Using Beefree Templates Add-On for Gmail
This article applies to the Email builder in all plans. However, some features may be limited or unavailable on the Starter plan.
Overview
The Beefree Templates Add-On for Gmail allows Beefree users on a paid plan to easily import their emails directly to their Gmail accounts using the preview URL for their email design. Additionally, anyone can use the add-on to import various pre-made Beefree templates directly into Gmail.
Getting Started
Download the Beefree Templates for Gmail add-on, found in the G Suite Marketplace. Note that you do not need a Beefree account in order to use the add-on, but certain features of the add-on are intended for Beefree users.
Once you've downloaded the add-on, you should be able to see the add-on icon from inside a new message window.
If you're having any trouble locating the add-on icon, see the FAQ below for some troubleshooting tips.
Importing your Beefree emails to Gmail
This feature requires access to Preview URLs, which is only available on paid plans.
Once the email you're designing with Beefree is ready to go, save your design. This will bring you to the email details page. From here, you need to copy the preview URL for your email by clicking the copy icon at the upper right-hand corner of the design preview.
Open your Gmail account and click "Compose" to create a new email. Click on the Beefree icon at the bottom of the compose window.
Once the modal for the add-on opens over your new message, click on Import a Beefree message.
After clicking this option, you will be asked to paste your email URL into an empty field. Remember the preview URL you copied earlier? Just use that!
Now, you can click Import message and sit tight for a moment. Your beautiful email design is ready to be sent or edited as needed!
If you're using a free Starter plan, please note that you can use the Gmail connector available in Beefree as an alternative to the add-on to export your designs from Beefree to Gmail.
Using free Templates from Beefree in Gmail
Even if you don't have a Beefree account, there are several free-to-use templates inside the add-on that are ready for you. There are lots of scenarios where these templates might come in handy, including:
- Event promotions
- RSVP invitations
- 'Thank You!' notes
- Blog updates
- Job alerts
- Product launch announcements
We've divided all free templates into five categories to help you find the best option for your needs.
After you've installed the add-on, open a Compose window, click on the Beefree icon, and start searching for the perfect template! Once you've made your selection, click on the desired template, and it will open inside the Compose window. Now, you're all set to edit your personalized email.
Saving Your Design in Gmail
Do you need to send a lot of emails through Gmail? No problem! You can save your favorite Beefree templates or your imported emails as a template in your Gmail account. In some Gmail accounts, templates may be referred to as canned responses.
You'll likely need to start by turning on the appropriate setting in your Gmail account. In order to do this, select the gear icon in your Gmail account, found in the upper-right corner of the screen. Select Settings.
Go to your Advanced settings. Here, you'll be able to enable Templates in your Gmail account. Please note that, depending on your Gmail account type, you may have to scroll to find this option.
This setting will automatically be set to "Disable." Switch to "Enable," scroll to the bottom of the screen, and click "Save changes."
Now, open the email or template you wish to save as a Gmail template in a compose window. You'll now find a new option in the "More options" dropdown (three dots to the left of the delete icon) titled Templates. Navigate to Templates > Save draft as template > Save as new template. Then you will be prompted to name your new template.
Now your template is saved in Gmail for easy editing and easy sending. Your template will be listed under "Insert Template" after you save it for easy access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I locate the Beefree add-on icon after installation?
If you've just installed the add-on, try reloading Gmail. Still not there? Try emptying the browser's cache and then reloading Gmail. If you're still having issues or the icon seems to have disappeared, check the zoom settings on your browser. In some browsers, the icon will disappear from the Compose window if you zoom too far in or out.
Why is my email not mobile-responsive?
Beefree emails follow best practices for modern HTML email, but the Gmail composer strips parts of the code that our templates use to display the mobile version. As a result, emails that you edit and send with Gmail will always display the desktop version regardless of where you open them. We recommend using single-column designs when sending your emails through Gmail.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Comments
6 comments
I discovered my signature keeps repeating when i make use of a saved template. how do i turn that off please?
Hi Debby,
Before saving a template, you want to remove your signature. This way, when importing the template for future use, it will not repeat the signature. Thanks for reaching out.
Hello. I am using this platform in Firefox on Mac O.S. and the buttons in the top-right corner of the email preview section are not present. Can anyone suggest what the problem may be? Thank you in advance.
Hey John! Thanks for reaching out with your request. My name is Logan, and I'm on of our Customer Experience Specialists.
This looks like something that may require a little more review on our end, so I will generate a support ticket on your behalf. Please watch your email, as I'll be requesting additional information to best troubleshoot your problem.
The "copy url" button is not appearing in the email details page. (Seems to be the same issue as John above.)
Both Safari and Chrome on Mac.
Hi David, the Copy URL button is only available on paid plans. For more information, please refer to https://support.beefree.io/hc/en-us/articles/26116995011346-Preview-URLs. If you're on the Starter plan or a free trial, we recommend using the Gmail connector.
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