Why do templated emails have different capabilities than custom emails?

[CassieL32]

I used a 'feature article' for my email template and cannot figure out how to remove the padding on either side so that you cannot see the 'inner background' color. Why is there not simple, easy to find way to do this? Why can you not just stretch the 'feature article' to fit the width of the email? Does anyone have a solution for this? I have been struggling through trying to figure this out for days. I have watched webinars and read "How To" guides and still no answer....I know it is possible because it's possible with the premade email templates. 

[Abigail_S]

@DavidFischerSolutionsForGrowth You're always great with template feedback, any suggestions? 

[William_A]

Hello @CassieL32 ,

I can at lest provide a bit of technical insight. The standard builder uses a block system to construct emails, using our proprietary coding that's been setup to work within the set limitations for a more simple, straightforward email building experience. Custom code is fully dependent on the code you provide for pretty much all of its elements. It's like the difference between building a house with pre-constructed walls, pipes, and wires on a plot of land VS. making your own bricks, harvesting your own lumber, and forging piping and an electric system to freehand-build a house. 

Certain pre-built templates will contain specially-coded elements from the Design team that cannot be replicated in the general builder. This can range from very specific layout block setups to graphical elements like background images/patterns.

The Feature Article layout block is specifically setup to not stretch the full width, since it's supposed to appear as a floating section in a larger newsletter, with a differently shaded background to help it stand out. Another comparison - think of textbooks that have the small pop-out areas with an image and additional context of the image. If you're wanting to have something like the Feature Article layout with its background stretched the full width, you can just do that with the Article layout, and change the background color for that row.

For additional info and guidance on layout blocks, background coloring, and building your email in general, I'd advise referring to the following articles (also available via the Help tab in your account):

• Add, arrange, or delete blocks in your email template
• Group blocks together in the Cross Device Email Editor
• Change the background color and pattern in an email
• Change the background color of an individual block in an email
• Customize the backgrounds, borders, and margins of your email template

[DavidFischerSolutionsForGrowth]

Hello @CassieL32 ,

You have a good question – and very helpful answer from William A on the technical aspect of custom templates within the “house building” structure of Constant Contact. 

We understand that perfecting your email template may require some back-and-forth, but the results are well worth the effort. Different blocks add certain features. It sounds like you may need to change the “feature article” to a different block - in order to have that section fill the width of the email. At Solutions for Growth, we’ve spent years crafting hundreds of customized and highly effective email templates, ensuring that our client’s messaging is achieved with exceptional quality. 

Can I help you with any other specific questions? Please schedule a call with me today.