---
title: "Message Creation: Compose (CMS)"
slug: "compose-email-message-window"
updated: 2026-02-11T13:54:26Z
published: 2026-02-11T13:54:26Z
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mapp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Message Creation: Compose (CMS)

## Overview

The Compose window is where you create and edit the content, structure, and settings of an email message before preparing it for sendout.

For a conceptual overview of email message types and the overall email creation workflow, see the [Email Channel Basics](/v1/docs/email-channel-system-basics).

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## Navigation Path

During email creation, follow the message creation process until you reach **Compose Email Message**.

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## Top Action Bar

- **Save** – Saves your changes. The window remains open. Changes are saved automatically.
- **Prepare Sendout** – Opens the sendout configuration.
- **Close** – Closes the window. Unsaved changes require confirmation.
- **Information icon** – Opens the Information Panel.

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## Subject

Define the subject line of the message.

- The subject is mandatory.
- You can insert personalizations and variables.
- Maximum length: 3000 characters.
- Use **AI subject suggestion** to generate proposals.

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## Display Options

Use the icons in the upper-right corner to switch between views.

### Preview (Eye icon)

Shows how the message appears on different device types. A second menu bar provides layout options for mobile, tablet, and desktop previews.

Use this view to verify the layout before sendout.

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### Edit Monitor (Monitor icon)

Opens a visual edit mode where components are displayed as images.

- Select components from the list.
- Reposition components using the move handle in the component header.

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### List View (List icon)

Displays all components used in the message as a structured list.

- Components are shown in their current order.
- Select a component directly from the list.
- Reorder components using drag and drop.

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## Information Panel

The Information Panel defines message settings.

### General

- **Type** – Displays the message type. This value cannot be changed.
- **Name** – Internal message name. Not visible to contacts.
- **Description** – Optional internal description.
- **Textual fallback** – Text-only version for devices that cannot render HTML.
- **Group** – Predefines the group for sendout.
- **Message category** – Predefines the category for sendout.
- **External Message ID** – Optional external reference.
- **Character Encoding** – Defines how characters are encoded.
- **Image Handling** – Defines how images are processed.
- **Status**
  - **In Progress** – Message is not ready for sendout.
  - **Finished** – Message is ready for sendout.
- **Prevent RSS sendout if content is unchanged** – Skips recurring RSS sendouts if no new content is available.

### Advanced

- **Default Table Width** – Defines the default table width.
- **Default Background Color** – Defines the message background color.

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## Visual Editor

Use the Visual Editor to modify message content.

Content is structured in components. Only components with an unlocked status can be edited.

You can:

- Edit text directly in a component
- Replace images and define alternative text
- Insert links
- Add personalizations and variables
- Reposition components using drag and drop

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### Formatting Options

Formatting options depend on the component type and configuration.

Available options include:

- Text formatting (bold, italic, underline, alignment)
- Font family, size, and color
- Insert and remove links
- Insert images
- Insert personalizations and variables
- Insert special characters
- Undo and redo

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## Components Tab

The **Components** tab provides the elements used to build the message layout.

Components are organized into categories. Use the search field to locate a component.

### Add a Component

1. Expand a category.
2. Drag the component onto the canvas.
3. Drop it at the required position.

Only components with an unlocked status can be edited.

### Preview a Component

Use the preview icon to view a component before inserting it.

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## Details Tab

The **Details** tab displays information about the selected component.

Use this tab to review component-specific settings.