How to Create a Multi-Language Email

Before You Start

• An admin must enable multi-language emails in Settings
• You'll need translations prepared for each language
• Plan which languages you'll include (maximum 6)

Learn more here.

Step 1: Create Your Email

1. Click Emails at the top of your dashboard
2. Click Create New Email
3. Choose an existing template, upload a JSON, or select Create from Scratch
4. Toggle ON the Multi-language email setting
5. Select your primary language first from the drop-down menu, then your secondary language(s)
6. Click Create

Important: Once you enable multi-language for an email, you cannot toggle it off. If you need a single-language version later, click here.

Step 2: Build Your Primary Language

Create your complete email in your primary language first. This includes:

• Subject line and preheader text
• All text content
• Images and alt text
• Buttons and button labels
• Links
• Any surveys or RSVP events

Note: The subject line and preheader text will be the same for all language versions. You cannot change them to other languages.

Step 3: Add Your Second Language

1. Click the language drop-down menu at the top of the Email Builder
2. Select your secondary language
3. Copy and paste the translated content into each content block
4. Update button labels with translated text
5. Update image alt text if needed

Tips:

• Keep the same layout and structure across all languages
• Some languages require more space than others—test your design
• Don't skip image alt text translations for accessibility

Step 4: Add Additional Languages (Optional)

Repeat Step 3 for each additional language, up to 6 total languages.

1. Select the next language from the dropdown
2. Add translated content to all blocks
3. Review for consistency with your primary language layout

Best practice: Tag your email with "multi-language" so you can find it easily later.

Step 5: Preview and Test

Before sending, preview how recipients will experience the email:

1. Click through each language in the dropdown to review
2. Send test emails to yourself
3. Check that the language menu appears correctly
4. Verify all translations display properly
5. Test any links, buttons, and interactive elements

Step 6: Send Your Email

Send your email normally through Outlook or Gmail. The sending process is identical to regular campaigns.

The email contains all language versions stacked together. Recipients will see a language menu at the top of the email that lets them navigate to their preferred language.

Recipient Experience

When recipients open the email:

1. They see all languages stacked in the order you selected
2. A language menu appears at the top
3. They click their preferred language
4. The email scrolls or jumps to that language version
5. They can switch between languages at any time using the menu

Note: The language menu uses anchor links, which don't work on some mobile devices. On mobile, recipients may need to scroll through the stacked languages to find their preferred version.

Translation Options

Manual Translation

Copy and paste translations from your translation team or service.

Auto-Translation (Plus and Enterprise Only)

Use the built-in DeepL translation feature to automatically translate content.

Learn more here.

AI-Assisted Translation

Use the ChatGPT integration to help with translations.

Learn more here.

Best Practices

Design for flexibility: Some languages use 30-40% more characters than English. Build flexible layouts that accommodate text expansion.

Test thoroughly: Send test emails in each language to native speakers before launching.

Use consistent images: Keep images the same across languages unless culturally specific visuals are needed.

Consider mobile: Most recipients read email on mobile devices. Preview on multiple screen sizes.

Plan ahead: Decide on your language order before building. The order you select is the order languages appear when stacked.

Document your process: Create a checklist for your team to follow when creating multi-language emails.

Troubleshooting

Problem: I toggled multi-language on by accident
Solution: See the workaround here.

Problem: My translations don't fit in the design
Solution: Use flexible content blocks that expand with text. Avoid fixed-height containers.

Problem: The language menu doesn't appear
Solution: Ensure you've added at least 2 languages to your email.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to translate everything?
Yes. You should translate all text content, button labels, and image alt text for each language.

Can I add a language after sending the email?
No. You must include all languages before sending. You cannot edit a sent email.

What happens if I miss translating a section?
That section will display in your primary language for all recipients.

Can I reuse a multi-language email template?
Yes. Save your email as a template and reuse it for future campaigns. Update the content for each language as needed.

See Also

• Converting a Multi-Language Email to Single Language
• Multi-Language Email Limitations and Workarounds