The Paragraph block is the fundamental text block for adding content to your email templates. Use it for body text, descriptions, instructions, and any narrative content in your emails.
Adding a Paragraph Block
- While editing your email template, click theย “+”ย button to add a new block
- Search forย “Paragraph”ย or find it in theย “Text”ย category
- Click to insert the block
- Start typing to add your content
Alternatively, you can simply start typing when the editor is focused, and a paragraph block will be created automatically.
Text Formatting
Basic Formatting
Use the formatting toolbar to style your text:
- Bold: Make text bold for emphasis
- Italic: Italicize text
- Link: Add hyperlinks to text
- Strikethrough: Add strikethrough to text
- Inline Code: Display code or technical terms
Text Alignment
Align your paragraph text:
- Left: Align text to the left (default)
- Center: Center-align text
- Right: Align text to the right
Typography Settings
Customize the appearance of your text:
Font Size
Set the size of your text. Choose from:
- Preset sizes (Small, Normal, Large, etc.)
- Custom size with px, em, or rem units
Font Family
Select a font family for your text. Consider:
- Web-safe fonts for better email client compatibility
- System fonts for consistent rendering
- Custom fonts (may have limited support in some email clients)
Font Weight
Control the thickness of text:
- Light
- Normal (default)
- Bold
- Custom weight values
Font Style
Apply italic styling to text.
Line Height
Adjust the vertical spacing between lines of text. This affects readability and overall appearance.
Letter Spacing
Control the spacing between individual characters. Useful for:
- Headings and titles
- All-caps text
- Special styling effects
Text Transform
Transform text case:
- None: Keep original case
- Uppercase: Convert to all uppercase
- Lowercase: Convert to all lowercase
- Capitalize: Capitalize first letter of each word
Text Decoration
Add decorative elements:
- None: No decoration
- Underline: Underline text
- Strikethrough: Strike through text
Colors
Text Color
Set the color of your text. Choose from:
- Preset color palette
- Custom colors using the color picker
- Ensure sufficient contrast with background for readability
Background Color
Add a background color to your paragraph. Useful for:
- Highlighting important information
- Creating visual sections
- Adding visual interest
Link Colors
Customize the appearance of links within your paragraph:
- Link color
- Hover color (limited support in email clients)
Spacing
Padding
Add internal spacing around your paragraph content. This creates space between the text and the block’s edges.
Merge Tags
You can use merge tags within paragraph blocks to insert dynamic content:
- Field Values:ย
{field:1}ย – Display form field values - User Data:ย
{user:display_name}ย – Display user information - Entry Data:ย
{entry:date}ย – Display entry information - Custom Tags: Any custom merge tags provided by your integrations
Simply type the merge tag directly in the paragraph, and it will be replaced with actual data when the email is sent.
Links in Paragraphs
Adding Links
- Select the text you want to turn into a link
- Click the link icon in the toolbar
- Enter the URL or use a merge tag for dynamic links
- Set link options (open in new tab, etc.)
Dynamic Links
Use merge tags in link URLs to create dynamic links:
{order_url}ย – Link to an order{reset_password_url}ย – Password reset link{user_profile_url}ย – User profile link
Best Practices
- Readable Font Sizes: Use at least 14px font size for body text
- Line Length: Keep lines to 50-75 characters for optimal readability
- Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between text and background colors
- Short Paragraphs: Break up long text into shorter paragraphs
- Clear Hierarchy: Use different font sizes and weights to create visual hierarchy
- Test Merge Tags: Always test merge tags with real data before sending
- Web-Safe Fonts: Prefer web-safe fonts for maximum email client compatibility
- Mobile-Friendly: Test how paragraphs appear on mobile devices
Examples
Example 1: Welcome Message
Content: “Thank you for your order! We’re excited to have you as a customer.”
- Font Size: 16px
- Text Color: Dark gray (#333333)
- Line Height: 1.6
- Alignment: Left
Example 2: Call-to-Action Text
Content: “Click the button below to view your order details.”
- Font Size: 14px
- Text Color: Brand color
- Font Weight: Normal
- Alignment: Center
- Padding: 10px top/bottom
Example 3: Important Notice
Content: “Your order will be processed within 24 hours.”
- Font Size: 14px
- Text Color: Dark text
- Background Color: Light yellow highlight
- Font Weight: Bold
- Padding: 15px all sides
Troubleshooting
Text Not Displaying
- Check that the paragraph has content
- Verify there are no formatting issues
- Ensure the block is properly saved
Merge Tags Not Working
- Verify merge tag syntax is correct
- Check that the data source is configured
- Test with actual data to confirm tags resolve
Links Not Working
- Verify the URL is correct and accessible
- Check link formatting in the editor
- Test links in actual email clients
- Ensure merge tags in URLs are properly formatted
Font Not Displaying
- Some email clients have limited font support
- Use web-safe fonts for better compatibility
- Test in multiple email clients
- Consider fallback fonts
Spacing Issues
- Check padding and margin settings
- Verify spacing values are appropriate
- Test on mobile devices
- Some email clients may render spacing differently
Additional resources
Use the links below for more information and guidance on adding blocks. Keep in mind that these articles are general information related to the WordPress Editor and building with blocks. Email Customizer does not utilize all blocks or functionality due to the limited capabilities of emails.
WordPress Editor