How to Import a Custom HTML Email Template into HubSpot

Custom email templates in HubSpot

HubSpot's email builder is powerful, but the default templates tend to look pretty generic. If you want your marketing emails to match your website's actual design language, importing custom HTML gives you full control.

SiteToSend generates HubSpot-ready templates with the right module structure. Here's how to set it up.

Step 1: Download your HubSpot template

From your SiteToSend dashboard, find your order and click the HubSpot download button. This gives you an HTML file that's structured for HubSpot's email system.

Step 2: Open the Design Manager

In HubSpot, go to Marketing > Files and Templates > Design Tools. This opens the Design Manager where you can create and manage email templates.

Step 3: Create a new template file

In the left sidebar of the Design Manager, click File > New file. Choose HTML + HubL as the file type. Give it a descriptive name like "SiteToSend Brand Template" so you can find it later.

Step 4: Paste your HTML

Open the downloaded file, copy everything, and paste it into the code editor. HubSpot will parse it and show you a preview.

If you see any warnings about missing HubL tags, don't worry. The SiteToSend template includes the required ones for things like unsubscribe links and the physical address. But you can always add more HubL personalization tokens where you need them.

Step 5: Publish the template

Click Publish changes in the top right. This makes the template available in HubSpot's email editor.

Step 6: Use it in an email

Go to Marketing > Email, click Create email, and choose Regular. In the template selection screen, you should see your custom template listed. Select it and start editing your content.

HubSpot's drag-and-drop editor will let you modify text and images within the template structure. The branding (colors, fonts, layout) stays locked in.

Things worth knowing

• HubSpot CMS vs. Marketing Hub: You need at least Marketing Hub Starter to send marketing emails. The Design Manager is available on all paid tiers.
• Smart content: Once your template is in HubSpot, you can add smart rules to show different content to different segments. This works on top of your branded template.
• Testing: Always use HubSpot's built-in Send test email before going live. HubSpot also has an inbox preview tool that shows you how it'll render across dozens of email clients.
• Version control: The Design Manager tracks revisions, so you can roll back if something breaks.