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      How to Use Canva Designs in Patch Retention Emails (Drag-and-Drop or HTML)

      Learn how to embed Canva designs in your Patch Retention emails using either the Drag-and-Drop Email Builder or the HTML Email Builder. This guide shows you how to turn your Canva graphics into email-ready content that looks great and loads fast.

      Why Canva Designs Don’t Work as Embedded HTML

      Canva is a fantastic design tool, but it doesn't generate email-safe HTML. Most email clients (like Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail) block advanced code elements like:

      • <iframe>

      • <script>

      • External font links

      Trying to copy and paste Canva's embed code into your email will not display properly.

      Option 1: Add Canva Designs Using the Drag-and-Drop Email Builder

      This method is ideal for beginners and requires no code.

      Step 1: Export Your Design from Canva

      1. In Canva, click “Share” → “Download”.

      2. Select PNG or JPG format.

      3. Save the image to your computer.

      Step 2: Upload the Image to Patch Retention

      1. Open your email in Patch Retention.

        1. Blasts > Step 2
        2. Automations > Send Email Action Block

      2. Select the Email Builder option

      3. Drag an Image Block into your email layout.

      4. Upload the downloaded Canva image.

      Step 4: (Recommended) Add Alternate Text

      1. Add a short and descriptive Alternate Text (recommended for better deliverability)

      Step 3: (Optional) Link the Image to a URL

      1. Add a URL to your website, special offer, or landing page.

      Option 2: Embed Canva Designs in the HTML Email Builder

      Use this method if you're comfortable editing email HTML code.

      Step 1: Save Your Canva Design as an Image

      Download your design as a PNG or JPG file.

      Step 2: Host Your Image Online

      To use the image in HTML, it needs a public URL. Upload the image to:

      • Your website/media server

      • Imgur, PostImages, Cloudinary, etc.

      Step 3: Add the Image to Your HTML Email

      Paste this code in the HTML builder:

      <a href="https://yourlink.com" target="_blank">
      <img src="https://yourimagehost.com/your-image.jpg" alt="Canva Design" style="width:100%; max-width:600px;" />
      </a>

      ✅ Be sure to test your email before sending it to ensure everything loads properly.

      Best Practices for Using Canva in Emails

      • Don’t use Canva’s embed code in emails — it won’t render in most inboxes.

      • Keep images under 1MB for faster loading.

      • Use Canva for visual elements only — write your text, CTA buttons, and links directly in Patch for better deliverability and accessibility.

      Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

      Can I use Canva’s HTML embed in my email?

      No. Canva's embed code uses <iframe>, which is blocked by Gmail and most email clients.

      What’s the best image format to use?

      Use PNG for graphics with transparency or sharp text, and JPG for photos or lower file sizes.

      Will this work on mobile?

      Yes! Patch Retention automatically resizes images in the drag-and-drop builder to fit mobile screens. For HTML, keep style="width:100%; max-width:600px;" to make images responsive.

      Need Help Embedding a Canva Design?

      If you’re having trouble using Canva graphics in your Patch Retention email campaign, our team is here to help. Contact our Customer Support team by phone at 888.605.4429, email at success@patchretention.com, or start a live chat from your dashboard.