Import Email Templates with Email AI lets you turn an existing email into an editable ZipLeads template. You don't have to rebuild it from scratch. This article shows you how to import an email from your inbox or a previous marketing platform. It also covers how to choose the right editor and review the converted template before you use it in a campaign.
What is Importing Email Templates with Email AI?
Email AI can turn an existing email into a reusable ZipLeads template. It works by reading the email you send to a unique import email address. Once the email arrives, ZipLeads uses AI to recreate the email's structure. You can then keep editing it in either the Design Editor or the Code Editor.
You can use it to bring campaigns into ZipLeads from tools like Mailchimp, Active Campaign, Kajabi, HubSpot or another email platform. You don't need to rebuild layouts, copy text or recreate buttons by hand. Just import the original email and start editing the converted version.
Key Benefits of Importing Email Templates with Email AI
Platform flexibility: Import emails from your inbox or previous marketing platforms. You aren't limited to one provider.
Faster onboarding: Bring your existing high-performing emails into ZipLeads in minutes.
Less manual rebuilding: Turn an existing email into an editable template instead of recreating the layout from scratch.
AI-assisted optimisation: Use Email AI to make improvements after the email has been imported.
Reusable campaign assets: Turn existing emails into templates you can edit, save and use for future campaigns.
Editor choice: Open the imported template in the Design Editor for visual editing, or in the Code Editor for HTML-level control.
Supported Import Options
The import dropdown lets you choose the source that best matches where the email came from. Choosing the right option gives ZipLeads better context when Email AI converts the email into an editable template.
Available import options include:
Import from any platform with AI
Mailchimp
Active Campaign
Kajabi
Use Import from any platform with AI when the email comes from an inbox, from a provider that isn't listed in the dropdown, or from another external source. Use a platform-specific option when the email was created in one of the listed tools.
How To Import Email Templates with Email AI
To start an import, send or forward the email to the dynamic email address shown in ZipLeads. Once the email arrives, ZipLeads converts it into an editable template. You can then review it, adjust it and save it for future use.
Important: Email AI can make mistakes. Always review the imported template before you use it in a live campaign. Check the layout, images, buttons, links, spacing, copy, personalisation and how it looks on mobile.
Go to Marketing in the left navigation menu.
Click Emails in the top navigation menu.
Open Templates.
Click + New.
Select Import Email with AI.
In the Import Email Templates modal, choose where you're importing the email from.
Select Import from any platform with AI for emails from an inbox or an unsupported platform.
Select a listed platform, such as Mailchimp, Active Campaign or Kajabi, if the email came from one of them.
Copy the dynamic email ID shown under Send an email to.
From your inbox or previous marketing platform, send a test email or forward the email to the import email address you copied.
Go back to the Email Import screen once the email has been sent.
Choose whether to open the converted template in the Design Editor or the Code Editor.
Click Continue.
Review the imported email and make any edits you need before saving it or using it in a campaign.
Design Editor vs. Code Editor
The editor you choose decides how you'll edit the imported email once Email AI has converted it. The Design Editor is best for visual editing. The Code Editor is best if you need direct control over the email's HTML.
Choose Open in Design Editor when you want to:
Edit the template visually with drag-and-drop style controls
Adjust text, buttons, images and layout without touching code
Make quick marketing updates after importing the email
Hand the template over to people who prefer a visual editor
Choose Open in Code Editor when you want to:
Review or edit the email HTML directly
Keep a code-based workflow for custom layouts
Make technical changes that need HTML knowledge
Keep working with a template that was originally built as custom HTML
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What platforms can I import templates from?
You can import from any email platform that lets you send a test email or campaign. This includes Mailchimp, Klaviyo, ConvertKit, ActiveCampaign, Constant Contact and more. Use Import from any platform with AI when the provider isn't listed in the dropdown.
Q: Can I forward an email from my inbox instead of sending a test email from another platform?
Yes. You can forward an existing email from your inbox to the dynamic import email address shown in ZipLeads.
Q: Will my email's original formatting and images stay intact?
Email AI is designed to keep the email's structure, HTML, images and design elements during import. Always review the converted template before you use it in a live campaign, as some elements may need small adjustments.
Q: Can I use the imported template in campaigns right away?
Yes. Once it's imported, you can use the template in email campaigns or automations after you've reviewed, edited and saved it.
Q: What if I update the original template on the other platform?
Import the updated version again. Send or forward the updated email to the system-generated import address shown in ZipLeads.
Q: Does this work with plain-text emails too?
Yes. You can import plain-text emails, but the Code Editor is best suited to HTML-based emails with structured content.
Q: Where do imported templates appear in my ZipLeads account?
Imported templates appear under Marketing > Emails > Templates, just like templates you create yourself.
Q: Should I use the Design Editor or Code Editor?
Use the Design Editor if you want to edit the email visually without code. Use the Code Editor if you need direct HTML control or you're working with a custom-coded email.
Q: What should I check after importing the template?
Review the layout, images, buttons, links, spacing, branding, copy, merge fields and how it looks on mobile before you save or send the email.
Q: Can I import competitor emails or emails I received from another sender?
You can forward an email from your inbox and use it as a starting point for a new editable template. Before sending, make sure the final template uses your own branding, content and links, and that the messaging is compliant.