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Full Lightning Email Templates entry
How-to guide

Create a Lightning Email Template

Create a Lightning Email Template in the Email Template Builder so admins and reps can reuse a branded, mergeable layout. Folders and Enhanced Sharing should already be enabled if you want to file and share the template.

By Dipojjal Chakrabarti · Founder & Editor, Salesforce DictionaryLast updated Jun 16, 2026

Create a Lightning Email Template in the Email Template Builder so admins and reps can reuse a branded, mergeable layout. Folders and Enhanced Sharing should already be enabled if you want to file and share the template.

  1. Open the Email Templates app

    In Lightning Experience, go to the App Launcher and open Email Templates, then click New Email Template. Templates you create start out private to you.

  2. Name it and set the related object

    Enter a clear name, add a subject (you can type merge fields into the subject), and choose the Related Entity Type, such as Contact or Case. That choice sets which merge fields the picker offers.

  3. Pick a folder

    If Folders and Enhanced Sharing is enabled, assign the template to a folder so it can be shared. Leave it unfiled to keep it private to yourself.

  4. Build the body

    Use the Email Template Builder to drag in content components, rich text, images, and buttons, and insert merge fields through the picker. Or switch to the HTML editor and compose in the HTML Value area, using the Merge button for fields.

  5. Preview, save, and share

    Preview against a real record to confirm merge values render, then save. Share the folder with users, groups, or roles at Viewer, Editor, or Manager access, or make the template public.

Email Template Namerequired

A human-readable label that helps senders find the right template in a list.

Subjectrequired

The email subject line; it can include merge fields so the subject personalizes per recipient.

Related Entity Typerequired

The object the template relates to (for example Contact, Lead, or Case), which determines the available merge fields.

Body (HTML or builder content)required

The template content itself, built in the Email Template Builder canvas or written in the HTML Value editor.

Gotchas
  • New templates are private by default; nobody else sees them until you file them in a shared folder or make them public.
  • Folders and Enhanced Sharing must be enabled in Setup before you can create template folders and share them.
  • The Related Entity Type locks in your merge field options; choosing the wrong object means the fields you need are not in the picker.
  • The builder preview is not the inbox. Send real test messages to Outlook, Gmail, and mobile before you trust the layout.

See the full Lightning Email Templates entry

Lightning Email Templates includes the definition, worked example, deep dive, related terms, and a quiz.