AWeber's Design Options at a Glance
AWeber gives you four ways to build an email: the drag-and-drop editor with templates, Smart Designer, a plain-text editor and an HTML editor. Most people use templates in the drag-and-drop editor, then save their branded version for every future send.
The template library is large; independent reviews put it in the hundreds. Rather than browsing them all, pick a layout that suits your type of email and make it yours.
We'd build one master template using Smart Designer or a simple layout, save it and use it for every newsletter. Consistency helps readers recognize you and saves you time each week.
The Four Ways to Build an Email
| Option | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Drag-and-drop editor | Build from blocks such as text, images and buttons, starting from a template | Most newsletters and promotions |
| Smart Designer | Generates branded templates from your website address | Getting a branded look quickly |
| Plain-text editor | Text-only emails with no design | Personal notes and simple updates |
| HTML editor | Write or paste your own code | Designers and developers with custom layouts |
There's no wrong choice. Many senders mix them: a branded template for the weekly newsletter and plain text for occasional personal emails. Our plain text vs HTML email guide explains when each works better.
How to Choose a Template
Choose by the job the email has to do, not by how pretty it looks in the gallery.
A single-column layout with room for a header, a few sections and a clear sign-off. Easy to scan on a phone.
A bold header image, one main message and a single prominent button.
Minimal design that looks like a note from a person, with one link.
Repeating blocks for several items, each with a short summary and link.
Single-column layouts are the safest choice. They adapt naturally to small screens, where most emails are read.
Branding a Template With Smart Designer
Smart Designer creates templates by reading your website. Paste in your site's address, and it generates templates that use your colors, fonts and logo.
It's a fast way to get a consistent look, though results vary by how your site is built. Expect to tweak spacing, swap an image or adjust the header. Once you're happy, save it as your own template.
If you'd like custom graphics in that template, use the built-in Canva integration. See AWeber Canva integration.
Editing Templates: What to Change First
When you open a template, change these in order:
- Logo and header. Replace the placeholder with your logo or a simple branded banner.
- Colors. Use one or two brand colors, with high contrast between text and background.
- Fonts. Choose a readable font size, around 16 pixels for body text.
- Button style. One clear button color you'll reuse in every email.
- Footer. Check your mailing address, unsubscribe link and any social links.
- Save as a template. Name it clearly so you can find it each week.
Design Rules That Keep Emails Readable
Templates look polished in the gallery, but a few rules keep them working in real inboxes:
- Lead with text, not images. Some email apps block images; your main message should still come through.
- Use one call to action. A single clear button outperforms several competing ones.
- Keep it short. If the template has six sections, delete the ones you don't need.
- Add alt text to images. It helps screen reader users and shows when images don't load.
- Preview on mobile. Send a test to your phone before every important send.
See email design best practices for more.
Template Ideas by Business Type
Different businesses lean on different layouts. These starting points save you time:
- Coaches and consultants: a plain, letter-style template with your photo and signature builds a personal connection.
- Online shops: a product grid layout for launches and a simple text layout for shipping or policy updates.
- Bloggers: a digest template with repeating post blocks, ideal for RSS-driven newsletters; see AWeber RSS to email.
- Local businesses: a single-column layout with a hero image, opening hours and one offer.
- Course creators: a lesson-style template with numbered sections for tips and a button to the course page.
Whatever you choose, keep the same header and footer across all your emails so readers recognize you instantly.
Templates and Plans
AWeber's pricing page lists email templates as a shared feature, and every plan includes the drag-and-drop editor. Some independent reviews report that Free and Lite users see a smaller selection than Plus users, so check the gallery in your account.
Removing AWeber branding from your emails requires Plus. If a fully unbranded look matters for your business, factor that into your plan choice; see AWeber Lite vs Plus.
Start with Smart Designer or a ready-made layout, add your brand and reuse it for every send.
AWeber Templates FAQs
How many templates does AWeber have?
AWeber doesn't list an exact number on its pricing page. Independent reviews describe the library as hundreds of templates.
Can I create my own AWeber template?
Yes. Edit any template or a Smart Designer result, then save it to reuse for future emails. You can also build from scratch in HTML.
Are AWeber templates mobile-friendly?
Templates are designed to adapt to different screens, but always preview on your phone before sending.
Can I remove AWeber branding from templates?
Branding removal is part of the Plus plan.