are located at the following:

<Magento-root-directory>/vendor/<Extension-name>/module-newsletter/view/frontend/email.

To avoid issues, refrain from modifying default Magento 2 files. If you need to customize the default email templates, you can:

1. Create custom templates and configure the system to use them instead.
2. Add custom email templates as physical files in your theme. Or create them using the Magento Admin Panel.
3. Configure the following three main components:

• Header: Located at /view/frontend/email/header.html.
• Content: Editable through the template editor.
• Footer: Stored at /view/frontend/email/footer.html.

4 Steps to Edit the Files of Magento 2 Email Template Content

1. Connect to your Magento account using FTPS or SSH.
2. Access the files stored within their respective module directories.

For instance, to edit the account_new.html file under the Magento Customer module:

3. Navigate to <Magento-root-directory>/vendor/<Extension-name>/module-customer/view/frontend/email.
4. Use a command-line editor like vi or nano to open the file, e.g., vi account_new.html.

3 Steps to Add a New Email Template Using a Theme

1. Navigate to the module directory where you want to add the template.
2. Create an email_templates.xml file under the etc folder of your module at the following path:

<Magento-root-directory>/app/code/<Vendor>/<Module_Name>/etc

Note: This file defines the configurations for your email templates.

Key configuration elements include:

• id: A unique identifier for the template.
• file: The path to the email template file.
• type: Defines whether the email is text or HTML.
• area: Specifies the application area (e.g., frontend).

3. Define templates using a unique template identifier for a specific module.

Strategies to Monitor and Customize the Email Template for Your Magento 2 Store

Element	Customization Method	Best Practices	Expected Impact
Logo Placement	Replace HTML with a custom logo file path in the header template.	- Optimize image size for email. - Keep under "200px width". - Use PNG format for transparency	Immediate brand recognition and professional appearance
Color Scheme	Implement inline CSS with brand colors.	- Use full HEX codes (#FFFFFF). - Stick to web-safe colors. - Apply a consistent color palette.	Creates cohesive brand experience across all emails
Typography	Update font styles in the 'Template Styles' section.	- Use system fonts. - Set a clear hierarchy. - Maintain consistent sizing.	Improves readability and brand consistency
Header Design	Customize through the admin panel.	- Keep width around "650px". - Use a table-based layout. - Include responsive elements.	Professional presentation across devices
CSS Implementation	Add it to the 'Template Styles' box.	- Use CSS2 properties. - Implement inline styles. - Avoid complex selectors.	Consistent rendering across email clients
Mobile Optimization	Configure responsive elements.	- Test on multiple devices. - Use fluid layouts. - Optimize for small screens.	Better user experience on mobile devices
Content Structure	Organize through the admin panel.	- Use clear sections. - Include dynamic variables. - Maintain a clean layout.	Enhanced message clarity and engagement

5 Steps to Analyze Email Marketing Performance in Custom Magento 2 Email Templates

Step 1: Analyze Previous Campaigns

Review the performance of emails sent over the past 3 to 12 months. Focus on key metrics such as:

• Open rate
• Click-through rate
• Unsubscribe rate
• Complaint rate
• Forward rate

Analyze the data to identify trends and areas for improvement.

Step 2: Determine Average Metrics

Calculate the average for each performance metric by:

1. Summing up the values for each metric.
2. Dividing the "total" by the "number of emails" sent during the period.

Step 3: Identify Outliers

Compare the average metrics with individual email performance. Highlight emails with high/low open rates & investigate the reasons behind these anomalies.

Step 4: Identify Patterns

Look for recurring trends that can improve your campaigns, such as:

• Specific subject lines that drive better results.
• Optimal "times of day" for sending emails.

These insights help refine your strategy.

Step 5: Set Specific Goals

Establish clear performance targets for your email campaigns. These goals help evaluate whether your emails are improving or underperforming.

For instance, if an email achieves a higher open rate than average, follow these practices:

• Identify the factors contributing to its success.
• Test these assumptions in future campaigns to replicate the results.
• Continually optimize based on previous campaigns to enhance the effectiveness of each email.

Advanced Modification Options to Customize Magento 2 Email Templates

Modification Type	Implementation	Impact	Pro Tips
Dynamic Content	Insert personalized elements like customer names, order details, and product recommendations.	Increases engagement rates and conversion potential	Use predefined variables for consistency and error-free implementation.
Responsive Design	Implement fluid layouts and breakpoints for different screen sizes.	Improves user experience across all devices	Test templates across multiple email clients and devices.
Template Variables	Use both predefined and custom variables for dynamic data insertion.	Simplifies template management and ensures accuracy	Create custom variables through the admin panel for unique content needs.
Custom Styling	Add CSS to the 'Template Styles' section.	Creates consistent brand appearance	Stick to CSS2 properties for broader compatibility.
Header/Footer Integration	Customize both elements to maintain brand consistency.	Strengthens brand recognition	Use the same style across all templates for transactional emails.
Content Blocks	Insert modular content sections.	Enables easier updates and maintenance	Create reusable blocks for consistent messaging.
Variable Testing	Preview and test variable rendering.	Prevents broken personalization	Always preview your email before saving templates.

3 Steps to Configure Variables in Magento Email Templates

Variables in Magento 2 are data placeholders that can be used across multiple templates. Depending on your store’s needs, these variables can be predefined or custom.

Step 1: Use Predefined Variables

Magento 2 provides a variety of predefined variables to personalize:

• Email templates
• Newsletters
• Other content types

Note: These variables are easily accessible and simplify customization.

To access predefined variables, follow these steps:

• Click the 'Insert Variable' button in the template editor.
• A list of available predefined variables appears based on the data associated with the template.

Example Variables:

• {{var customer.name}} inserts the "customer’s name".
• {{var order.increment_id}} adds the "order ID".

Step 2: Create and Use Custom Variables

Custom variables can be defined to include specific information tailored to your requirements. Once created, they can be inserted into templates using the Insert Variable option.

Step 3: Set Up Data Association

The list of accessible variables for any given email template depends on the data associated with the template. It ensures that only relevant variables are displayed, making customization straightforward and effective.

Troubleshooting Issues with Magento 2 Email Header Template Changes

Issue	Common Cause	Solution	Prevention
Missing Header Template	Frontend/backend area mismatch	Set template area to 'frontend' in configuration.	Always verify the template location in the correct theme directory.
Variables Not Displaying	Incorrect variable syntax	Use proper syntax (e.g., {{var customer.name}}) and clear cache.	Document all variable syntaxes for future reference.
Logo Not Appearing	Wrong file path or permissions	Verify logo path and use {{var logo_url}} variables.	Store logos in the correct directory with proper permissions.
Styling Issues	CSS compatibility problems	Use inline CSS and table-based layouts.	Stick to CSS2 properties and avoid complex selectors.
Template Not Saving	Permission or database issues	Check file permissions in the var/view_preprocessed directory.	Conduct regular permission audits on sensitive directories.
Header Not Including in Emails	Area scope configuration error	Move templates to frontend/templates/email/.	Test templates across different store configurations.
Layout Breaking	Complex CSS/HTML usage	Use HTML4 and basic table layouts.	Follow Magento 2 email template layout rules.
Custom Variables Failing	Improper variable setup	Configure variables in System > Custom Variables.	Document and test all custom variables before deployment.
Preview/Live Mismatch	Cache or store configuration issues	Clear cache and verify store settings.	Implement a regular cache maintenance schedule.
Template Updates Not Reflecting	Configuration conflicts	Reset the template and reload the default version.	Maintain backup of working templates.

FAQs

1. How do I add new templates in Magento 2?

Go to email templates in the admin panel. Click 'Add New Template' and select 'Template from the list'. Modify the template subject, save changes, and click' Preview Template' to verify. It allows easy customization of templates.

2. Can I customize the email header and footer in Magento 2?

Yes, Magento 2 allows customizing the header or footer in the same style. You can use HTML to create different email layouts. Finally, modify the email header and footer in the template editor.

3. How do I configure store email addresses for Magento 2 emails?

Navigate to Stores > Configuration > General > Store Email Addresses. Update the sender name and sender email values for emails. These settings affect all transactional emails sent.

4. How can I customize the email logo in Magento 2?

Magento 2 helps you customize the email logo. You can use a custom theme or create a unique layout. The logo can be uploaded via email templates to the admin and adjusted using inline CSS.

5. How do I apply a new order confirmation template in Magento 2?

Click the load template button to load the New Order Confirmation Template in Magento. Then, modify its content and format and save it. Finally, you can test it using the Click Preview Template option before assigning it.

6. Can I edit existing templates with custom email fields in Magento 2?

Yes, Magento 2 allows editing a template with custom email fields. Open your email template and modify the template name field. Update the email values in the custom email field, and then save the template.

7. How do I improve email marketing efforts in Magento 2?

Magento 2 helps you create and customize templates from the list. Focus on creating email templates in the Magento layout. Use engaging content to ensure your email template is applied correctly. Test all templates if you want to customize & support email marketing efforts efficiently.

Summary

The Magento 2 change email header template feature makes it easy to adjust the look and feel of transactional emails without altering core files. It allows you to:

• Ensure users with minimal technical knowledge can make effective changes.
• Maintain brand consistency and enhance the professionalism of your store’s communications.
• Customize email templates easily through the admin panel.
• Avoid editing core files and ensure smooth updates.
• Use the preview template option in the template editor to review changes before saving.
• Manage templates in the admin panel.
• Ensure professional and personalized emails for your customers.

Improve your brand identity by changing the email header template with managed Magento hosting.