Classic vs Lightning Email Templates

Email communication remains one of the most critical channels for customer engagement, internal updates, and automated messaging in Salesforce. However, choosing the right format for email templates can directly impact your workflow, design capabilities, and marketing effectiveness. If you're stuck deciding between Classic Email Templates and Lightning Email Templates, you're not alone. Each has its own set of features, use cases, and limitations.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between Classic and Lightning Email Templates, compare their pros and cons, and help you decide which one best suits your Salesforce needs.

What Are Classic Email Templates?

Classic Email Templates are the original template format in Salesforce. They have been around since the early days of the platform and are designed for use in Salesforce Classic, although they can also be used in Lightning Experience with limited functionality.

There are four types of Classic Email Templates:

• Text – Plain text only, no formatting.
• HTML (using Letterhead) – Uses a letterhead for branding but offers limited design flexibility.
• Custom HTML – Allows custom-coded HTML templates for more design freedom.
• Visualforce – Advanced templates using Salesforce Visualforce pages.

These templates can include merge fields to personalize content using Salesforce data like first names, company names, and case IDs.

What Are Lightning Email Templates?

Lightning Email Templates, on the other hand, are the modern replacement designed specifically for Salesforce Lightning Experience. They leverage a much more user-friendly and intuitive interface, giving marketers and admins greater control over formatting, layout, and dynamic content—all without needing to code.

Lightning templates are built in the Email Template Builder, which supports:

• Drag-and-drop components
• Dynamic content blocks
• Merge fields with preview functionality
• Conditional logic (with Salesforce Flow integration)

These templates are stored in the Email Templates folder and can be shared across users with folder-level permissions.

Key Differences Between Classic and Lightning Email Templates

Feature	Classic Email Templates	Lightning Email Templates
User Interface	Basic, form-based	Modern, drag-and-drop
Design Capabilities	Requires HTML or Visualforce	Rich formatting without code
Merge Fields	Supported	Supported with preview
Dynamic Content	Limited	Conditional logic supported
Compatibility	Works in both Classic and Lightning (with limitations)	Lightning Experience only
Folders & Sharing	Personal, Public, and Custom folders	Folder sharing and access controls
Setup Complexity	Easy to create but limited	More advanced but intuitive
Reporting	No built-in tracking	Supports email engagement tracking
Use Cases	Quick updates, code-based templates	Marketing, customer service, automated journeys

Pros and Cons of Classic Email Templates

Pros:

• Simple to set up and use
• Supports HTML and Visualforce for custom design
• Works in both Classic and Lightning (with reduced functionality)

Cons:

• Outdated user interface
• Limited dynamic content and conditional logic
• Not intuitive for non-technical users
• No drag-and-drop editor

Pros and Cons of Lightning Email Templates

Pros:

• Intuitive visual builder (great for non-developers)
• Fully supports merge fields and dynamic content
• Integrated with Email Insights and Engagement Tracking
• Easier to update and maintain visually appealing templates
• Secure folder sharing and organization

Cons:

• Only works in Lightning Experience
• Cannot use Visualforce
• May require Lightning Email Template Builder permissions and setup

When to Use Classic Email Templates

You might still choose Classic templates in certain scenarios:

• Your organization still uses Salesforce Classic: Since Lightning templates don’t work in Classic, you'll be limited to using the older format.
• You need advanced custom HTML or Visualforce logic: Lightning templates don’t support Visualforce, so if you're using advanced logic and styling, Classic is necessary.
• Quick text-based communication: If you’re sending simple transactional or internal notifications, a basic Classic template may suffice.

When to Use Lightning Email Templates

Lightning templates are the clear choice in most modern Salesforce orgs:

• You’re using Salesforce Lightning Experience: Lightning templates are optimized for this environment.
• You need dynamic, personalized emails: With support for rich formatting, previewing merge fields, and conditional content, they offer more flexibility.
• Marketing and sales campaigns: Teams can create visually appealing templates without coding.
• Workflow automation: Lightning templates integrate easily with Flow, Process Builder, and Email Alerts, making them ideal for automated journeys.

Transitioning from Classic to Lightning Templates

If your organization is still relying on Classic templates, it’s a good time to start planning a transition. Here’s a basic roadmap:

1. Audit Existing Templates: Identify which Classic templates are in use, and evaluate which ones can be recreated in Lightning.
2. Enable Lightning Email Template Builder: Make sure the feature is enabled in your Salesforce org.
3. Train Your Users: Provide training for marketers, admins, and support agents on how to use the builder.
4. Test Thoroughly: Preview merge fields, email formatting, and test for mobile responsiveness.
5. Update Workflows and Automations: Replace Classic templates in existing flows and process builders with Lightning versions.

Best Practices for Email Templates in Salesforce

• Use Merge Fields Wisely: Personalize your content, but don’t overdo it.
• Preview Before Sending: Always test how the email will appear to users.
• Optimize for Mobile: Many recipients open emails on phones—make sure your templates are responsive.
• Organize with Folders: Take advantage of folder sharing to manage access effectively.
• Use Branding Consistently: Keep email branding aligned with your company’s visual identity.

Conclusion: Which Should You Use?

In most cases, Lightning Email Templates are the better, future-proof choice. They provide a modern interface, advanced formatting options, and deeper integration with Salesforce automation tools. However, Classic templates still have a place in legacy systems or highly customized environments using Visualforce or HTML coding.

If you're planning to scale your marketing or improve internal communication, investing in Lightning Email Templates will provide better long-term flexibility and user experience.